MONROE COUNTY — A couple accused of torturing and starving a 12-year-old boy are now charged with murder in connection with his death.
According to a press release from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, an examination of Eduardo Posso after his death found "multiple signs of abuse and starvation."
The boy's father, Luis Posso, 32, and his wife, Dayan Medina Flores, 25, were both arrested shortly after his death. They have now been officially charged with murder.
READ | Father, stepmom arrested for death of child
Detectives say the family was in Monroe County area for employment, which includes distributing advertising for a circus which tours around the United States.
Three other children, ages 9, 5 and 2, were placed in the care of Child Protective Services. They appear to be healthy, according to the sheriff's office.
Detectives searched the motel room where the family was staying and located a box containing restraints and a K9 shock collar. During their investigation, detectives also found video of the 12-year-old restrained in a bathtub and a selfie of Luis and Eduardo that shows the child under restraints.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said during a Tuesday afternoon press conference that Eduardo likely died from starvation but he was also the victim of abuse including being restrained with chains and the use of the shock collar.
Monroe County coroner, Joani Shields, says the boy was “severely emaciated, weighing approximately 50 to 55 pounds.”
She also described his injuries: “... soft tissue abuse. There were no internal injuries found. No broken bones, it was all bruises,” all over his body.
Shields submitted the following statement to RTV6 related to the homicide:
"Monroe County Sheriff Detectives met with the Forensic Pathologist in Terre Haute yesterday, 5/30/2019. Dr. A Dele Adaedgo confirmed the manner of death to be homicide however the exact cause of death is pending toxicology and tissue testing. Once I have the exact cause of death I will release it at that time."
Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain says this is one of the most horrific abuse cases he’s seen.
The sheriff's office says the investigation will likely include multiple jurisdictions over a long period of time, because of the couple's employment.
Both Posso and Flores are being held without bond. Flores is also being held on an ICE detainer.
