(ELKHART COUNTY) – The father and stepmother of a dead 6 year old boy are charged with murder.

The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office says that 29 year old Franklin Elmore Jr. and 27 year old Cheyenne Elmore are being held without bond in the Elkhart County Jail on preliminary charges of murder in the death of Franklin’s son last weekend.

It was first reported that the child had hit himself. However hospital employees reported to police that some of the boy’s injuries were not self-inflicted, including a punctured lung and a traumatic brain injury.

Further investigation revealed that the Elmore’s were home with the boy at 8:45 PM August 3 when Franklin allegedly attacked the child in his playroom. The child became unresponsive and was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Police say their investigation also uncovered that the Elmore’s would hit the boy with their hands and a belt, and also force him to go through lengthy physical exercise.

The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office says formal charges are expected to be filed on Monday. Their initial hearing is scheduled for August 14.