Pontiac Children Starved, Tortured; Three Arrested

In Pontiac, three residents, Arturo Bazan, Dulce Bazan, and Carlos Bazan-Hernandez, have been charged with first-degree child abuse and torture. The charges stem from the discovery of two severely malnourished children, aged 9 and 11, who were hospitalized last week. The 9-year-old weighed a mere 33 pounds and suffered cardiac arrest, while the 11-year-old weighed 43 pounds, both exhibiting signs of abuse.

The children informed authorities that they were deliberately given less food than their younger siblings. The family had withdrawn the older children from school in September, citing a move. Prosecutors described the allegations as horrifying and emphasized the need for justice for the victims.

This case follows two other significant child abuse incidents reported in Pontiac this month. The community is grappling with these disturbing events, underscoring the urgent need for child protection services and interventions. The legal proceedings for all accused individuals are ongoing.