OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — A Michigan couple has been charged with multiple felonies after officials said they starved two of their children, ages 9 and 11, who are now recovering in the hospital, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
The victims were found severely underweight, with the 9-year-old weighing 33 pounds and the 11-year-old 43 pounds.
Arturo Bazan-Perez, 43, and Dulce Bazan Castillo, 42, face two counts of first-degree child abuse and two counts of torture. Both are being held without bond at the Oakland County Jail.
The investigation began on Nov. 17 when hospital officials reported the 9-year-old had suffered cardiac arrest due to malnutrition. The boy also had liver failure and multiple injuries consistent with abuse. He was revived, intubated, and airlifted for specialized care. The 11-year-old was also hospitalized and is now in stable condition.
Authorities allege the boys were pulled out of school in September under the pretense that the family was moving. Afterward, they were allegedly confined to their bedroom, with windows screwed shut and glass painted over. The boys reported receiving less food than their younger siblings, often surviving on sporadic meals of rice.
Two younger children, a 1-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl, were reportedly fed normally and are now in the care of Child Protective Services.
Another adult living in the home, Carlos Bazan-Hernandez, 24, is also charged with child abuse and torture for acting as a disciplinarian. His relation to the victims is unclear.
If convicted, all suspects could face life in prison.
“It’s unconscionable that anyone, let alone parents, would willfully starve children,” said Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “The allegations are horrifying. My thoughts are with the children and their caregivers as they recover from what appears to be a nightmare situation.”
A probable cause conference is set for Dec. 4, with a preliminary examination scheduled for Dec. 11.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated, “The suffering these children endured might have been stopped sooner had legislation I called for been enacted. No child should ever fall through the cracks. We will not rest until those responsible are held fully accountable.”
