Inquiry Promised Into Death of Boy Adopted in U.S.

Senior Russian and U.S. officials promised on Thursday to look into the death of Ivan Skorobogatov, a Russian boy who died while under the care of his adoptive American parents.

Pennsylvania parents Nanette and Michael Craver adopted Chelyabinsk-born Skorobogatov, whom they named Nathaniel, and his twin sister in 2003.

The boy was hospitalized in August after his father found him lying unresponsive in bed, and he died several days later. An autopsy found more than 80 external injuries on his malnourished body.

Craver and his wife were arrested Feb. 26 and face charges of homicide, conspiracy and child endangerment.

The U.S. State Department has begun an investigation into the boy's death, and U.S. officials will meet representatives from the Russian Embassy in the United States to discuss the case, state television Vesti-24 reported Thursday.

The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case looking into the boy's death and will investigate any potential violations in the process of his adoption, Interfax reported.

John Beyrle, U.S. ambassador to Russia, said the parents would be held responsible if convicted of wrongdoing, Interfax reported.