CANTON, Ohio — Parents in Canton have been charged in connection to the death of an 11-month-old boy who died Tuesday.
Canton police and fire responded to a home on 10th St. NE around 9 a.m. for a baby that appeared to have stopped breathing.
Royale Rush was taken to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, where he later died.
According to court documents, the baby's 26-year-old father, Eric Rush, and 30-year-old mother, Tyasia Singleton, allegedly contributed to their son's death by deliberately withholding food and medical care.
Rush has been charged with two counts each of domestic violence, endangering children and permitting child abuse.
Singleton has been charged with one count each of domestic violence, endangering children and permitting child abuse.
Court records show that authorities believe the pair's actions caused malnourishment to the child.
Charges against the father indicate he "did purposely and with forethought withhold nourishment and medical care to his 11-month-old child contributing to the death of his child."
The endangering children charge against the mother states she "did recklessly cause physical harm to her 11-month-old baby by not caring for, nor providing nourishment to the child victim. The action, and lack of care ultimately resulted in the malnutrition, and possibly, the death of said victim."
A 1-year-old boy was also located inside the home and was removed. The toddler has been placed in temporary custody with Stark County Children Services.
The pair appeared in Canton Municipal Court on Thursday. Both entered not guilty pleas. A judge set their bonds at $1 million.
The cause and manner of death of the baby has not been determined. The Stark County Coroner's Office said testing could take at least a month before investigators figure out how the baby died.
