MADERA – It seems like the entire city of Madera is morning the loss of a child they never met. A sweet little boy that, in death, has touched the hearts of people shocked by what two parents are being accused of doing to someone they were supposed to love and protect.

Two murals, commissioned by Joe’s Mobile Tint Shop, have been painted to memorialize the young boy, gifts are being left in the area the young boy's burnt body was found last week. Facebook pages are popping up and there is talk of scholarships being funded for all three of Madera’s high schools in the boy’s name. There is no shortage of love for this young boy.

It is believed the body of a toddler found two weeks ago in Madera County is that of missing two-year-old Thaddeus Sran. The charred remains were found buried in an almond orchard west of the city of Madera. The discovery of the body sent the city into an overwhelming state of mourning.

A few hours later search warrants were served at the Sran South C Street home on that Thursday. The next day  Madera Police announced the arrest of the little boy's parents, 42-year-old Sukhjinder Sran and 29-year-old Briseida Sran. The two suspects were taken into custody at the home of Briseida Sran’s father on Winter Way.

Sukhjinder and Briseida Sran faced Madera County Superior Court Judge Ernie LiCalsi over a video feed at the Madera County Courthouse last Tuesday, just hours after the District Attorney's office filed two felony counts against the couple for their young son's death. Defense attorney Roger Nuttall entered a plea of not guilty to charges of murder and assault on a child causing death.

Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno says, "We filed murder charges against the mother and father of Theo, and we also filed in accordance with Adam's Law. It's child abuse leading to the death of a child under the age of 8, and it's a 25-year to life count."

Briseida is currently eight months pregnant, so she was given a full medical exam before she was booked into the Madera County Jail’s segregated area. The couple's other three children are now in the care of Madera County Child Protective Services.  

The Srans are each being held in jail on a $1 million bail.

Photo courtesy of Madera PD