PULASKI COUNTY, VA – The parents of late 5-year-old Noah Thomas appeared in court separately Wednesday in Juvenile Domestic Court where they were both denied bond according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.

Paul Thomas and Ashley White were being held at the New River Valley Jail on charges of abuse and neglect of children.

An uncle of Ashley White testified on her behalf Wednesday, offering to let her stay with him, his wife and their 11-year-old daughter. The judge stated that putting Ashley into a home with a child right now is ‘unthinkable.’

According to the prosecution, the parents admitted to police that they left their children at home alone Sunday morning, March 22 when Ashley said she took Paul to work. Paul also admitted to police that he smoked weed regularly at the home.

After the couple’s 6-month-old infant, Abigail, was taken by social services, she was found to have bad respiratory problems and was treated by doctors. She remains with social services at this time.

As we’ve reported, Noah Thomas went missing on Sunday, March 21. His body was found in a septic tank on March 26 just after 1:00 p.m. on the family’s property.

The child was found after an extensive five day search. The discovery came shortly after the sheriff announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to Noah’s whereabouts.

Thomas is charged with two counts that carry up to five years in jail a piece. White is charged with one count that carries up to ten years, and another that carries up to five years.

Thomas’ had previously said on April 2, 2015 “I don’t want my life on television.”

According to arrest warrants filed in Pulaski County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, Paul Thomas “showed reckless disregard for human life,” and the “incident led to Noah’s death.”

Arrests warrants also stated Ashley White showed “reckless disregard for human life,” and “caused serious injuries.” In the report it also stated “Incident ultimately led to Noah’s death,” and “Cause or permit to life or health of child by a willful act, omission, or refusal to provide necessary care.”

Sheriff: Noah Thomas autopsy conducted, but results take longer

On March 30, Pulaski Co. Sheriff Davis said the autopsy of Noah Thomas had been conducted, but test results will take longer to process. In a statement he said it may take several weeks for results from the initial autopsy to be ready for release due to the nature of the testing being done.

The sheriff asked for patience as this process is being completed.

WBTW sister-station WSLS wrote this story.