In a disturbing development in the ongoing child abuse case in Georgia involving a severely malnourished 10-year-old boy, 20-year-old Ethan Washburn, the boy's half-brother, has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and aggravated assault by strangulation. This follows the arrests of the boy's mother, Krista Schindley, and stepfather, Tyler Schindley, in mid-May on charges of attempted murder, false imprisonment, and child cruelty. They remain in custody without bail.

The case came to light last month when the emaciated boy, weighing a mere 36 pounds, was discovered wandering a Griffin, Georgia neighborhood, desperately seeking food. He pleaded with neighbors not to be returned home. District Attorney Marie Broder described the boy's condition as "absolutely horrible," stating that photos of him are deeply disturbing.

Law enforcement reported the child exhibited signs of malnourishment, discolored skin, and visible injuries. Medical professionals treated him for malnutrition and a dangerously low heart rate. He is currently in stable condition.

Allegations against the parents include withholding food, confining the boy to his bedroom without basic necessities like lighting or toilet paper, and denying him human interaction. Court documents also suggest the boy suffered dental injuries and disfigurement, allegedly resulting from parental abuse. Four other children residing in the Schindley home are now under the care of Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services.

Washburn had previously declined to comment on the situation when approached by reporters, claiming he was merely watching the house. The investigation is ongoing.