Pontiac, Michigan, November 27, 2025

The Pontiac School District has responded to the unenrollment of two severely malnourished boys, ages 9 and 11, whose parents face child abuse charges. The district clarified that the boys were withdrawn from school in September 2025 citing plans to move. Following a hospital admission for cardiac arrest, authorities discovered the boys’ dire condition, leading to the parents’ arrest and prompting discussions on improving student welfare monitoring in similar circumstances.

Pontiac, Michigan: School District Addresses Unenrollment of Severely Malnourished Boys

Pontiac, Michigan – The Pontiac School District has clarified the circumstances surrounding the unenrollment of two severely malnourished boys, aged 9 and 11, from their schools months before their parents faced child abuse and torture charges. The district stated that the children were unenrolled in September 2025, with the parents citing plans to move as the reason for withdrawal. At that time, the family did not provide further details, and the district did not receive any subsequent communication regarding the children’s well-being. The district emphasized that, under current policies, it is not required to verify the safety or status of students who are unenrolled. This case has prompted discussions about potential legislative changes to ensure better monitoring of student welfare during such transitions.

The investigation into the boys’ condition began when the 9-year-old was admitted to an Oakland County hospital on November 17, 2025, weighing 33 pounds and suffering from cardiac arrest. Hospital staff alerted authorities, leading to the discovery of the 11-year-old, who was also severely malnourished. Both parents, Auturo Bazan-Perez, 43, and Dulce Crystal Bazan Castillo, 42, along with their adult son, have been charged with multiple counts of first-degree child abuse and child torture. The boys were reportedly confined to a bedroom with windows painted over and screwed shut, with limited access to food and no contact with the outside world. The parents have been held without bond in the Oakland County Jail following their arraignment. The case has raised concerns about the adequacy of current policies in protecting children during school unenrollment and has sparked calls for legislative action to address these gaps.

This incident highlights the critical need for schools and communities to remain vigilant in monitoring the welfare of students, especially during transitions such as unenrollment. The Pontiac School District has expressed its commitment to reviewing and potentially revising its policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in preventing such tragedies.

What led to the discovery of the boys’ malnutrition?

The 9-year-old was admitted to an Oakland County hospital on November 17, 2025, weighing 33 pounds and suffering from cardiac arrest. This prompted an investigation that revealed the severe malnutrition of both boys.

What charges have been filed against the parents?

Auturo Bazan-Perez, 43, and Dulce Crystal Bazan Castillo, 42, along with their adult son, have been charged with multiple counts of first-degree child abuse and child torture.

What is the Pontiac School District’s policy on unenrollment?

The district stated that the children were unenrolled in September 2025, with the parents citing plans to move as the reason. At that time, the family did not provide further details, and the district did not receive any subsequent communication regarding the children’s well-being. Under current policies, the district is not required to verify the safety or status of students who are unenrolled.

Has the Pontiac School District taken any actions in response to this incident?

The district has expressed its commitment to reviewing and potentially revising its policies to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in preventing such tragedies.

Key Features of the Incident