Witnesses testified Thursday about seeing bruises, burns and lacerations all over the body of an autistic boy.
Criminal Court Judge Don Poole is holding a sentencing hearing for Tshombe High, 23, and Amanda Henley, 33, who earlier pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted aggravated child abuse.
They each face 3-6 years in state prison.
The father of the child said he had lost track of Ms. Henley (the mother) and the child around Christmas 2017 when she changed her Facebook page that they used to contact one another. He said he ran into them at the downtown Library in April 2018.
He said he saw that the child had numerous marks on him and what appeared to be cigarette burns. He said the child had been fine when he saw him at Christmas.
An investigator with the state Department of Children's Services said she saw the child at the hospital. She said he had injuries "to his whole body except for his genitalia and the bottom of his feet."
She said some of the injuries were allegedly inflicted with an extension cord.
She said the child stated that the injuries were caused by High (boyfriend of Ms. Henley) and that she knew about it.
The DCS investigator said she advised the father to go to Juvenile Court and gain custody, and he did so.
The father said the child suffered from "night terrors," but is doing better and is happy in school.
The defendants remain in custody.
Defense attorneys are Brandon Raulston and Hillary Hodgkins.