GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The aunt of three children who were sent to the hospital after a beating by their mother’s boyfriend talked about the attack on Monday.

Deputies said two boys, ages 7 and 3, and their 2-year-old sister were severely beaten inside a home in Laurens County last week. They said when their mother tried to take them to the hospital, their attacker beat her as well.

The two boys suffered injuries to their stomach, head and neck. The girl was flown to Greenville Memorial Hospital where she was listed in critical condition. Doctors said she had suffered injuries to her spleen.

Deputies arrested 23-year-old Marcus Young the following day. He was found in a wooded area between Whitmire and Clinton. He was charged with three counts of assault and battery with intent to kill and one count of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

“It’s a waiting game,” said Chris Halse, the aunt of the children, during a press conference at the hospital on Monday.

Halse said the family is grateful that the two boys have come home and are recovering from their injuries. She said the girl is fighting for every breath she takes.

“(She is) Happy, full of life,” said Halse. “Her eyes light up and sparkle when she speaks.”

Investigators said with this kind of case it is hard to not let your emotions get involved.

“It takes somebody that is cold-hearted to severely beat little children,” said Robert Plaxico, lead investigator of the case. “Mentally, they’ll probably remember it for the rest of their life.”

Investigators said Young confessed to the attack, but did not give a reason for it.

Young was being held without bond in a Laurens County jail.