A husband and wife are facing murder charges in connection with the death of their 4-year-old adoptive son, who reportedly died earlier this month after a series of "exorcisms" performed at their home in Surry County, North Carolina. Joseph Wilson, 41, and Jodi Wilson, 38, both of Mount Airy, were taken into custody on January 13 and are being held without bond at the Surry County Detention Center.
The charges stem from an investigation into the death of Skyler Wilson, who reportedly died January 9 after being abused by his parents, the Surry County Sheriff's Office noted in a news release.
According to Mount Airy News, the couple has two biological children and were foster parents to two other children. Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt confirmed the other children have been removed from the home and turned over to the Department of Social Services.
The sheriff called the boy's death a 'tragic event.'
âThis is a tragic event that resulted in the death of a precious child way too soon," Hiatt shared in the press release. "Please remember the other siblings involved in this situation as well as the investigators who worked tirelessly on this case in your thoughts and prayers.â
The Surry County Sheriffâs Office Criminal Investigative Division initiated an investigation into the young boy's death and has requested the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities conducted the probe January 6 after receiving a phone call from Child Protective Services regarding the child, per the news release. The investigation revealed Skylar had injuries related to the alleged abuse by his parents. His death is being investigated as a homicide, the Mount Airy News reported.
The child was rushed to Brennerâs Children Hospital for a 'medical emergency' on January 5.
Joseph Wilson said he received a text from his wife around 5:30 p.m. stating there was a "problem" with the "swaddling" technique she used on the child earlier that day. She sent him a photo of Skylar "wrapped in a sheet or a blanket face-down on the Wilsons' living room floor with duct tape attaching him to the floor," according to a search warrant obtained from Fox 8.
Joseph Wilson called 911 to report that Skylar was having a seizure. While on the phone with authorities, a detective overheard a woman in the background saying, "It's my fault," WFMY reported. First responders arrived at the home and took the child to the hospital, where he died of his injuries on January 9.
A physician told authorities the young boy's death was caused by a hypoxic brain injury, which happens from a "restriction that prevents oxygen to the brain," per Fox 8.
A former foster parent of Skylar and his brother has revealed surprising details about the Wilson family.
The woman told authorities she was concerned about the children's well-being and had filed a report with the Department of Social Services on December 7, a month before the boy's death. She also said Jodi Wilson had told her about the swaddling, food restriction, and "exorcisms" they performed on the children, WFMY reported.
Authorities did not provide information on what the exorcisms entailed.
A search warrant was initiated for the couple's home, where authorities found âwrist and ankle support strap/bracesâ and cameras in a tote bag in the basement. The couple also recorded the abuse, including the incident that occurred on January 5, per Fox 8.
The couple reportedly learned about the 'swaddling' technique from another parent.
According to court documents, they learned about the swaddling technique from a woman named Nancy Thomas, who describes herself as a "professional therapeutic parent."
She issued a statement following the child's tragic death. âI am shocked and saddened to hear the sad news of this little one passing away," Thomas noted in the statement, according to Fox 8. "Since I have no knowledge of the incident, I am unable to give a comment. I am willing to assist law enforcement if they have any questions.â
Joseph and Jodi Wilson have a court date set for February 2, but it is unclear if they have an attorney to represent them in this case.
Skylar's funeral will be held on Saturday, according to Fox 8.
