GEISMAR, La. (WKRC) - A mother and father were arrested and charged with neglect after their 5-year-old child allegedly died while weighing just 19 pounds. Authorities said the child was so small that he could fit into a body bag meant for infants.

Officers were called to a gas station at around 9 p.m. on January 1 regarding a "medical emergency involving a juvenile," according to a release from the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office. First responders reportedly arrived to find an unresponsive 5-year-old, Marley Perilloux, accompanied by his parents, 33-year-old Marlon Perilloux and 27-year-old Raynisa Young.

Authorities attempted life-saving measures on the child until he was brought to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators reportedly found signs of neglect and severe malnourishment on the child, prompting a search of the family's residence. Police said they were unsure when the child last ate food.

"This is probably the worst case of child neglect I've seen in my 34 years of law enforcement," Ascension Parish Sheriff's Colonel Donald Capelo told local outlet WAFB. "To put it in perspective, when the coroners come out, there are body bags for adults, and there are body bags for infants. This child, 5 years old, fit in an infant body bag."

Upon entering the family's apartment, investigators immediately observed the residence was covered in filth, trash, and debris, the outlet reported. The neighbors told WAFB that none of them had any idea what was going on in the house, and they would have been happy to help if asked.

Perrilloux and Young were arrested and charged with negligent homicide, cruelty to juveniles, possession with intent to distribute drugs, and illegal carrying of weapons.