A father and stepmother are facing felony child abuse charges following the tragic death of an 8-year-old child in Franklin County on February 8.
Authorities were called to a home in the 100 block of Circle View Street in Rocky Mount around 6 p.m. after a 911 call reporting an unconscious and unresponsive child.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, where the child was pronounced dead.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has since arrested the child's father, 46-year-old Michael Eugene Everson, and stepmother, 32-year-old Mary Marie Everson, both of Rocky Mount.
Michael Everson has been charged with one felony count of child abuse and neglect resulting in serious injury.
Mary Everson faces the same felony charge, along with an additional misdemeanor count of simple assault against a family member.
Both individuals are being held without bond.
The child's body has been sent to the Roanoke Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be added as the case develops.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office has urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation.
As of now, the circumstances surrounding the child's death remain under scrutiny.