A 12-year-old girl — whose parents are accused of child abuse — suffered brain damage and can barely speak because of the effects of malnutrition, law enforcement sources said.

The girl, who is developmentally disabled, is undergoing treatment, according to two sources who did not want to be identified because they are not authorized to comment about an ongoing criminal case. The girl was found emaciated and unresponsive in a Kinau Street apartment in January.

Her parents, Melvin Wright Jr. and Denise M. Wright, both 33, each pleaded not guilty yesterday to a single count of second-degree attempted murder. Their trial is set for Sept. 10.

The parents were being held in jail in lieu of $100,000 bail, and face up to life in prison with the possibility of parole if convicted. They appeared in court via video from the O'ahu Community Correctional Center.

Speaking outside of court yesterday, deputy city prosecutor Maurice M. Arrisgado said the girl had seen a doctor once when she was 10 months old, had never seen a dentist and never had been enrolled in school.

"This is the most heinous, egregious disregard of human life by anybody, parents or otherwise, and there is no explanation why this child was lost for so long," Arrisgado said.

A state Department of Human Services spokesman declined comment yesterday.

Melvin Wright, wearing a dark blue, prison-issued jump suit, stood next to his wife, who wore the same suit with a white, long-sleeve undershirt. Neither spoke during the proceeding; a public defender entered their plea.

The Wrights are being represented by the city office of the public defender, but an attorney has not yet been assigned to their case.

When children receive inconsistent nurturing, the long-lasting consequences can affect their health, well being and relationships with others, according to the advocacy group Prevent Child Abuse Hawai'i.

"We are saddened by the tragic events surrounding the recent child-neglect case involving a 12-year-old girl who was reportedly abused and malnourished," said Aileen Deese, program director for Prevent Child Abuse Hawai'i. "Only when children are nurtured can they grow up to be happy and healthy adults."

Melvin Wright was arrested Sunday in his Waipahu apartment. Denise Wright was arrested Friday in an apartment in Mo'ili'ili. The couple filed for divorce in March.

The girl was found by Emergency Medical Services on Jan. 7 after one of the parents called to report she was not eating. She weighed less than 50 pounds when she was discovered and was unresponsive, Arrisgado said.

Child Welfare Services took custody of the child, who is being cared for by a foster family.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.