Parents Charged After 5-Year-Old Dies in Marietta

Detectives investigating evidence of abuse after child's death

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Detectives from the Marietta Police Department have launched an investigation after the death of a 5-year-old child. The child's parents, Alexiss Eitrem and Michael Horn, have been charged with multiple counts of cruelty to a child following the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and the importance of thorough investigations into suspected abuse. The death of a young child is always deeply concerning and raises questions about the safety and well-being of other children in the home.

The details

On February 1, emergency services responded to a 911 call from the parents saying their 5-year-old son was unresponsive. The child was transported to the hospital but died the following day. Detectives secured warrants charging both parents - the mother, Alexiss Eitrem, faces 5 counts of cruelty to a child, while the father, Michael Horn, faces charges including aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and multiple counts of cruelty to a child. The Division of Family and Children Services has taken custody of the family's four other children.

  • On February 1, emergency services responded to a 911 call about the unresponsive child.
  • The child died the following day after being placed on life support.

The players

Alexiss Eitrem

The 31-year-old mother of the 5-year-old victim, who has been charged with 5 counts of cruelty to a child in the second degree.

Michael Horn

The 31-year-old father of the 5-year-old victim, who has been charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault, cruelty to a child in the first degree, and 4 counts of cruelty to a child in the second degree.

Division of Family and Children Services

The state agency that has taken custody of the family's four other children as part of the investigation.

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What’s next

Detectives will continue their investigation, and the parents will face a judge to determine if they will be granted bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and the importance of thorough investigations into suspected abuse. It also raises questions about the state's ability to identify and intervene in high-risk situations to prevent such devastating outcomes.