Minnesota Couple Accused of Starving Adopted Son

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Authorities say a North Mankato couple starved their 8-year-old adopted son — causing him to be so malnourished that his bones were protruding and his brain atrophied.

A criminal complaint filed last week charges Mona Alane Hauer and Russell Jerome Hauer with six felonies, including neglect and malicious punishment of a child.

The complaint says the boy weighed 34.8 pounds when he was brought to the hospital last month.

He was allegedly given a liquid-only diet, and an alarm was on his door so he wouldn't steal food. He admitted he had taken rotting food from a compost site because he was hungry.

Mona Hauer told authorities the boy regurgitated food.

It's unclear if the Hauers have an attorney. Their voicemail is full and a message could not be left.

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