Emaciated boy found dead

Authorities are investigating the death of a 7-year-old boy who Denver police say they found emaciated in a closet. The boy was taken to Swedish Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead Sunday, said Denver Chief Deputy Coroner Michelle Weiss-Samaras.

The coroner's office performed an autopsy on the child on Monday but has not issued a report, Weiss-Samaras said.

Police sources told 9News that the boy weighed only about 30 pounds and was extremely malnourished.

"We are investigating the death," Weiss-Samaras said. "We have to determine whether this was a natural death or a non-natural death."

She said more tests are being performed.

The child's identity has not been confirmed, and the coroner's office has yet to notify the family, Weiss-Samaras said.

"We are trying to locate next of kin now," she said.