ELKHART, IN – An Indiana man and woman have been formally charged with murder following the death of a 6-year-old boy, their son, who suffered fatal injuries earlier this month.

Authorities arrested Franklin Elmore Jr., 29, and his wife, Cheyenne Elmore, 27, on Aug. 8 after the couple rushed the child to a hospital. The boy was found unresponsive and died shortly after being admitted, according to court records.

Medical staff alerted police after noticing the severity of the child’s injuries, which reportedly included a traumatic brain injury and a punctured lung. Hospital personnel told investigators the wounds were inconsistent with the couple’s claims that the boy “hit himself.” Doctors determined the injuries could not have been self-inflicted.

Investigators later learned that Cheyenne Elmore had previously raised concerns about the child’s behavior to her husband, according to the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office. On the night of Aug. 3, both Frankin and Cheyenne were in the playroom of their residence with the boy when an alleged assault occurred.

Court documents state that after the boy became unresponsive, the Elmores called 911 and told first responders the child reportedly had behavioral issues that included self-harm. However, further examination by trauma specialists and emergency room staff cast doubt on that explanation.

A search of the couple’s mobile phones revealed multiple photographs of the child with bruises and other signs of injury, investigators said. Both Franklin and Cheyenne Elmore later told police they disciplined the boy with strenuous physical exercises and corporal punishment, sometimes using a belt. Neighbors told detectives they witnessed the child performing rigorous exercises in the family’s yard on several occasions.

The case has also raised questions about prior interventions. The boy’s biological mother, residing in Alabama, contacted Indiana’s child protective services after expressing concerns for her son’s safety. According to statements given to investigators, her reports included complaints that the boy mentioned going hungry as a consequence of misbehavior. State authorities responded at the time that they could not intervene, allegedly citing a lack of visible injuries.

Formal records from the Department of Child Services confirm that multiple welfare checks were conducted, but caseworkers reportedly found no evidence warranting further action at the time. The department has since confirmed a review of its handling of the family’s case, but has declined to release any documents, citing the ongoing investigation.

Both Franklin and Cheyenne Elmore remain in custody without bail and are expected to appear in court on Aug. 14 to face murder charges. The case remains under investigation by local authorities.