Louisville man accused of severely beating 5-year-old boys, placing 1 in the washing machine

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville man has been arrested after police said he severely beat a pair of 5-year-old twin boys, placing one of them in the washing machine.

According to court documents, 20-year-old Joshua Morley was arrested by officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department Thursday night.

Police said the incident took place on Wednesday. Officers were called to Norton Children's Hospital after a pair of 5-year-old twins were brought in with "extreme" injuries. According to court documents, they were brought to the emergency room with what appeared to be "blunt force trauma" to their genitals and foreheads.

One victim had blunt force trauma to the abdomen, as well as an acute liver injury.

Police said when interviewed separately, both children told officers that Morley, their mother's boyfriend, held them up by their hair and punched them several times in their foreheads and private areas.

One of the victims allegedly told police that he was "put in the laundry" by Morley. He said it was dark and he couldn't breathe.

The other victim told officers separately that he saw Morley put his brother in the washer and close the lid. He also said he heard the machine "making noises," according to police.

Morley was arrested at his home, at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

He's charged with three counts of first-degree criminal abuse.

Morley was arraigned before Jefferson District Judge Tanisha Hickerson Friday morning, where a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

During his court appearance, Judge Hickerson underscored what she said was the seriousness of his charges.

"With their ages, I find these to be victims who clearly could not defend themselves against these types of allegations, and I do think the bond is appropriate as set,” she said.

His bond was kept at $50,000.