Dad charged with "aggravated child abuse" in death of 11-year-old daughter (Sarasota, Florida)

Posted on Thursday, 12.20.12

Whoa. This poor little girl was hogtied like some kind of freaking animal (ligature marks on arms and legs) and died from oxygen deprivation caused by brain damage. How her death actually happened is not explained. A plastic bag? More rope around her neck? At any rate, this sounds like deliberate TORTURE to me. 

And the freaking father isn't even charged with homicide? Just "aggravated child abuse," as if he had hit her once with a belt? More disgraceful daddy coddling at its worst.

Dad is identified as KENNETH STODDARD. 

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/20/3150291/father-charged-with-aggravated.html

Father charged with aggravated child abuse 

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SARASOTA, Fla. -- A Sarasota County father has been charged with aggravated child abuse in the death of his 11-year-old daughter.

Jail records show 35-year-old Kenneth Stoddard was arrested Wednesday night. He's being held without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 18. It was not immediately known if he has an attorney.

A sheriff's office report 11-year-old Melissa Stoddard died Monday of oxygen deprivation that caused brain damage. The report also says doctors found ligature marks on her upper arms, wrists, ankles and thighs.

Her parents told authorities they sometimes had to restrain her because of behavioral problems. The mother has not been charged. Authorities say additional charges are possible.

Five other children at the home are now with child welfare officials.