DETROIT — A 13-year-old boy reported missing for 10 days last summer and subsequently discovered in his parents’ basement, was expected at press time to testify on Thursday against them.

The boy was discovered on June 25 as a result of a search warrant. Dr. Dena Nazer, chief of the child protection team at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, testified that the boy was forced to endure strenuous exercise with inadequate nutrition, by his father, 46-year-old Charlie Bothuell IV, and his 37-year-old stepmother, Monique Dillard-Bothuell. Both face charges of child abuse and torture.

The boy said he was beaten with a PVC pipe, identified in court by Detroit Police Officer Lori Dillon who was present when the boy was discovered.

Bothuell IV’s attorney, who’d previously called the boy a “liar”, questioned his credibility while cross-examining Nazer.

Following the remaining testimony, Wayne County District Judge Shannon Holmes will determine if the case should go to trial.