Heather Barron, 29, and Kareem Leiva, 32, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them Wednesday.
They were each charged in June with one count of murder and torture in the death of Barron’s son Anthony Avalos, but Los Angeles County prosecutors have decided to add a special circumstance allegation that could allow for the possibility of the death penalty in the case. The charge was added because prosecutors believe the death was intentional and involved the infliction of torture, a statement from prosecutors said.
Prosecutors also added an additional charge of child abuse Wednesday after they said the couple also beat the victim’s younger brother.
Avalos’ death came after a horrific week of torture and abuse as he drifted in and out of consciousness, according to a motion filed by Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami. The couple is accused of forcing the boy to kneel on rice and dropping him on his head while holding him upside down. Prosecutors have also alleged that the couple gave him rug burns, threw hot sauce in his face and lashed the bottom of his feet with a belt, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The couple also would allegedly alternate between withholding food and force-feeding him.