Authorities have charged an Illinois couple with involuntary manslaughter after their infant son was found lifeless in their crowded, trash-filled home.
Authorities believe the 2-month-old suffocated Tuesday after being trapped under a car seat.
Amy and Timothy Elkins Jr. each face one charge of involuntary manslaughter, one charge of felony child endangerment and nine counts of misdemeanor child endangerment. It was not immediately clear if they are represented by an attorney who could speak on their behalf.
Madison County Sheriff John Lakin says the family lived in "absolutely horrific" conditions that appalled seasoned officers. Trash was piled almost to the ceiling in some rooms causing a sickening stench.
"Even the most seasoned police officers that have been around a long time were just appalled by the deplorable living conditions this family was living in," Lakin said.
All family members slept on one mattress in the living room, Lakin said, and the infant slept in a baby carrier given at the hospital to those who didn't already have one. At some time throughout the night, authorities believe the carrier was bumped and fell forward.
"In all the years that I've been doing this, I've never seen living conditions like this," he said.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services took the Elkins' eight other children into protective custody.
