Missouri couple accused of caging autistic son go on trial

A trial is underway in eastern Missouri for a couple accused of keeping their autistic son in a makeshift cage.

Jury selection began Tuesday in St. Charles County felony child-endangerment trial of 45-year-old Terry Smith and his 44-year-old wife, Victoria Smith.

Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges filed two years ago.

A prosecutor has said an anonymous call tipped authorities in December 2010, when the boy was 6.

When police, paramedics and a case worker responded, the boy’s grandmother was watching him and five siblings. Authorities say she led them to the basement, where the autistic child was in a 3-foot-by-6-foot crib covered with a plywood top and held together with bungee cords and zip ties.

Investigators said he was naked and sitting in feces and urine.

This story was originally published April 14, 2015 at 1:36 PM with the headline "Missouri couple accused of caging autistic son go on trial."