Child’s Senseless Death Triggers Investigation, Both Parents Charged with Child Cruelty

Marietta, Ga. — Authorities are investigating the death of a 5-year-old Marietta boy after evidence gathered at the family’s home led to the arrest of both parents on child cruelty charges, police said.

Officers and medics were called to the home Sunday after a report of an unresponsive child. First responders found the boy on the floor and attempted lifesaving measures before he was transported to the hospital. He was later flown to another medical facility, where he died Wednesday morning.

According to Marietta police, investigators quickly began building a case based on evidence collected at the scene and witness statements. Both parents were taken into custody while the child remained on life support. “This is a tragic call that no first responder wants to get,” said Marietta Police Department spokesperson Chuck McPhilamy.

Arrest warrants allege the child had been subjected to prolonged abuse over several months. Police say the father, Michael Horn, is accused of physically abusing the child and withholding food, while court documents allege the mother, Alexiss Eitrem, failed to intervene or protect the child during that time. Investigators have not released specific details about the abuse, citing the ongoing nature of the case, but warrants issued before the child’s death state that he suffered blunt force trauma.

Eitrem, 31, was initially charged with five counts of second-degree child cruelty. Horn, 31, faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery, aggravated assault, first-degree child cruelty, and four counts of second-degree child cruelty. Police have indicated charges may be upgraded following the child’s death.

Police also confirmed that four other children were in the home at the time. Authorities say their focus now includes ensuring the safety of the remaining children while continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.

“They will be held accountable,” McPhilamy said. “Our priority is protecting the remaining children and determining exactly what led to this tragic outcome.”

Both parents are currently being held in the Cobb County Jail.

Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is urged to contact Georgia’s Child Protective Services hotline at 855-GA-CHILD (855-422-4453), which operates 24 hours a day.