MARSHALL Children - Lake Charles LA

A Calcasieu Parish mother and her boyfriend face cruelty charges,
after investigators say they found evidence three children, aged 5, 2
and 1, had been beaten slapped, kicked, bitten and their hair pulled
out. The Calcasieu Sheriff's office says the investigation
began this weekend, when a relative contacted authorities. That
relative was concerned about injuries to a 5-year old girl. When
deputies went to the child's home on Topsy Bell Road they say they
found the two other children in poor condition. They were taken to the
hospital. According to medical personnel at the hospital, the
children were dehydrated and malnourished. All three are still in the
hospital being treated for malnutrition and their injuries which
include a lacerated perineum, old rib fractures, a broken hip, and
extensive bruising all over their bodies. None of the children had
been brought to the doctor or hospital when the injuries occurred. The
Children's mother 23-year old Sarah Jane Marshall is charged with 13
counts of cruelty to a juvenile; and 1 count of second degree cruelty
to a juvenile. 32-year-old Christopher Dale Austin is 13
counts of cruelty to a juvenile; and 2 counts of second degree cruelty
to a juvenile The investigation is ongoing with more charges possible.