Morrisville father charged with abuse in connection with 9-year-old son's death

MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Morrisville father faces child abuse charges more than a month after his 9-year-old son was found dead inside a home in December 2023.

A Wake County warrant was filed Feb. 2 for 40-year-old Shashikant Tiwari. He is the father of Vinil Tiwari, who officers found dead on Dec. 20.

Investigators said between April 17 and Vinil's death, Shashikant left the child with his wife, 33-year-old Priyanka Tiwari, who was known to be unfit to care for the child.

"If he knew all this stuff, he could have maybe pulled a child out of the situation? So it kind of makes me angry that this happened," a neighbor who did not want to be identified told ABC11.

Priyanka was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child abuse immediately following Vinil's death. Investigators said no food was found in the home and Vinil appeared malnourished.

ABC11 learned that Shashikant and Priyanka lived in different houses. Although the houses were separated by a 3-minute drive.

Police were called to perform welfare checks at Priyanka's home four times between March and October of 2023. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said she could not comment about what happened during those welfare checks.

"I always think it's important if neighbors and others -- if they are aware things seem to be at risk -- for them to alert the schools and CPS and law enforcement. But as to the specific facts in the case, I look forward to a time I can sit down and talk to you about that," Freeman said.

A Wake County grand jury indicted Priyanka on the aforementioned charges on Feb. 6.

Investigators are now saying Shashikant is also responsible for his son's death. His child abuse charge is listed as a felony.

He was arrested Feb. 7. After being booked, he left jail after posting his $30,000 bail.