A Michigan couple and their adult son face multiple charges of first-degree child abuse and torture after allegedly keeping two children, ages 9 and 11, locked up, malnourished, and subjected to "military-style" discipline. One of the children was hospitalized in critical condition, weighing only 33 pounds. The investigation against Auturo Bazan Perez, 43, and Dulce Crystal Bazan Castillo, 42, began on November 17, 2025, when hospital staff alerted authorities about a 9-year-old boy who had been admitted “severely underweight” and covered in bruises. His parents claimed he had a medical condition. When officers arrived, the child was already intubated and without a pulse. Due to the severity of his condition, he was airlifted to another hospital. He weighed only 33 pounds. His 11-year-old brother, found in similar conditions in the home, weighed 43 pounds—approximately half the average weight for his age—and was also hospitalized. The couple's adult son, Carlos Bazan Hernandez, 21, was also charged for his alleged involvement. Confinement and Limited Diet: According to authorities, the children had been withdrawn from public school in September. The father reportedly said the family was moving to Mexico or another state. While attending school, the children received at least two meals a day. After dropping out of school, their diet consisted mainly of sporadic rations of rice. Investigators noted that the children were unable to leave their room: the windows were screwed shut and the glass painted over to prevent them from seeing outside. Two other children, ages 1 and 4, also lived in the home and appeared to be healthy. Both were removed from parental custody and proceedings were initiated to terminate parental rights.

Heartbreaking Testimonies

During court hearings, prosecutors presented photographs of the 9-year-old boy.A doctor quoted by local media described the boy as “emaciated — skin and bones.” A pediatrician stated it was the worst case of neglect she had seen in more than 20 years of her career. “You could see every rib and every vertebra,” she testified in court. The prosecution also alleged that Hernandez imposed “military” discipline, forcing the children to do push-ups and jumps. When asked if a child in that condition could perform such exercises, the doctor replied, “No, absolutely not. It horrifies me to think that he was asked to do that.” No bail. County Sheriff Michael Bouchard called the case “horrible” and assured that authorities would seek to hold those responsible fully accountable. The three defendants remain in custody without bail and are due back in court on March 12, according to court records. The investigation is ongoing.