Doctor Testifies ‘You Could See Every Rib’ in Case of Severely Malnourished 9-Year-Old, as Michigan Parents Accused of Torture

A Michigan couple and their adult son have been charged with first-degree child abuse and torture after two young boys in their care were discovered to be severely malnourished. Arturo Bazan-Perez, 32, Dulce Crystal Bazan Castillo, 29, and their son Carlos Bazan-Hernandez, 23, are currently facing serious allegations following disturbing revelations regarding the treatment of the boys, aged 9 and 11.

The case came to light on 17 November 2025, when hospital staff initiated CPR on a malnourished 9-year-old boy who had no pulse and exhibited visible signs of severe neglect, including numerous bruises. The child was subsequently intubated and airlifted to a specialised care facility due to the critical condition he was in. Reports indicate that at the time of his hospitalisation, the boy weighed just 33 pounds, leading to a cardiac arrest attributed to malnutrition.

Following the initial medical intervention, authorities conducted further investigations which revealed that the boy’s older sibling, an 11-year-old, was also suffering from extreme malnutrition, weighing just 43 pounds. This is approximately 30 to 40 pounds below the average weight for boys of that age. The harrowing details surrounding their treatment have shocked the community and raised serious questions about the circumstances in which the children lived.

Investigators noted that the two boys had been unenrolled from school since September and reportedly received sporadic meals, primarily consisting of rice. In addition to their inadequate diet, the children were confined to a bedroom with the windows secured and the glass painted over to prevent visibility to the outside world. Such conditions have raised alarms regarding the level of care and oversight the boys received.

During a preliminary hearing on 27 February, both Bazan-Perez and Castillo waived their right to a preliminary examination and were thus moved to circuit court. Bazan-Hernandez, on the other hand, opted to continue with the hearing, during which medical professionals testified about the alarming state of the younger boy. Dr. Peter Gerrits, one of the doctors who assessed the child, described him as being “emaciated” and stated that his condition was evident, with each rib and vertebra clearly visible.

Further testimony indicated that Bazan-Hernandez purportedly believed he was instilling “military discipline” in his children, enforcing physical exercises such as push-ups and jumping jacks. However, physicians emphasised that the boy’s malnourished condition made such activities impossible, highlighting the startling disconnect between the father’s assertions and the reality of the child’s health. One physician expressed her horror at the idea of the child being asked to perform such exercises under the circumstances.

Both Bazan-Perez and Castillo remain in custody without bond, as they await further legal proceedings. Their son is also being held on the same allegations. In a separate development, authorities noted that two other children, aged 1 and 4, were found in the family home but appeared to be healthy; they have since been removed by Child Protective Services for their safety.

This deeply troubling case serves as a grim reminder of the potential horrors that can occur behind closed doors. The authorities have urged anyone with suspicions of child abuse to reach out and report their concerns to the relevant authorities, providing anonymous support for those in need.

The community has been shaken by these events, and the ongoing proceedings are expected to draw significant public attention as the details surrounding the case unfold. The legal process will determine the fates of those accused and, more importantly, provide clarity on the welfare and future of the children involved.