DENVER—A couple charged in the death of a 7-year-old boy who weighed just 34 pounds while he was in their care pleaded not guilty Monday.
The boy’s legal guardian, Jon Phillips, and his girlfriend, Sarah Berry, were charged with first-degree murder and child abuse. A three-week trial was set to begin March 31.
Coroner’s officials said Chandler Grafner died May 6 of dehydration and starvation after suffering cardiac arrest. According to court documents, investigators said he was kept in a closet for days at a time without food, water or access to a toilet.
The boy was the son of Phillips’ former girlfriend. Authorities said a court had removed Chandler from his mother’s care.
Attorneys for the couple have said Chandler had pre-existing medical conditions that could have caused his death.
