Parents charged with manslaughter in infant son's death

NEW DOUGLAS, Ill. (AP) - Authorities have charged an Illinois couple with involuntary manslaughter after their infant son was found lifeless in their crowded, trash-filled home.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports (http://bit.ly/2k0bFgU ) authorities believe the 2-month-old suffocated Tuesday after being trapped under a car seat.

Amy and Timothy Elkins Jr. each face one charge of involuntary manslaughter, one charge of felony child endangerment and nine counts of misdemeanor child endangerment. It was not immediately clear if they are represented by an attorney who could speak on their behalf.

Madison County Sheriff John Lakin says the family lived in "absolutely horrific" conditions that appalled seasoned officers. Trash was piled almost to the ceiling in some rooms causing a sickening stench.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services took the Elkins' eight other children into protective custody.

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Information from: Belleville News-Democrat, http://www.bnd.com