Dad wanted in severe beatings of 6- and 9-year-old sons (Chester City, Pennsylvania)

The missing dad is identified as NATHANIEL BALLARD. The step has already been arrested on assault charges. What happened to the mother of these boys?

MISSING MOTHER ALERT

http://articles.philly.com/2011-11-15/news/30401752_1_child-abuse-case-arrest-warrant-beatings

Father sought in child-abuse case
November 15, 2011|By Robert Moran, Inquirer Staff Writer


Chester City police were searching Monday for a 26-year-old man accused of giving his two sons severe beatings as discipline.

Police were contacted last week after medical examinations of the two boys, ages 6 and 8, revealed numerous bruises, said Police Capt. Anita Amaro. A teacher first noticed the injuries.

"Most of the marks were long and looped, at various stages of healing," Amaro said. "More than thirty marks could be observed in a U-shape appearing to be from a belt buckle or a cord."

Amaro added that photographs "vividly indicated injuries extended over the backs, legs, buttocks, arms, heads, ears, chests, and faces of the young children. Such beatings were administered for lying or doing poorly on school tests."

An arrest warrant has been issued for the father, Nathaniel Ballard.

The boys' stepmother, Cassandra Williams, 27, was arrested Friday and charged with aggravated assault and related offenses, Amaro said. Williams was released on unsecured bail.

Anyone with information on where to find Ballard may contact Chester Police Officer John Kuryan at 610-447-8447 or Sgt. Lamont Graves at 610-447-8457.