PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
Two local parents accused of killing their 5-year-old boy were arraigned on charges of murder by abuse Tuesday.
Portland police homicide and child abuse detectives arrested Kalman Eteuati, 25, and Valisha Eteuati, 26, on Monday. The couple are now being held without bail.
Family members attended court out of support and declined to comment in detail, but made a brief statement before leaving.
"I know my nephew and my niece had no intention of that to
happen. They're very good kids," said a woman believed to be an aunt who declined to identify herself.
Their child, Mahanarye Noa, was brought into the hospital on June 14. His parents reported he was hurt in a fall.
The boy died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The Oregon state medical examiner determined the cause of death to be "battered child syndrome."
A police spokesman wouldn't comment on the nature of injuries, but described "battered child syndrome," as traumatic injuries inflicted upon on a child which are not accidental.
"Just breaks my heart, just to think of it," said Laura Hunter, a neighbor of the Eteuati family.
"Just real nice quiet, nice people," said Hunter. "(I) never would
have thought this would have happened."
The boy's parents were booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on Monday night.
If you have any information regarding the death of Mahanarye Noa, contact Portland police at 503-823-0449.
Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
