(FOX40.COM) — The parents of a 2-year-old who died earlier this week appeared in court Wednesday.
The Stockton Police Department said medics responding to a report of an unresponsive toddler found the victim “malnourished,… extremely emaciated” and that she had “clear signs of neglect. “
Deputy District Attorney Victor Bachand said the girl was just shy of 12 pounds.
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“Anyone who has a 2-year-old, knows they’re usually at least 25 pounds,” Bachand said. “But children’s sizes can vary. A small child is not necessarily a neglected child. But in this case, the child was obviously emaciated.”
Parents Jessica Chavez, 39, and Gregorio Ornelas, 61, are facing several charges including second-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death and torture.
The father is also currently facing unrelated domestic violence charges involving a spouse or former spouse.
The couple also has two other children, who Bachand said are also “extremely young,” that Social Services is working to place.