Mother, stepfather charged with torturing, murdering boy, 7

DETROIT -- A Detroit mother and a stepfather have been charged with first-degree murder and torture in the death of the woman's 7-year-old son who weighed only 27 pounds.

The Wayne County prosecutor's office said Monday that 22-year-old Victoria Foster and 28-year-old Cory Rimson were arraigned Friday.

Rimson, the boy's stepfather, told investigators he took Immanuel Foster to the hospital after the boy complained of abdominal pain and lost consciousness, reports CBS Detroit. Immanuel was pronounced dead Friday.

According to police, Immanuel was covered "from head to toe" with bruises and abrasions consistent with child abuse, reports the station. The medical examiner's office conducted an autopsy but says it needs more tests to determine the cause and manner of death.

Authorities have removed two other children from the home. They've been placed in the care of Child Protective Services, reports the station.

The owner of the home, Allen Rimson, told CBS Detroit his son had been living there with the boy's mother and her three children. He reportedly said he was surprised by allegations of abuse, saying the boy was having trouble keeping food down and may have hurt himself while running to the bathroom.

Victoria Foster and Rimson face preliminary examinations Nov. 6.