Clinton County boy, 4, dies from blunt force trauma

UPDATE:  Dad, step-mother charged in boy's death

HOLT, Mo. - Multiple police agencies are investigating the death of a 4-year-old boy who was found severely beaten Monday afternoon.

Police say an ambulance was sent to the boy's home near Holt, Mo., in rural Clinton County at about 3 p.m.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the boy was unresponsive and rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The following day, an autopsy revealed the boy died of a blunt force trauma to the head.

"After the autopsy the Northwest Major Case Squad was activated," Sgt. Sheldon Lyon said. "We have officers from several departments currently investigating the case."

The Highway Patrol said the case is being investigated as a homicide. No suspect information has been released, but detectives plan on sharing new details Thursday morning.