KINSTON, NC – A Kinston man and woman are facing a series of serious charges after authorities say a 3-year-old boy with autism suffered repeated abuse in a home on Manning Street, leading police to remove all five children under their care.

Joshua Stockton, 37, and Amy Gauthier, 40, were taken into custody Thursday after an investigation revealed disturbing evidence of child abuse. Stockton is charged with multiple offenses, including four counts of assault with a deadly weapon with a minor present, child abuse, exposing a child to fire, assault by strangulation, and felony assault on an individual with disabilities. Gauthier faces three counts of felony aiding and abetting and five counts of misdemeanor aiding and abetting for allegedly allowing the abuse to occur.

The investigation began after officers responded to the 400 block of Manning Street around 6:35 p.m. for a family dispute. Authorities say the incident started over a cellphone dispute involving Gauthier’s juvenile son. During the argument, the boy revealed he possessed video footage documenting abuse against the 3-year-old by Stockton.

When officers reviewed the footage, they reportedly witnessed graphic scenes showing the young boy being physically assaulted. According to investigators, Stockton was seen restraining his son and using excessive force, including covering the child’s mouth and nose to stifle cries and slamming him onto a mattress. At one point, police say Stockton repeatedly struck the child’s face with enough severity to depress the child’s head several inches into the bedding.

Authorities believe the toddler, who reportedly was locked in a room secured by plywood and a locking gate, sustained injuries, including bruises to his face, neck, and legs, as well as ligature marks consistent with strangulation. Police added that Stockton, who outweighs the boy by several hundred pounds, used his size to overpower the child.

Due to the evidence uncovered in the video, the scope of the investigation broadened rapidly, prompting police to contact the North Carolina Department of Social Services. DSS arrived at the residence and took protective custody of all five children found living in the home.

Gauthier, according to police, did not intervene to stop the abuse, leading to the aiding and abetting charges. While authorities have not clarified the full relationships within the household, it remains uncertain whether the abused 3-year-old is Gauthier’s biological child or if the older boy is related to Stockton.

Both Stockton and Gauthier were arrested at the scene. Stockton is currently held in the Lenoir County jail with a $1 million bond, while Gauthier’s bond is set at $100,000. The pair made initial court appearances on Friday and are scheduled to return to court on January 30.

Officials commended the juvenile who came forward with the evidence, saying his decision to seek help was crucial to safeguarding his younger sibling and exposing the alleged abuse inside the home.

No further details about the conditions of the other children or potential additional charges have been released. The investigation remains ongoing.