Geismar parents plead not guilty in starvation death of 5-year-old boy

Couple charged with second-degree murder after child found severely malnourished

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A Geismar couple, Marlon Perilloux, 33, and Raynisa Young, 27, pleaded not guilty to charges related to the death of their 5-year-old son, Marley Perilloux. Deputies responded to a reported medical emergency at a gas station where Marley was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the hospital, weighing only 19 pounds at the time of his death.

Why it matters

This tragic case has raised concerns about child neglect and the need for stronger intervention and support systems to protect vulnerable children from abuse and malnutrition, especially in low-income communities.

The details

Detectives investigated allegations of severe neglect, including extreme malnourishment, and reported poor living conditions in the family's home, describing it as 'barely livable' after a search.

  • On New Year's Day around 9 p.m., deputies responded to a reported medical emergency at a gas station where Marley was found unresponsive.
  • Marley was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The players

Marlon Perilloux

A 33-year-old Geismar resident who, along with his wife, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of their 5-year-old son.

Raynisa Young

A 27-year-old Geismar resident who, along with her husband, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of their 5-year-old son.

Marley Perilloux

The 5-year-old son of Marlon Perilloux and Raynisa Young, who died weighing only 19 pounds.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow Marlon Perilloux and Raynisa Young out on bail at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case highlights the urgent need for better support and intervention systems to protect vulnerable children from neglect and abuse, and to ensure that all families have access to the resources and assistance they need to provide a safe and healthy environment for their children.