Baton Rouge, La. - A man and a woman were arrested by East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Detectives after a deceased 8-year-old was found with 56 bruises and bite marks, according to EBRSO spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks.
Michael Robertson, 46, of 11480 Glenda Drive and Lavaughn Riley, 32, of 8711 Coy Ave. were charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile following the death of their 8-year-old son Xzayvion Riley, according to the release.
Hicks says the child's death is still under investigation, and detectives are awaiting the autopsy. Deputies responded to the Coy Avenue apartment Tuesday afternoon in reference to the unresponsive 8-year-old.
Xzayvion was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital, Hicks said.
According to the release, the medical staff documented 56 various bruises, cuts and abrasions on the child, including an adult-size bight mark on his stomach.
Riley admitted causing bruises on the child during a beating and also stated the victim's father, Robertson, caused bruises and scratches on the victim's neck.
The victim's sibling told detectives that Robertson beat the child with his closed fist from noon Monday until Monday evening. The sibling also said they witnessed Robertson bite the child on a regular basis.
Robertson denied any involvement in his son's injuries. Hicks said more charges could be pending.
