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Richard and Cynthia Kelly are being held in the Shelby County Jail with bond set at $1 million each.

(Shelby County Jail)

A teen boy weighing only about 55 pounds is fighting for his life after spending much of two years locked in the basement of his Helena home with little food, water or medical care.

Authorities in Shelby County announced charges against the boy's adoptive parents, and say it's one of the most horrific cases they've investigated. "It's the worst case of neglect that I have ever seen," said Helena police Chief Pete Folmar.

The 14-year-old boy, whose name is not being released, is in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital. Authorities said he weighs less than half of what a boy his age should weigh.

Richard and Cynthia Kelly late Monday afternoon were charged with aggravated child abuse, a Class B felony. They were moved from the Helena City Jail to the Shelby County Jail, where they were undergoing the booking process. Their bonds are set at $1 million bond each.

The investigation began Sunday when Helena police were notified by hospital staff through DHR of the boy's arrival at the hospital. Authorities say his parents took him there when his condition worsened.

According to the arrest warrants, the couple is accused of denying food, nourishment and medical care to the boy, who was "subjected to forced isolation for extended periods of time." Authorities say that "isolation" was disciplinary in nature.

The couple has another adopted child who is now a legal adult and who is fine. That young adult also lives in the Helena home.

Because of the nature of the suspected crime and the age of the victim, Folmar said he couldn't further discuss the case. The investigation is ongoing.

He did say the probe has been tough on investigators. Shelby County District Attorney Jill Lee agreed.

"I am bound to remind everyone that they remain innocent until proven guilty,'' Lee said. "But this office will prosecute vigorously and to fullest extent the law will allow."