A Utah father and his girlfriend are behind bars after they allegedly starved a 5-year-old girl to the point where she had to resort to eating her own feces and other non-food items such as Play-Doh.

In a harrowing case that has captured attention in Utah, David Fivas, 32, and Jessica Harmes, 44, face charges of child torture as confirmed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. The allegations unfold after the West Valley City Police Department launched an investigation on August 30, following Fivas’s alarming visit to the hospital with a 5-year-old girl in dire health. Fivas reported that the child, who had been in his custody since she was approximately 15 months old, was failing to gain weight and resorted to eating her own feces.

Medical professionals were shocked to discover the girl weighed no more than an average 16-month-old. However, during her hospital stay, where she received regular, nutritious meals, the child gained nearly nine pounds in just over two weeks, revealing the severity of her previous malnourishment.

The affidavit recounts Fivas’s troubling claims about his daughter’s behavior, stating she would eat excessively until vomiting and consume non-edible items like Play-Doh and wax. Fivas further alleged that she would “steal” food from the kitchen, prompting them to install child locks on the refrigerator and pantry—a decision rooted in his view of her as a “thief.”

Authorities suspect that the duo deliberately deprived the child of food, with Fivas admitting to harboring resentment and treating her poorly. The shocking revelation stands in stark contrast to the treatment of another child in the household, who appeared well-nourished.

Investigators noted the girl’s declining health over a span of at least two years, attributing it to the defendants’ actions. They expressed concern over the punitive measures taken by Fivas and Harmes, such as installing locks on all food storage areas, effectively denying the child the nourishment she desperately needed.

Contrary to Fivas’s claims, law enforcement believes the child wasn’t overeating but rather attempting to survive by consuming non-food items and scavenging for food during the night, as stated in the affidavit. This case underscores a disturbing narrative of neglect and abuse, demanding justice and protection for the vulnerable.

“A common late-stage manifestation of starvation is the ability to overcome revulsion and eat non-food in an attempt to sustain themselves, and that eating feces is likely due to starvation,” cops wrote.

Fivas and Harmes allegedly tried to concoct the overeating story to keep detectives from learning what was really going on inside the home.

After Harmes became pregnant with their child, Fivas said he called the Department of Child and Family Services to give the victim up but they wouldn’t take her.

“Harmes said that Fivas asked them to take custody of her because he didn’t want her and didn’t want to take care of her,” the affidavit reads.

The starvation wasn’t the only form of abuse the girl was suffering, cops said.

Detectives discovered she was forced to sleep on the ground with only a blanket. The defendants also did not put her in school, making police believe they were trying to isolate her. Another child in the home confirmed many of the allegations against the defendants, cops said.

Prosecutors during Fivas’ bond hearing on Thursday called the incident extremely concerning and asked that he be kept in jail without bond.

“This is a matter of being deprived food and being prevented from stealing food,” the prosecutor said. “Apparently, she was so hungry, she’s still in diapers and eating her own feces. This is a little beyond just not taking care of a child or neglecting a child. This is intentionally harming this particular child.”

Judge Richard W. Daynes on Thursday denied Fivas’ release from the Salt Lake County Jail.

“I do agree that this individual is a danger to the community, not just to his own children, but to any other children. Based on the depravity of the allegations here, it would appear to me that there’s more going on here than just simple neglect.”

Fivas’ next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 24. Harmes also remains in jail without bond.

Their children are in the custody of the state.