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Mercer County father charged in death of 14-year-old son

A man is charged with homicide after authorities say his emaciated 14-year-old son was found dead in a filthy mobile home in western Mercer County.

State police allege Antonio J. Gonzalez, 33, neglected care of the boy, who weighed just 70 pounds. Troopers found the boy about 11 a.m. Thursday just inside the debris-strewn trailer in Delaware Township.

Gonzalez at 12:20 p.m. today was being arraigned on charges of homicide, aggravated assault, child endangerment, concealing the death of a child, simple assault, reckless endangerment and tampering with physical evidence.

Police also charged a family friend, Paul A. Bacorn, 28. Bacorn is also charged with child endangerment and conspiracy. He, too, was being arraigned this afternoon.

Neither man had an attorney at their arraignments. Both defendants were arrested Thursday and placed in the Mercer County Jail. Investigators said that because of the homicide charge, Gonzalez will remain behind bars without bail.

Authorities placed the boy’s 4-year-old sister, who also lived with the family, in the care of child welfare officials for evaluation. She reportedly appeared in good health.

Police said their investigation continues.

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