Two men (both dads?) arrested for child abuse (Wakulla County, Florida)

It is sometimes hard to get a handle on child abuse committed by fathers--especially by fathers with custody/visitation rights--and this article shows why.

Take note of UNNAMED MAN #1. Mom noticed the child's injuries after picking the child up from the suspect. Was the suspect a random babysitter? Is this an informal arrangement with a boyfriend or biological father? Or did this involve a court-ordered visitation/custody situation? No clue....

UNNAMED DAD follows, who apparently (partially) strangled his 5-year-old daughter, along with inflicting various other injuries to her head. There is no mention of a mother at all. Why? Did one live in the home or not? Or was this also a custody/visitation situation? Again, no clue....

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/Two_Arrested_For_Child_Abuse_in_Wakulla_County_140869683.html?ref=683

Two Arrested For Child Abuse in Wakulla County
“There are methods in which to discipline your child,” said Sheriff Crum. “But this is not how to do it.”

Reporter: WCSO Release

Wakulla County, Florida - Feb. 29, 2012 -

Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested two Wakulla County men in connection with February aggravated child abuse cases, according to Sheriff Donnie Crum.

The male suspects, ages 29 and 27 from Crawfordville, were arrested and transported to the Wakulla County Jail at the conclusion of their separate investigations. The two men have since posted $10,000 bonds and been released from jail.

The first case involved a six-year-old male child. The victim’s mother noticed marks and bruising on his legs from his buttocks to his knees as she was picking him up from the suspect.

She contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families Child Protection Team. During the medical examination, the doctor discovered multiple bruises, impact marks, small puncture wounds and lacerations to the child’s legs. The marks on the child were consistent with three items being used to inflict the abuse including a belt and an electrical cord.

“DCF removed the child from the suspect’s home and he was arrested for aggravated child abuse,” according to Undersheriff Maurice Langston.

The second case involved a five year old female child. The Florida Department of Children and Families was contacted after a school administrator discovered bruising on the child’s head. A medical examination was performed and the doctor determined that the child had been struck in the head area and abrasions that were observed were consistent with partial strangulation.

As the investigation unfolded, medical personnel determined that the child’s father struck her in the face with a shoe, which caused her to fall, and put one of his hands on her neck and the other on her mouth and nose so the child could not breathe.

“There are methods in which to discipline your child,” said Sheriff Crum. “But this is not how to do it.” Detective Erika Buckley, Detective Josh Langston, Lt. Mike Kemp and Deputy Lorne Whaley investigated the cases.