North Carolina parents charged in severe toddler abuse case

Two parents in Garner, North Carolina, are facing charges following the severe physical abuse of their 2-year-old child. The toddler is currently in a vegetative state and is not expected to regain normal neurological or cognitive function.

According to arrest documents from the Garner Police Department, the child suffered life-threatening injuries on June 2, including brain and retina hemorrhages and compression fractures of the T7 through T11 vertebrae. The injuries were so severe that part of the child's skull had to be removed during a life-saving procedure. Police allege that both parents failed to seek medical attention for the child after the injuries occurred.

Kiran Pasunuri was arrested in June and charged with attempted murder and child abuse. Vasantha Pasunuri was charged on August 28 with four felonies related to the child's injuries.