Couple Enter Pleas in Abuse Death of Son, 5

A Portland couple accused of murder by abuse in the death of their 5-year-old son have entered not guilty pleas.

Prosecutors allege that 27-year-old Valisha Eteuati and 26-year-old Kalman Eteuati caused the June 14 death of little Mahonarye Noa by neglect and maltreatment.

The Oregonian reports ( http://is.gd/YB5QS0 ) the couple was ordered held without bail Tuesday.

The child died at a Portland hospital after his parents brought him in, saying he was injured in a fall.

Police say detectives were called to investigate after an autopsy found the boy died of “battered child syndrome.”

Portland police and prosecutors are now investigating whether police received any calls about the family. They’re also checking how officials responded after a call earlier this year to the state Department of Human Services involving a different, school-aged child of the couple.

The couple’s three other young children are now with their maternal grandparents.