KILLER COUPLE: Sick Parents Killed Five-Year-Old And Abused His Younger Brother

An evil couple who allegedly killed their son, aged five, and abused his three-year-old brother have been charged with murder, torture, and child abuse.

Picture shows the deceased victim Ethan Belcher, 5, and his 3-year-old brother who was abused, undated. Shane Robert Shelton, 27, and Valeria Lynn Hamilton, 27, were arrested and charged with felony murder, two counts of first-degree child abuse, one count of torture, and one count of conspiracy to commit torture over the abuse, in Detroit, Michigan, USA, in January, 2023. (Ashley Belcher/CEN)

Prosecutors in Detroit, USA, charged cruel Shane Robert Shelton and Valeria Lynn Hamilton, both 27, after tragic Ethan Belcher’s death in hospital on 22nd January.

Officials removed his brother from the family home and took him to hospital for treatment for bruises to his head and face.

Prosecutors believe his parents may have attacked him with a cord-like object.

And photos taken by medics showed how one of his toes, which was rotting and black, had developed gangrene.

Other children in the dilapidated home told investigators how they were kept in the basement, which was covered with urine and faeces.

In a chilling text message sent to Shelton, prosecutors told how Hamilton said she would “slam their kids so hard their heads will pop off”.

The parents have been remanded in custody as investigations continue.

Detroit Police Department said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has charged a couple in connection with the death of their 5-year-old son, and abuse of their 3-year-old son.

“Shane Shelton, 27, and Valeria Hamilton, 27, have both been charged with one count of felony murder, two counts of first-degree child abuse, one count of torture, and one count of conspiracy to commit torture.

Valeria Lynn Hamilton, 27, poses in undated photo. Shane Robert Shelton, 27, and Valeria Lynn Hamilton, 27, were arrested and charged for the murder of Ethan Belcher, 5, and abuse of his 3-year-old brother , in January, 2023. (Detroit Police Department/CEN)

“Defendant Hamilton is the biological mother of the deceased 5-year-old, and Defendant Shelton is the stepfather.

“Note that the charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.”

On an online fundraising page, relative Christina Skeens wrote: “It is with absolute sadness that we share the news of the death of my little five-year-old second cousin, Ethan Belcher.

“Just a few days ago, he was murdered by his mother and stepfather. Ethan’s aunt, Ashley Belcher, made multiple CPS reports over the years of abuse and neglect of Ethan and his six-year-old brother, Mason.

“Unfortunately, each time, the children were allowed right back into this abusive and neglectful home.

“No one listened until now…now that an innocent life was taken.

“My cousin (the aunt of these sweet boys), Ashley Belcher, has experienced a tremendous amount of loss these last few months.

“In September, Ashley’s mom (the grandmother of Mason and Ethan) passed away, and in December, Ashley’s dad (the grandfather of Mason and Ethan) also passed away.

“Due to such unfortunate circumstances, Ashley will need financial assistance as she plans Ethan’s funeral.

“Ashley and our family thank everyone in advance for the donations, prayers, and support.”

The fundraiser can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/ethan-belchers-funeral.

Shane Robert Shelton, 27, poses in undated photo. Shane Robert Shelton, 27, and Valeria Lynn Hamilton, 27, were arrested and charged for the murder of Ethan Belcher, 5, and abuse of his 3-year-old brother , in January, 2023. (Detroit Police Department/CEN)

At the time of writing, it had raised USD 845 out of a USD 20,000 goal.