An Illinois couple is facing charges after they allegedly starved their infant daughter to death.
According to the International Business Times, Markisha Jones and Gene Edwards have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment for allegedly starving their 7-month-old infant, Mya Edwards.
The Chicago Tribune reported that prosecutors said the child’s parents stopped giving her formula and instead began giving her a bottle containing water, cereal and some baby food.
On Jan. 8, authorities said that the child stop breathing and Edwards called 911, but it was too late and the baby girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Tribune noted that the child’s twin was just as emaciated as her deceased sister and she was removed from the home.
"At this point, I don't know why they did what they did," said Barrington Police Chief David Dorn. "Our whole statement throughout this has been how incredibly sad it is."
The 19-year-old mother and 22-year-old father were arrested on Friday and are being held on $250,000 bail.