Couple are behind bars, accused of starving their 5-year-old son to death in a case investigators described
Published by RawNews1st
Two parents are behind bars, accused of starving their 5-year-old son to death in a case investigators described as among the most disturbing they have encountered.
Authorities identified the suspects as 33-year-old Marlon Perrilloux and 27-year-old Raynisha Young. Both are charged with cruelty to juveniles, negligent homicide, and multiple drug-related offenses. They remain jailed without bond as the investigation continues.
The child, 5-year-old Marley Perrilloux, was severely malnourished at the time of his death. Investigators said he weighed only 19 pounds and stood 35 inches tall. Authorities determined the child was bedridden and had not left the family’s home in Ascension Parish, Louisiana for an extended period.
On January 1, 2026, the case started when investigators say the parents placed the child in a vehicle and called 911 seeking assistance. Deputies met them at a gas station off Highway 73, where emergency responders immediately began life-saving measures.
Despite CPR efforts at the scene, the child was transported to a local hospital, where medical staff continued resuscitation attempts for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office stated the level of neglect observed was extreme. Officials noted the child’s physical condition was so severe that, despite being five years old, his body fit into an infant-sized body bag — a detail underscoring the prolonged nature of the alleged neglect.
In addition to negligent homicide and cruelty to juveniles, Perrilloux and Young are charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs and illegal carrying of weapons. Investigators have indicated the charges could be upgraded pending autopsy results.
An autopsy is still pending, and investigators say it remains unclear when Marley last received food.
Three other children living in the home were removed by the state following the arrests and placed into protective custody.
The district attorney’s office has confirmed it is reviewing whether other adults may have been aware of the child’s condition. If evidence supports it, additional charges could be filed against anyone who knowingly failed to intervene.
