JERSEY CITY - A 23-year-old man has been charged with savagely beating his girlfriend's 14-month-old twin boys nearly to death, authorities said.

Terrance Pernell, of Ocean Avenue, was arrested on Wednesday night after a nearly two-month long investigation by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

On May 15, authorities were notified when they boys were brought to Jersey City Medical Center with "life threatening injuries," according to court records.

One of the boys had a bruised kidney, multiple chest injuries, several broken bones, a lacerated liver, and blood clot. His brother suffered a lacerated kidney, head trauma, chest injuries, and several cuts, the reports indicate.

The boy with the more serious injuries needed to be flown to a specialized hospital. Jersey Journal freelance photographer Joe Shine was at the scene the next day when the boy was airlifted. Information about the abuse was released after Pernell's arrest.

Pernell was responsible for caring for the twins on the day they were abused between 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The complaint states Pernell was "known to be physically rough with young children" and was the "sole person who inflicted" the injuries on the children.

Both boys have since been released from the hospital, a spokesman for the Prosecutor's Office said.

Pernell is charged with two counts each of endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault. During his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon, the state motioned to detain Pernell before trial. His next court hearing is on Tuesday before Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.