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Joseph Gregory Antonsen, a 38-year-old Arizona father, has been arrested and charged after his 9-year-old son’s body was reportedly found decomposing on a couch.
According to KOLD, Antonsen is facing charges of “negligent homicide and child abuse.” Additionally, he is reportedly being held on $500,000 bond.
PEOPLE reports that it remains unclear whether the 38-year-old has entered a plea in response to the charges. Or if he has retained an attorney.
According to the outlet, authorities arrived at the 38-year-old’s home on Sunday, July 14, for a wellness check. The Arizona Republic notes that officers encountered “piles of trash,” diapers, beer cans, rotten food, and gallon bottles reportedly filled with urine.
Additionally, the officers discovered the decomposing body of Antonsen’s 9-year-old allegedly “sitting up” on the family couch, per KOLD. Furthermore, the deputies reportedly noted that the boy’s body was in the process of decomposition.
“The investigation revealed that the child had been deceased on a couch inside of the residence for an extended period of time,” a statement from Pima County Sheriff’s Department reportedly revealed per E! News.
Additionally, The Arizona Republic reports that Antonsen’s home had “no running water or working toilets.”
According to KOLD, Antonsen told officers his son became sick on July 12. Furthermore, he reportedly noted that the 9-year-old was “shuttering” and going “limp.”
The man reportedly admitted that he should have called a doctor for his son. Instead, he allegedly left the home for two days.
The Arizona Republic notes that it remains unclear who called for the wellness check on the child. The boy’s father has reportedly refused to provide additional information to detectives as their investigation into the child’s death remains ongoing.
