Noah Thomas
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. — The autopsy findings in the death of five-year-old Noah Thomas, found dead in a septic tank near his Pulaski County home last March, will be discussed in court when his parents return for a preliminary hearing.
Ashley White is charged with Felony Murder in Noah Thomas’ death.
The boy’s parents were arrested a day after their son was laid to rest in April. Ashley White, 31, and Paul Thomas, 32, were previously charged with two counts of abuse and neglect of children. Those charges were in connection with Noah’s death and the neglect of the couple’s six-month-old daughter.
Under Virginia law this charge is defined as the accidental killing, contrary to the intention of the parties, while in the commission of some other felonious act, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. That other felonious act listed is the abuse and/ or neglect of her child.
Investigatorstold WDBJ that a “hard, credible tip” caused them to look in the septic tank behind the family’s home.
The sheriff said that FBI agents and Pulaski County investigators had already removed the tank’s two-pound plastic lid when they called in a sanitation company to drain the tank.
Jonathan Abate, who drained the tank, told WDBJ he saw the boy’s body.
“When we started pumping, I got halfway down in the tank. That’s when I seen the little… I seen clothes. That’s pretty much all I’m going to say about that,” Abate said.
The pair are being held without bond at the New River Jail.
