HPD continues to investigate death of 3-year-old boy found in residence near Madison

HUNTSVILLE – The Huntsville Police continue to investigate the death of a 3-year-child. Officers found the boy unresponsive Tuesday at a residence on Maple Ridge Blvd. That is off Balch Road, just north of Hwy 72 and the Madison city limits.
“Unfortunately paramedics were unable to revive the child and he passed away,” said Huntsville Police spokesman Sgt. Tony McElyea.

A 4-year-old boy was also in the residence and was transported to the hospital in critical condition. He was listed in critical, but stable condition.

The police said they cannot release the cause of death, or injury to the 4-year-old, until the autopsy is complete.

“Neither child had obvious signs of trauma or visible injuries on the scene,” McElyea said late Wednesday. “Reports that the children were starved is not a statement being made by any employees of the Huntsville Police Department.”

He added that at this is still considered a ‘death investigation’.

The parents of the children, 34-year-old Frederick Frink and 36-year-old Ashley Catron, were both charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse based on probable cause from the investigation.

They were both listed Thursday as as being in the Madison County Detention Facility with no bail set.
It has been reported that another child, a 17-year-old boy, was placed into custody of a family member. He did not require medical attention.