Custodial dad convicted in fire that killed his two kids (Circleville, Ohio)

Here at Dastardly Dads, we have often observed this basic maxim (let's call it DD Maxim #1): Very typically custodial fathers will have their custodial status "lost" or "hidden" by the time they go to trial or are convicted of crimes against their children.

So it is with dad WESLEY COONROD, who has been the featured guest in many an article posted here since March 2010. And whereas earlier newspaper articles (sometimes relunctantly) admitted that Daddy had "full custody" of these boys (despite a history of residential instability and "mysterious" house fires, drug/alcohol abuse, and domestic violence), you haven't heard much about that lately. Funny, that....

http://www.pal-item.com/article/20110201/UPDATES/110201009/1008/NEWS01/Ohio+dad+convicted+in+fire+that+killed+his+2+kids

Ohio dad convicted in fire that killed his 2 kids
February 1, 2011

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (AP) — A southwest Ohio jury has convicted a father on two counts of involuntary manslaughter in a fatal fire that killed his two young sons.

The judge sentenced Wesley Coonrod on Monday to 20 years in prison. The Pickaway County jury acquitted Coonrod on murder and arson counts.

Coonrod’s sons, 4-year-old Thomas and 3-year-old Steven, died last March 7 in their home in Greenfield in Highland County. Coonrod was found guilty earlier on charges of child endangering, but the Highland County jury was deadlocked on the murder and arson counts. His second trial was moved because of publicity.

Coonrod told the court the verdict was “unbelievable.“ Judge Rocky Coss told him he ”failed miserably“ at protecting his children.

The Hillsboro Times-Gazette said defense attorney William Mooney indicated Coonrod plans to appeal.