BOULDER, Colo. -- The attorneys for the Lafayette father accused of felony child abuse have asked to attend the infant's autopsy, even though the child has not died.

Two-month-old Tanner Dowler is undergoing treatment at Denver Health Medical Center and is believed to be on life support equipment, although the hospital won't release details on his condition.

A legal motion, filed by attorneys for his father, Joseph Dowler, states, "Tanner Dowler has been listed in critical condition since he was admitted to the hospital on Thursday. It is counsel's understanding that Tanner Dowler's chances of survival are not good."

Lafayette police have stated that if the infant dies, the child abuse charges filed against Joseph and Audra Dowler (pictured, above left) could be upgraded to murder.

Tanner Dowling was taken to the Community Medical Center of Lafayette Oct. 3 after his parents said he was unresponsive and had stopped eating. Doctors discovered he had two broken arms, burns on his feet and forehead, and possible brain damage because of a lack of oxygen, according to police.

Lafayette police were called by the hospital and the parents were interviewed and then arrested on child abuse charges.

Joseph Dowler was formally charged Wednesday afternoon with 10 criminal counts in the connection with the case. He faces between two and 32 years for each of the 10 counts -- if convicted.

Audra Dowler is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 23 for formal filing of charges.

The father is being held lieu of a $1 million bond and the mother is being held in lieu of a $500,000 bond.

Boulder District Attorney Mary Keenan said it is unusual for the defense to file a formal motion to attend an autopsy, especially since the child hasn't died.

The defense motion said that attending the autopsy is critical to finding out the facts of the case.

Boulder County Coroner John Meyer said he is the one who decides who may attend an autopsy, and that decision usually comes after a request is made by attorneys.