A deeply disturbing case from Louisiana has shocked the entire community after authorities said a young boy died due to extreme neglect inside his own home. What should have been a place of safety instead became a place of suffering. The heartbreaking details have left many people asking how such a tragedy could happen and what can be done to protect children who cannot speak up for themselves.
Child found unresponsive after 911 call
On New Year’s Day around 9 pm, parents Marley Perilloux, 33, and Raynisa Young, 27, placed their 5-year-old son into a vehicle and called 911. Deputies met the father and child at a gas station in Geismar, Louisiana. When they arrived, the boy was unresponsive.
Officers immediately began CPR while waiting for emergency medical services. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors later pronounced him dead.
Authorities later identified the child’s weight at the time of death as just 19 pounds, an extremely low weight for a 5-year-old. Investigators also noted apparent injuries and raised serious concerns about ongoing neglect and severe malnourishment.
Parents now facing serious criminal charges
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that both parents are now facing multiple charges, including:
- Negligent homicide
- Second-degree cruelty to juveniles
- Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Illegal carrying of weapons
Officials also said that more charges or upgraded charges could still be filed as the investigation continues. Both parents have been arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail. They are currently being held with no bond.
Inside the home where children were living
As part of the investigation, detectives went to the family’s home, where three other children were also living. What they found was described as shocking and heartbreaking. According to the sheriff’s office, the home was in extremely poor condition and barely livable.
Trash was scattered throughout the house, dirty mattresses were lying on the floor, and the overall environment showed clear signs of long-term neglect. Detectives said the parents admitted they failed to provide proper hygiene, feeding, and medical care for their children. This neglect, they believe, directly contributed to the death of the 5-year-old boy.
Key details from the case
- Detail | Information
- Child’s age | 5 years old
- Child’s weight | Approximately 19 pounds
- Parents charged | Marley Perilloux (33), Raynisa Young (27)
- Location | Ascension Parish, Louisiana
- Condition of home | Filthy, unsafe, barely livable
- Other children | Three removed from the home by the state
- Bond status | Both parents held with no bond
Sheriff calls it the worst neglect case of his career
Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Col. Donald Capelo spoke openly about how deeply this case affected him. He said this is likely the worst case of child neglect he has seen in his 34 years of law enforcement. To explain the severity, he shared a chilling comparison: the child’s body fit into a bag meant for infants, not for a 5-year-old.
His words made it clear that this was not a case of simple oversight, but one of extreme and prolonged neglect.
Community reacts with shock and sadness
Neighbours expressed disbelief when they learned what had been happening inside the home. One neighbour said the parents should have asked for help instead of allowing the situation to reach such a tragic point. Many people in the area have said the story has deeply affected them, especially those who are parents themselves.
