MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Two West Allis parents accused in the death of their son, 4-year-old Dante Campbell, appeared in court for the first time Thursday, Oct. 23. Both are also accused of abusing Campbell's twin sister. 

Campbell's father, Devario Cruz, is charged with six felonies including first-degree reckless homicide. 

Campbell's mother, Charlotte Kurek, is charged with two felonies for chronic neglect. 

Milwaukee County Court Commissioner Barry Phillips left the courtroom after the hearing, saying he needed a break after struggling to stay composed when speaking to Cruz; he called the case "horrific." 

"This literally might be the worst case I've ever seen, pre-lawyer, as a lawyer, and now on the bench. This might be the worst case I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of cases," Phillips said in court. 

Cruz was given a cash bail of $250,000 for his six charges. Three of the six felony charges are for neglect and abuse toward the 4-year-old leading to his death. Two charges are related to neglect and abuse of Campbell's twin sister, and one charge is for the possession and sale of marijuana. 

Campbell was pronounced dead Saturday, Oct. 18 after his mom told first responders he was unresponsive after falling down the stairs the night before. 

Investigators believe his cause of death was actually from substantial abuse by his parents. 

Cruz is set for a preliminary court hearing Wednesday, Oct. 29. 

Kurek is expected to appear in front of Commissioner Phillips Thursday afternoon. 

This is a developing story. Stick with CBS 58 on-air and online for updates.