Evergreen Parents Accused Of Starving Their Child

EVERGREEN, Colo. (CBS4)- A couple from Evergreen has been arrested and accused of starving their child. The 6-year-old only weighed 25 pounds.

Jason Matthew Barton and Katherine Clark Barton were arrested after they brought their daughter to the hospital. When the 6-year-old was admitted, she only weighted 25 pounds. That is the normal weight for a 2-year-old.

Medical experts believe her low weight was consistent with insufficient diet despite plentiful food in the home.

According to court documents, the Bartons would lock up food in the house and keep it from their daughter. Police said the couple also forced her to exercise.

Jason Barton, 40 and Katherine Barton, 36, have been charged with child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury for allegedly causing their daughter to suffer what arrest affidavits called "long-term malnutrition."

Both have posted $25,000 bond. They are scheduled to appear in Jefferson County Court for preliminary hearings on July 21.

The child has been placed in the custody of Jefferson County Human Services.