A couple from North Carolina has been arrested and charged with murder after their adopted toddler son passed away from an alleged series of "exorcisms".
As reported by NBC News, the Surry County Sheriff’s Office said the police received a call on January 6 from Child Protective Services about a child who had been rushed to the hospital after suffering from a "medical emergency" the previous day.
The child in question was four-year-old Skyler Wilson and he tragically died on January 9 "from injuries related to the abuse sustained by his parents," authorities said, per the outlet.
On January 13, parents Joseph Wilson, 41, and Jodi Wilson, 38, were taken into custody and are now being held at the Surry County Detention Center under no bond for the alleged abuse they inflicted on the boy, according to a press release from the police.
Read the press release below:"This is a tragic event that resulted in the death of a precious child way too soon," Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt said in his statement. "Please remember the other siblings involved in this situation as well as the investigators who worked tirelessly on this case in your thoughts and prayers."
The sheriff's office has revealed that the Wilsons have two biological children and were foster parents to two other children. The children have now been sent to the Department of Social Services, as noted by Mount Airy News.
According to People, documents disclosed that the father allegedly received a text message from his wife about how she was having trouble with "swaddling" Skyler.
She allegedly also sent a picture of the toddler "wrapped in a sheet or a blanket face-down on the Wilsons' living room floor with duct tape attaching him to the floor".
This prompted Joseph to call 911 to report that Skyler was having a seizure, however, an investigator reportedly heard a female voice in the background exclaim "It's my fault," per the warrants obtained by WFMY.
In addition to this, the publication shared that a former foster parent of the boy and his brother revealed to law enforcement that a month before his tragic death, she filed a report with the Department of Social Services after being worried for their wellbeing.
Furthermore, the former foster parent claimed that Jodi told her about allegedly restricting the boys' food, isolating them, and performing "exorcisms" which alarmed her.
The police searched the pair's home after their arrest and reportedly discovered turned-up wrist and ankle restraints as well as digital footage that apparently recorded the shocking abuse.
The bonds were allegedly used to control the boy during a "swaddling" technique Jodi discovered from Nancy Thomas - who is a "professional therapeutic parent" - according to Fox8.
Speaking to the outlet, Skyler's former foster mother described him as a loving social butterfly, saying: "He was so tiny and small but had a heart three times bigger than he was." She added: "I want to love unconditionally and remember his smile and the little things."
The Wilsons will appear in court on February 2. It has not been stated if they have obtained an attorney.
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