Dad accused of beating 4-year-old daughter (Monroe, Louisiana)

Dad is identified as MARIUS STRAWDER. Though there is reference to CPS involvement, there is no mention of a mother in the home.

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20130111/NEWS01/301110339

Father accused of abusing child

11:53 PM, Jan 10, 2013

Ouachita Parish deputies arrested a man Wednesday afternoon accused of abusing a child.

Marius Strawder, 37, of 16 Farmers Circle, Monroe, was booked into Ouachita Correctional Center on a charge of cruelty to a juvenile.

An arrest affidavit stated deputies were called to Strawder's residence at the request of Child Protective Service. When deputies arrived, they spoke to CPS, who said they responded to a child abuse complaint.

The report stated school officials noticed marks on the child, 4, who told officials her father "spanked" her on Monday. The child told CPS her father, later identified as Strawder, struck her several times on her legs and arms with a wooden back scratcher.

When deputies spoke to Strawder, he denied striking the child. He said he did not know how the child got the marks. However, he admitted to spanking the child on Jan. 5, but only used his hand.

Bond was $10,000.