Poplar Bluff couple accused of abuse, neglect of their son

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The parents of a 12-year-old Southeast Missouri boy are facing charges after the child was found with injuries and living in what police describe as "deplorable conditions."

Poplar Bluff residents Michael West, 41, and his 35-year-old wife, Vanessa, face abuse and neglect charges. They are jailed on $500,000 bond. Their attorney did not return a message seeking comment.

Police said the couple kept their son, who has a form of autism, in an empty bedroom with concrete floors and no lighting. Authorities said the home was infested with cockroaches.

Police said the boy had scars and bruising and was taken to a St. Louis hospital for treatment.

The couple told police the injuries were caused by the child's habit of banging his head on the floor and walls.