Parents of Boy Who Died in Septic Tank Indicted for Felony Abuse, Neglect

A Pulaski County, Virginia, couple whose 5-year-old son was found dead in a septic tank earlier this year has been indicted on felony abuse and neglect charges.

A grand jury in the county indicted the parents, Paul Thomas and Ashley White, on Tuesday for the charges involving their son, Noah Terry Thomas, media outlets reported. Both parents also face a felony abuse and neglect charge related to the care of their infant daughter, Abigail.

The couple is accused of leaving Noah and Abigail home alone March 22. White reported Noah missing that day.

During the frantic search that followed, teams of officers conducted ground and air grid searches surrounding the family's home in Dublin, Virginia. Bloodhounds were also used and investigators canvassed the neighborhood.

Four days later, the boy's body was found in a septic tank near the family's home.

The medical examiner determined that Noah drowned and that hypothermia contributed to his death.

The couple remains in jail without bond. Information on attorneys for the pair was not immediately available.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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