RACINE – A mother has been ordered to court and her live in boyfriend is in custody after the abusive murder of the mother’s 2-year-old son.

How the boy died is despicable.

Two-year old Brian Hawes was killed in his own bedroom.

The criminal complaint details the torture little Brian Hawes endured in his short life. It says his mother’s live in boyfriend Jesse Rodriguez, 27, would beat him with belts and hangers. It also said he would tie little Brian to the bed under a blanket so he’d sleep.

The night Brian died, Rodriguez allegedly tied him so tight he couldn’t breathe, and died.

John Peterson babysat Brian.

“When I walked in the door I heard some hitting, and Tisa told me that Jesse was up there with little Brian and they had to do that every time they put him to sleep,” Peterson said.

Friday, Racine police served Brian’s mother, Tisa Hawes, with papers, showing her charges, and ordering her into court. They found her at Rodriguez’s parents’ home.

Neighbors say Brian was never outside, his view of the outside world, blocked by a cardboard box. They say they tried to get help from social services, but nothing was done.

“That was my buddy (who) I used to stand in the driveway and talk to. The only way I could talk to him is through that window,” one neighbor said.

Neighbors are taking Brian’s death very hard.

There’s a sticker on the door of the home where Brian died that reads “proud parent.”

Tisa Hawes, 27, has not yet been arrested, but she’s been ordered into court Monday afternoon. Rodriguez is behind bars and will also appear in court Monday.

TODAY’S TMJ4 contacted social services, but the phone call was not returned. They’re citing confidentiality issues and say they are working with police.