Custodial dad, girlfriend arrested for severely abusing 4-year-old son; child on life suport--what happened to the mother? (Adamsville, Tennessee)

Typical, in that a careful reading indicates that UNNAMED DAD was custodial. But not one word on how this abusive mess got custody, or who gave it to him or why. Not one word on who the mother is, or what happened to her. Articles like this one always evade these issues, and it's way too common.

Once again, when a child is abused like this, it is important to establish how the abusive father obtained access/possession--especially when it appears that the mother has mysteriously "vanished" from the picture.

http://www.wbbjtv.com/news/local/Pair-in-custody-after-269423301.html

Man and girlfriend in custody, child on life support after extreme case of abuse

By Dan Lampariello
Story Created: Jul 31, 2014 at 1:40 PM CDT Story Updated: Jul 31, 2014 at 10:58 PM CDT

ADAMSVILLE,Tenn. -- A man and his girlfriend are in custody after deputies say they abused his 4-year-old child nearly to death.

On Wednesday night, a family member called an ambulance for the boy, and he was later transported by helicopter to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, where he currently remains on life support.

Sheriff Guy Buck with the McNairy County Sheriff's Department told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News this is an "extreme case of aggravated child abuse".

"The child is gravely, gravely ill." said Sheriff Buck. "They are monitoring his condition minute by minute."

According to the sheriffs department, the family moved in just about two months ago. Neighbors in the area say they did not even know children live in the home.

"They never stopped, never talked, and there was never anyone outside," Rick Bellinger said. "I didn't even know they had kids."

According to Sheriff Buck, the child suffered a severe head injury Wednesday night, but he believes the abuse has been going on for some time.

"There was a lot of bruising over the child. With different stages of healing," Sheriff Buck said. "Meaning that they occurred over a period of time."

Currently the sheriff's department has the child's father and his girlfriend in custody. One neighbor said she has heard them fighting in the past.

"I can see them pacing around and screaming, the adults. Screaming at each other," said Lisa Rinks. "I've never seen any of the children. I didn't even know they had them."

The sheriff's department also said there was also a young girl living in the home, she is now living with other family.

The sheriff said he expects to file charges against the boy's father and the father's girlfriend tomorrow.