A six-week-old baby in Crystal City, Missouri, who was tragically starved to death by his own parents was found to weigh less than what he weighed at birth, according to the local press.

The obviously malnourished baby, named Kanaan Leon Compton, was rushed to the hospital when he had difficulty breathing. Despite the best efforts of medics, the little infant passed away.

The boy’s father, 31-year-old Phillip Thomas Leon Compton, claimed that he thought his son was fine since both he and his partner, 33-year-old Jessica Alice Cook, were both skinny. When the police pressed him, Compton confessed that the infant had not had a bowel movement in over five days prior to his death.

An autopsy confirmed that the tot had died of malnutrition and probable dehydration. Compton and Cook have since been charged with abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death.

Attorney Lenny Kagan, who is defending Compton in the court case, told the press: “Compton worked full time and was only assuming his wife was feeding his child. He is a first-time parent and a good guy. His life has been turned upside down. It’s 100 per cent a tragic accident. Phillip is devastated. The family is devastated.”

Crystal City Police chief Chad Helms has said: “It was a very difficult incident to deal with. They’ve continually stayed focused and tried to find the answers.”