Watch CBS News

Body of boy who'd been dead for days found in home

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The body of an 8-year-old boy was found inside his home several days after he died, and his father is facing criminal charges, Pennsylvania authorities said.

CBS Harrisburg affiliate WHP-TV reports that, according to police, the boy's father was aware of his son's death and when the odor of decomposition became too strong, he informed his wife. The wife then called the police.

Court records show 38-year-old Jarrod Nicholas Tutko was charged Saturday with child endangerment, concealing the death of a child and abuse of a corpse. He's jailed on $500,000 bail. Court records do not list an attorney for Tutko, and a home phone number could not be located.

Pennlive.com reports that police said both parents had been taken from the scene for questioning. District Attorney Ed Marsico said the couple's five other children were placed in the custody of Dauphin County's child welfare agency.

Marsico confirmed to WHP-TV that the boy had been dead for a few days.

The cause of the boy's death is unknown and under investigation, WHP-TV reports. An autopsy is expected to be conducted Monday.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.