A North Carolina couple is accused of performing an amateur exorcism on their 4-year-old son, who later died.
Joseph Paul “Joe” Wilson, 41, and Jodi Ann Wilson, 38, of Mount Airy, were arrested Jan. 13 on charges that their actions led to the death of their son, Skyler Wilson. They are being held at the Surry County Detention Center without bond.
Surry County Sheriff’s Office saying Agents received a call on January 6 from Child Protective Services about a child who had been admitted to the hospital after suffering a «medical emergency» the previous day. Skyler died Jan. 9 «of injuries related to the abuse suffered by her parents,» authorities said.
The cause of death was not disclosed. The department said it is being investigated as a homicide.
“This is a tragic event that resulted in the death of a precious child far too soon,” Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt said in a statement.
The sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
The Wilsons are reportedly Skyler’s adoptive parents, according to WFMY-TV of Greensboro. They allegedly restrained and isolated the boy and performed an exorcism, the station reported.
Jodi Wilson is alleged to have texted her husband hours before Skyler was taken to the hospital and said something happened to Skyler while she was swaddling him, the station reported, citing search warrants. NBC News has not seen the arrest warrants.
Jodi Wilson is accused of sending a photo to Joseph Wilson of Skyler wrapped in a sheet face down on the floor with duct tape holding the blanket to the floor, according to WFMY.
The Wilsons will appear in court on February 2. They had other children in their custody who are now in the care of the Department of Social Services, the sheriff’s office said. It is unclear if the couple has obtained a lawyer.