DETROIT -- A couple was arraigned on charges in the death of a 2-year-old boy Deante after his charred remains were found hidden in the basement ceiling.

Police said the parents burned the child's dead body on the home barbecue grill to cover up his death.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Joseph Miller III, 28, and Nickello L. Reid, 23, both of Detroit.

During a child abuse investigation into the couple's 1-year-old, police were called to a relative's home located in the 15000 block of Lapin in Detroit, on Nov. 22, where they discovered the burned remains of their 2-year-old in a plastic bag hidden in the basement ceiling.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner said the investigation into the cause of death was inconclusive. However, the child suffered from malnutrition, numerous broken bones, disease and abuse.

“It is very difficult to think of an innocent child suffering so profoundly during his two years on earth,” said Worthy.

Joseph Miller III and Nickello Reid were arraigned on charges of: felony murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole; involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; child abuse first-degree, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison; mutilation of a dead body, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison; and, welfare fraud over $500, which carries a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison.

Reid was charged with another count of welfare fraud over $500 and two counts of failure to inform, each of which carries a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison.

Worthy said Reid failed to inform authorities her child had died but continued to collect assistance money from the state of Michigan.

Reid's mother, Doretha Lippett, 51, of Detroit, was expected to turn herself in to the police after she was charged with two counts of welfare fraud for her role in helping her daughter.

Four other children lived in the couple's home and have all been removed.

Miller and Reid were also charged with abusing their 1-year-old. Police said the child is still recovering from burns suffered during a bath.

The couple will be back in court Thursday to determine whether they are competent to stand trial.