Abused teen testifies against custodial father (Madison, Wisconsin)

We've posted several times on this case before. The custodial dad is identified as CHAD CHRITTON. As far as I know, there has been no media explanation as to how or why this sh** of a father had custody, or what happened to this poor girl's mother. What this kid endured is nothing short of torture....

http://www.wkow.com/story/21553468/2013/03/08/victim-in-child-abuse-trial-expected-to-testify-today

UPDATE: Victim in child abuse trial testifies against father

Posted: Mar 08, 2013 8:12 AM EST

By Dani Maxwell

By Danielle Lama MADISON (WKOW) -- The victim in a child abuse trial took the stand to testify Friday and described years of abuse at the hands of her father, Chad Chritton.

Chritton is charged with seven counts of child abuse. His 16-year-old daughter, identified as SLC, has been living with a foster family. She left her father's home early last year and was found walking along a road in her pajamas.

Chritton and his wife are accused of starving the child.

SLC testified Friday morning that she was forced to live in the family's basement and a security system left her unable to access a bathroom at times. "I would use like containers if I have to," SLC said.

The prosecution showed her photos of her bed, which she described as moldy. SLC testified her father boarded up windows in the basement because she had broken "rules" in the home about eating food.

Chritton's wife, Melinda Drabek-Chritton, is also charged in this case. SLC testified her father made her obey Drabek-Chritton's rules for food. "I was supposed to ask her for everything and do as she said," SLC testified.

SLC said she was hungry "everyday."

SLC did not make eye contact with her father while on the stand. She testified that her father has choked her and slammed her into walls."I can remember him pushing me to the ground," she said. SLC testified she felt safer in a hospital than at home.

During cross examination, the defense asked SLC about imaginary friends. She told the court she had imaginary friends while she lived in Chritton's house and they had threatened to hurt her stepmother and half brother.

Chritton's attorney William Hayes asked SLC if she lies. "I lied for reasons back then but now I don't," she testified.

SLC's stepbrother, Joshua Drabek, has been charged with sexually assaulting her. The defense pointed out that SLC had changed her story about what happened. Earlier in the day, SLC had testified she told her father and stepmother about the alleged assault, but they didn't believe her.

******** MADISON (WKOW) -- The victim at the center of a child abuse case is expected to take the stand and testify against her father Friday morning.

Chad Chritton is suspected of child abuse and neglect. He and his wife were charged after Chad's 15-year-old daughter was found wandering outside on the street in winter wearing only light pajamas.

Prosecutors say Chritton kept his daughter in the basement with no food or bathroom. Authorities say she weighed less than 70 pounds when they got involved in the case. The 16-year-old has been in foster care for about a year now.

The girl's foster mother testified Thursday, saying the girl has no problems eating now, does not have behavioral issues and is back in school. She did say the girl has trouble trusting others.

The victim is expected to take the stand Friday morning, followed by her younger step-brothers.