A Georgia father is facing second-degree murder and child cruelty charges after police say his 2-year-old son was left alone for roughly six hours while the child was sick and later found unresponsive at a Marietta apartment.
Lolo Anilus, 39, was arrested in connection with the boy’s death and is also charged with making false statements, according to Cobb County police.
Police were called to the Legacy at West Cobb Apartments on Favor Road at about 8:36 p.m. Sept. 3 after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Officers found the toddler unresponsive and provided emergency aid before he was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation that followed focused on the circumstances leading up to the emergency call. An arrest warrant alleges the boy had been experiencing a fever, mouth pain and difficulty eating before he was left without adult supervision.
Investigators allege Anilus left the child alone in the apartment for approximately six hours. According to the warrant, the toddler was too young to take care of basic needs on his own, including getting food, changing his diaper or seeking medical treatment.
Police described the investigation as uncovering “elements of negligence” and alleged that the lack of care caused the child significant physical and mental suffering that contributed to his death.
The investigation also raised questions about what Anilus told officers about his whereabouts.
According to the arrest warrant, Anilus initially said he had been inside the apartment and asleep while his son was sleeping. Investigators later obtained surveillance footage and conducted a forensic interview with Anilus’ daughter. Authorities say that information contradicted his account and indicated that he had left the apartment.
The warrant does not state where Anilus went during the period investigators believe he was away.
Authorities have not publicly released the child’s name. The available arrest information also does not provide a specific medical cause of death. That detail remains unresolved as the investigation continues.
Anilus was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bond. He faces second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to children and false-statement charges.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Anilus have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty.
Anyone with information about the case can contact the Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.
