Picture of Clifford Dotson taken shortly after his birth.
The parents of a little boy who investigators believe was starved to death are now in custody.
A Roane County grand jury indicted Matthew Dotson, 26, and Amanda Dotson, 25, on first-degree murder charges in the death of their 2-year-old son, Clifford, according to Roane County Sheriff Jack Stockton. Tuesday evening, they were brought to the Roane County jail where they each remain on $100,000 bond.
Sheriff Stockton says authorities arrested Amanda Dotson in Cocke County, at a family member's residence. Matthew Dotson was arrested in Jefferson City where he contacted local authorities and turned himself in.
Sheriff Stockton says the couple left Roane County soon after the toddler's death.
"We were just fortunate to get them into custody before they changed their minds," Stockton said, regarding concerns the couple may have planned to flee.
He said the toddler's mother did not act surprise when she was arrested, and his father remained stoic.
"No remorse whatsoever, no comment, no shame," Stockton said of Matthew Dotson's demeanor after his arrest.
"I guess he was ready to get it over with."
Clifford Dotson weighed only 12 pounds when his mother took him to the Ft. Loudon Medical Center on May 3. Children that age usually weigh around 30 pounds.
The sheriff said the child was kept mostly in a car-seat and may have been fed only once a day.
"It's one of worst cases I've ever seen in my career in law enforcement," he said. "And we just hope the judicial system will work for the benefit of the child and the kid will rest in peace."
The couple also have a 6-year-old son, who was taken into state custody after Clifford's death.