Dad gets supervised visitation despite death threat against mom, 2-year-old daughter; dad succeeds in nearly killing girl (Charlotte, North Carolina)

When we first posted on this case, I wondered if there was a back story like this.

Turns out I was right.

Dad DERRICK SUMMERS had threatened to kill Mom and the 2-year-old daughter before. Mom even succeeded in getting a restraining order against him. But the father-friendly courts gave him SUPERVISED VISITATION ANYWAY.

Supervised visitation is a stupid idea, especially when it involves parents who have made active death threats. And supervised visitation is expecially ridiculous when the "supervisor" is an unqualified, untrained "relative" or "friend." How is a "relative" or "friend" going to stop a violent father intent on homicide? Well, a "relative" or "friend" can't do it--even when they aren't in denial about Daddy's potential for violence as many of them are.  We've seen many examples of that here at Dastardly Dads.

So now we have a 2-year-old in critical condition--thanks to abuser-friendly/father-friendly policies.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/30236562/detail.html

Father who attempted suicide with child on I-77 had restraining order against him
Restraining order against man who walked onto I-77 with daughter

Posted: 9:51 pm EST January 17, 2012
Updated: 1:31 pm EST January 18, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Eyewitness News obtained records that show the man police said tried to commit suicide while holding his young daughter had a restraining order against him.

Police said Derrick Summers and his 2-year-old daughter, Lizziah Summers, were hit as he ran across Interstate 77 on Sunday.

Records show the child's mother was issued an order of protection against Summers earlier this month, after he threatened to kill her and their young child. But Summers was granted visitations, supervised by a relative.

"The mother was trying to provide safety for herself and her child by obtaining a restraining order to keep him away," said Pat Kelly, of Mecklenburg County's Victim's Assistance.

It's unclear how Summers obtained his daughter on Sunday.

Both are recovering in the hospital.

Summers will face attempted murder and child abuse charges.