VERMILION, Ohio (AP) — Authorities investigating the death of a malnourished 18-month-old boy at a northern Ohio home say six more children have been removed from the home, and several were hospitalized because of medical concerns.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office tells local newspapers the parents reported that most of their children have physical and mental disabilities and need full-time care.

Chief Deputy Jared Oliver says several appeared malnourished, and a 6-year-old child weighed 23 pounds.

The children range in age from 2 to 11.

The oldest told authorities he discovered the 18-month-old boy unresponsive in a bedroom at their home near Vermilion last Tuesday. The deputy says an autopsy determined the boy was “extremely malnourished and dehydrated.”

The deputy says the case likely will be presented to the prosecutor’s office for possible charges.

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