The "ex-girlfriend" mentioned towards the end is not the mother of the murdered child. According to one of our earlier posts, the mother lived elsewhere. In other words, killer dad JEFFERY CLIFTON was custodial.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Arkansas.
http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/ark-father-gets-40-years-for-sons-death/219170660
The Searcy father accused of killing his two-year-old son, Malik Drummond, gets 40 years in prison
Marielle Mohs , KTHV 10:23 PM. EST May 27, 2016
SEARCY, Ark. (KTHV) – The Searcy father accused of killing his two-year-old son, Malik Drummond, received a sentence of 40 years in prison on Friday.
Attorneys struck a deal for a lower sentence and Jeffery Clifton took advantage of it.
Clifton avoided a murder trial, and the possibility of a life sentence or death penalty.
He was charged back in December 2015 with capital murder and abuse of a corpse.
On Friday, he pled ‘no contest,’ settling for two consecutive sentences, adding up to 40 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
He agreed to a second degree murder charge and abuse of a corpse.
“It's treated as a guilty plea for purposes of the law,” said Ronald Davis Jr., defense attorney.
In the eyes of the court, he's found guilty, but he's not saying he did anything wrong.
“He's not admitting or taking responsibility for those actions in terms of if he actually committed them or not,” said Davis.
Prosecutor Rebecca McCoy and Davis struck a deal.
“He admitted that we had enough evidence to find him guilty,” said McCoy.
Two-year-old Malik Drummond disappeared November 23, 2014.
Hundreds of people statewide joined in on the search.
“The whole community was involved and got emotionally involved in this case,” said McCoy.
Clifton was arrested a year later in December 2015.
The only thing he admits to is burying Malik’s body in rural Jackson County.
“There’s a difference in disposing of a body and causing the death of a body,” said Davis.
McCoy satisfied with the settlement, but doesn't want this case to be forgotten.
“I hope that it's not the end. I hope the community is always aware of child abuse and hopefully can step in and prevent things like this from happening in the future,” said McCoy.
Clifton will be eligible for parole, but details as to when are unknown at this time.
His ex-girlfriend, Leslie Marcotte was also arrested and charged with helping covering up Malik’s death.
Her pre-trial starts in June.
Stay with THV11 and THV11.com for more details as this story develops.
Showing posts with label Arkansas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arkansas. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Monday, December 7, 2015
Custodial dad charged with capital murder over one year after 2-year-old son found dead (Little Rock, Arkansas)
As often happens, dad JEFFERY CLIFTON's custodial status has to be teased out of this account. Notice that the mother was alive and living in another location while Daddy and the gal pal were abusing the boy and trying to figure out how to hide his body once he died from his injuries. Of course there is not one word on how this violent father got his "rights" or who gave them. And certainly no word on who allowed him to maintain custody despite ongoing abuse.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Arkansas.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/12/03/details-released-father-arrest-in-death-missing-son-ex-girlfriend-arrested/
Details released of father's arrest in death of missing son; ex-girlfriend arrested
Published December 03, 2015·
Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas 2-year-old Malik Drummond died three days before a false disappearance story was reported to Searcy Police last year, according to an affidavit for his father's arrest that was released Thursday.
The affidavit and other documents were unsealed by a White County Circuit Court judge a day after police said they found Malik's body in a rural area about 50 miles northeast of where he was reported missing from his father's home in November 2014. The toddler's father, Jeffery Clifton, was being held without bond at the White County jail after being arrested late Tuesday on charges of capital murder and abuse of a corpse.
Searcy Police Sgt. Steve Hernandez also announced that Clifton's ex-girlfriend, 27-year-old Lesley Marcotte, was arrested on a preliminary charge of hindering his arrest. According to a second affidavit from police, Marcotte talked to investigators on the one-year anniversary of Malik's reported disappearance.
On Nov. 23, 2014, a neighbor called 911 to report that the toddler had walked out the screen door after seeing Clifton and Marcotte searching outside for the boy. Marcotte told police she was giving another child a bath and Clifton was sleeping when Malik walked out and disappeared.
In the documents released Thursday, Marcotte told police Clifton had beaten Malik on several occasions, and two beatings on Nov. 20, 2014, led to fatal injuries. She said the beatings came after the boy refused to eat his dinner then again after he drank another child's drink.
Later that night, Marcotte said the boy was acting strangely, but Clifton refused to take him to the hospital because of extensive bruising on Malik's body. She said she tried CPR later that night when he started making choking noises. She said Clifton took the boy outside and came back a few minutes later and told her he had died.
She told authorities Clifton planned the fake disappearance story and threatened to implicate Marcotte if the police were contacted.
Marcotte said Clifton went to work with Malik's body in the back of his pickup truck the next day, and later borrowed his brother's SUV and took the body to dispose of it early on Nov. 23.
It wasn't clear if Clifton had an attorney. Clifton's father, John Clifton, said the family had no immediate comment when contacted by The Associated Press, and a call Wednesday to a phone number believed to belong to Malik's mother rang unanswered.
The affidavit for Clifton's arrest also includes interviews with witnesses who are not identified, one of whom recorded conversations with Clifton about the child's death and the disposal of his body.
The documents do not say how police knew to search the abandoned lot where the remains they believe are Malik's were found Wednesday. The body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for final identification, but Hernandez said he does not know how long that process will take.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Arkansas.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/12/03/details-released-father-arrest-in-death-missing-son-ex-girlfriend-arrested/
Details released of father's arrest in death of missing son; ex-girlfriend arrested
Published December 03, 2015·
Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas 2-year-old Malik Drummond died three days before a false disappearance story was reported to Searcy Police last year, according to an affidavit for his father's arrest that was released Thursday.
The affidavit and other documents were unsealed by a White County Circuit Court judge a day after police said they found Malik's body in a rural area about 50 miles northeast of where he was reported missing from his father's home in November 2014. The toddler's father, Jeffery Clifton, was being held without bond at the White County jail after being arrested late Tuesday on charges of capital murder and abuse of a corpse.
Searcy Police Sgt. Steve Hernandez also announced that Clifton's ex-girlfriend, 27-year-old Lesley Marcotte, was arrested on a preliminary charge of hindering his arrest. According to a second affidavit from police, Marcotte talked to investigators on the one-year anniversary of Malik's reported disappearance.
On Nov. 23, 2014, a neighbor called 911 to report that the toddler had walked out the screen door after seeing Clifton and Marcotte searching outside for the boy. Marcotte told police she was giving another child a bath and Clifton was sleeping when Malik walked out and disappeared.
In the documents released Thursday, Marcotte told police Clifton had beaten Malik on several occasions, and two beatings on Nov. 20, 2014, led to fatal injuries. She said the beatings came after the boy refused to eat his dinner then again after he drank another child's drink.
Later that night, Marcotte said the boy was acting strangely, but Clifton refused to take him to the hospital because of extensive bruising on Malik's body. She said she tried CPR later that night when he started making choking noises. She said Clifton took the boy outside and came back a few minutes later and told her he had died.
She told authorities Clifton planned the fake disappearance story and threatened to implicate Marcotte if the police were contacted.
Marcotte said Clifton went to work with Malik's body in the back of his pickup truck the next day, and later borrowed his brother's SUV and took the body to dispose of it early on Nov. 23.
It wasn't clear if Clifton had an attorney. Clifton's father, John Clifton, said the family had no immediate comment when contacted by The Associated Press, and a call Wednesday to a phone number believed to belong to Malik's mother rang unanswered.
The affidavit for Clifton's arrest also includes interviews with witnesses who are not identified, one of whom recorded conversations with Clifton about the child's death and the disposal of his body.
The documents do not say how police knew to search the abandoned lot where the remains they believe are Malik's were found Wednesday. The body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for final identification, but Hernandez said he does not know how long that process will take.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Dad pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder in scalding death of disabled 14-month-old son (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Dad is identified as JOSEPH DWAYNE JOHNSON.
http://www.knoe.com/home/headlines/-Little-Rock-father-accepts-plea-deal-in-sons-2013-death-290335981.html
Little Rock father accepts plea deal in son's 2013 death
Posted: Fri 10:48 AM, Jan 30, 2015 By: Courtney Collins
A Little Rock man has taken a plea deal in the 2013 hot bath death of his disabled toddler.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - A Little Rock man has taken a plea deal in the 2013 hot bath death of his disabled toddler.
24-year-old Joseph Dwayne Johnson accepted a 40-year prison sentence Thursday for fatally scalding his 14-month-old son. He has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder.
Authorities say emergency medical responders arrived at Johnson's home after receiving a call from the boy's mother, and found the child's skin sloughing off. They say the toddler had second- and third-degree burns covering over 50 percent of his body. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
According to court documents, the boy had unspecified, severe birth defects, forcing him to be hospitalized for the first 13 months of his life and requiring him to have a feeding tube.
http://www.knoe.com/home/headlines/-Little-Rock-father-accepts-plea-deal-in-sons-2013-death-290335981.html
Little Rock father accepts plea deal in son's 2013 death
Posted: Fri 10:48 AM, Jan 30, 2015 By: Courtney Collins
A Little Rock man has taken a plea deal in the 2013 hot bath death of his disabled toddler.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - A Little Rock man has taken a plea deal in the 2013 hot bath death of his disabled toddler.
24-year-old Joseph Dwayne Johnson accepted a 40-year prison sentence Thursday for fatally scalding his 14-month-old son. He has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder.
Authorities say emergency medical responders arrived at Johnson's home after receiving a call from the boy's mother, and found the child's skin sloughing off. They say the toddler had second- and third-degree burns covering over 50 percent of his body. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
According to court documents, the boy had unspecified, severe birth defects, forcing him to be hospitalized for the first 13 months of his life and requiring him to have a feeding tube.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Dad charged with felony battery involving 5-year-old son; is this a single father? (Baxter County, Arkansas)
Is DAVID DEWAYNE SUTTERFIELD a single father? Notice that there is no mention of a mother in the home, and that the reporter only mentions "another person" in the home. If this is Mom, why not say so? In addition, if this were Mom, then wouldn't she be held responsible for "allowing" the abuse by not contacting the authorities?
Once again, the media tiptoes around the fact that many child abuse stories involve fathers and "missing" mothers. And with a father who is this volatile and violent, you have to wonder how and/or why the mother has apparently been eliminated from the picture.
http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/2014/07/30/david-sutterfield-child-battery-arrest-mountain-home/13369055/
Baxter Co. man charged with child abuse
THV 11 Staff, news source
5:36 a.m. CDT July 31, 2014
BAXTER CO., Ark. (KTHV) – A rural Mountain Home man is being charged with felony battery on a child. The Baxter County Sheriff's Office got a complaint from the child's grandmother July 28 who said she picked up the child to spend the night and noticed the 5-year-old boy had bruises on his face and neck.
The suspect is the child's father, David Dewayne Sutterfield, denied causing the injuries, however the Sheriff's Office said he gave several different versions of what caused them.
Another person in the home told the Sheriff's Office they witnessed Sutterfield grabbing the child's face in a way that would have caused the injuries as well as shoving and hitting the child.
Sutterfield was arrested and booked on a charge of second degree battery. He is being held on $25,000 bond.
Once again, the media tiptoes around the fact that many child abuse stories involve fathers and "missing" mothers. And with a father who is this volatile and violent, you have to wonder how and/or why the mother has apparently been eliminated from the picture.
http://www.thv11.com/story/news/local/2014/07/30/david-sutterfield-child-battery-arrest-mountain-home/13369055/
Baxter Co. man charged with child abuse
THV 11 Staff, news source
5:36 a.m. CDT July 31, 2014
BAXTER CO., Ark. (KTHV) – A rural Mountain Home man is being charged with felony battery on a child. The Baxter County Sheriff's Office got a complaint from the child's grandmother July 28 who said she picked up the child to spend the night and noticed the 5-year-old boy had bruises on his face and neck.
The suspect is the child's father, David Dewayne Sutterfield, denied causing the injuries, however the Sheriff's Office said he gave several different versions of what caused them.
Another person in the home told the Sheriff's Office they witnessed Sutterfield grabbing the child's face in a way that would have caused the injuries as well as shoving and hitting the child.
Sutterfield was arrested and booked on a charge of second degree battery. He is being held on $25,000 bond.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Dad charged with 1st-degree murder in infant's death (Searcy, Arkansas)
Dad is identified as DUSTIN LEE WATSON.
http://www.arkansasmatters.com/story/d/story/infant-dies-of-head-trauma-father-charged/33798/JbhC7jbTL06PXPTnFkIXfQ
Infant Dies of Head Trauma, Father Charged
06/30/2014 09:53 PM 06/30/2014 09:56 PM
SEARCY, AR - A Searcy man has been charged with First Degree Murder for the death of his infant child.
On June 19 officers with the Searcy Police Department were called to the White County Medical Center for a report of child abuse.
When officers arrived they were told by medical staff that an infant who was 4-5 months old had been brought to the emergency room with head trauma.
Through the course of the officer's investigation, they determined that Dustin Lee Watson, 19, of Searcy caused the injury to the child who later died from the trauma.
Watson is being charged with First Degree Murder, a Class Y Felony and will have a bond of $500,000.
Watson was arrested at 5:30 on Monday evening.
http://www.arkansasmatters.com/story/d/story/infant-dies-of-head-trauma-father-charged/33798/JbhC7jbTL06PXPTnFkIXfQ
Infant Dies of Head Trauma, Father Charged
06/30/2014 09:53 PM 06/30/2014 09:56 PM
SEARCY, AR - A Searcy man has been charged with First Degree Murder for the death of his infant child.
On June 19 officers with the Searcy Police Department were called to the White County Medical Center for a report of child abuse.
When officers arrived they were told by medical staff that an infant who was 4-5 months old had been brought to the emergency room with head trauma.
Through the course of the officer's investigation, they determined that Dustin Lee Watson, 19, of Searcy caused the injury to the child who later died from the trauma.
Watson is being charged with First Degree Murder, a Class Y Felony and will have a bond of $500,000.
Watson was arrested at 5:30 on Monday evening.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Baby found dead in bed with father (Jonesboro, Arkansas)
UNNAMED DAD
http://m.kait8.com/#!/newsDetail/25590300
Police investigating baby's death
Updated: 05/22/2014 1:43 pm EDT
JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) – The body of a Jonesboro infant has been sent to the state crime lab after it was discovered dead in bed with his father.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jonesboro police and rescue crews were dispatched to a home in the 300-block of Bridge Street.
A witness told officers he had just pulled into the driveway to return an air tank when he heard a woman inside the home screaming.
The man ran into the home and saw the woman trying to awaken the 40-year-old father who was asleep on the bed with the infant.
The witness said the baby was not breathing.
According to the initial police report, the man ran outside and yelled for help.
A neighbor ran to the house and also found the baby unresponsive.
The neighbor reportedly told police the baby had "white stuff" coming from his mouth.
The man said he tried to clear the baby's airway with his fingers, then performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
The baby was taken to the St. Bernards emergency room.
Hospital workers said the baby's eyes were dilated when he arrived. They added he was "never responsive" at the hospital.
The baby's 24-year-old mother told detectives she had placed her son in bed with his father before she and her sister went to a friend's house.
She said the child's father was still asleep when she returned a short time later and found the baby unresponsive.
The father reportedly told police he was awakened by the mother's screams.
The baby's body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock to determine cause of death.
http://m.kait8.com/#!/newsDetail/25590300
Police investigating baby's death
Updated: 05/22/2014 1:43 pm EDT
JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) – The body of a Jonesboro infant has been sent to the state crime lab after it was discovered dead in bed with his father.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jonesboro police and rescue crews were dispatched to a home in the 300-block of Bridge Street.
A witness told officers he had just pulled into the driveway to return an air tank when he heard a woman inside the home screaming.
The man ran into the home and saw the woman trying to awaken the 40-year-old father who was asleep on the bed with the infant.
The witness said the baby was not breathing.
According to the initial police report, the man ran outside and yelled for help.
A neighbor ran to the house and also found the baby unresponsive.
The neighbor reportedly told police the baby had "white stuff" coming from his mouth.
The man said he tried to clear the baby's airway with his fingers, then performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
The baby was taken to the St. Bernards emergency room.
Hospital workers said the baby's eyes were dilated when he arrived. They added he was "never responsive" at the hospital.
The baby's 24-year-old mother told detectives she had placed her son in bed with his father before she and her sister went to a friend's house.
She said the child's father was still asleep when she returned a short time later and found the baby unresponsive.
The father reportedly told police he was awakened by the mother's screams.
The baby's body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock to determine cause of death.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Dad convicted of battering 2-year-old son during visitation; boy suffered perforated intestine (Fort Smith, Arkansas)
Even though this little boy was battered during visitation with Dad and the step, Mom has still lost the boy to foster care.
Dad is identified as BOBBY LEE PITCHFORD. Note his previous criminal record. Impressive. Wonder what custody/visitation orders were in place before this incident, and whether Mom was required to facilitate contact regardless of Daddy's less than illustrious history. It's very likely, but ignored here....
http://swtimes.com/news/fort-smith-father-sentenced-battery-against-2-year-old
Fort Smith Father Sentenced For Battery Against 2-Year-Old
By Jeff Arnold Times Record
Sebastian County Circuit Court Judge Michael Fitzhugh told Bobby Lee Pitchford he would sentence him to “significantly more” time in prison Friday, if law didn’t require a sentence of no more than five years in prison plus 15 years suspended.
Pitchford, 26, of Fort Smith was convicted of first-degree battery Wednesday against his son Tristan Stepanian, 2, who was life-flighted Sept. 25 to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for an emergency surgery on a perforated small intestine.
The jury deliberated for about 3 1/2 hours Wednesday before convicting Pitchford, then deliberated 90 minutes before recommending a sentence of four years in prison plus 16 years suspended. The trial began Monday.
First-degree battery is a Class B felony normally punishable by five to 20 years in prison, but Pitchford faced a sentencing range of five to 40 years in prison because he is a habitual offender. He previously was convicted of four felonies: theft of property and being a felon in possession of a firearm in state court, and desertion and being absent without leave in a military court in 2008 when he was in the U.S. Army.
But Fitzhugh determined he couldn’t sentence Pitchford to less than the five-year minimum, based on a 2013 Arkansas Supreme Court decision.
“This court has consistently held that minimum sentences for habitual offenders are mandatory,” according to the 4-3 decision issued May 23, 2013.
The judge delayed sentencing until Friday to give both the prosecution and defense time to submit briefs on sentencing.
On Friday, Fitzhugh announced that he also found he was prohibited from sentencing Pitchford to more than five years, based on the jury’s recommendation.
“If the jury in any case assesses a punishment, whether of fine or imprisonment, below the limit prescribed by law for offenses of which the defendant is convicted, the court shall render judgment and pronounce sentence according to the lowest limit prescribed by law in such cases,” according to Arkansas law.
The defense insisted Tristan’s injuries were caused either when another 2-year-old struck him in the stomach with a toy guitar or when Tristan jumped off a children’s picnic table and landed on a toy truck.
Fitzhugh told Pitchford “your story is just not believable in the eyes of the court” based on the testimony of three physicians, who told jurors the force needed to cause a perforated bowel is equal to a car wreck at 50 or 60 mph or a fall from a two-story window.
Pitchford and his wife Rachael cared for Tristan for about six weeks, until Sept. 24, while Tristan’s mother and Pitchford’s ex-wife, Robin Stepanian, was in Tulsa, where she was planning to move. The surgeon who operated on Tristan testified the injury that cause the child’s perforated bowel occurred no later than Sept. 23.
Fitzhugh also pointed out that the child was “bruised or cut from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet” by the time he was hospitalized, after coming to him without any injuries.
Dr. Rachel Clingenpeel told jurors Tuesday that a child who falls out a two-story window doesn’t have as many bruises as Tristan had Sept. 25 following his emergency surgery. Clingenpeel also said multiple bruises on the neck, back, stomach and hip aren’t typical of accidental injuries children regularly experience.
Clingenpeel is a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital specializing in child abuse cases.
Although Fitzhugh was prohibited from sentencing Pitchford to more than five years, he ordered the sentence be consecutive to a six-year prison term Pitchford received in February when the court revoked his suspended sentence on a 2009 felon in possession of a firearm charge.
Fitzhugh also issued a no-contact order prohibiting Pitchford from any communication with Tristan and forbidding him from having any unsupervised contact with any minor.
Deputy public defender Rita Watkins objected to the judge forbidding Pitchford from having unsupervised contact with minors. Fitzhugh told Watkins she could object but that was his ruling.
Deputy prosecuting attorney Robert McClure said Tristan has recovered from his injuries and is now in foster care.
Dad is identified as BOBBY LEE PITCHFORD. Note his previous criminal record. Impressive. Wonder what custody/visitation orders were in place before this incident, and whether Mom was required to facilitate contact regardless of Daddy's less than illustrious history. It's very likely, but ignored here....
http://swtimes.com/news/fort-smith-father-sentenced-battery-against-2-year-old
Fort Smith Father Sentenced For Battery Against 2-Year-Old
By Jeff Arnold Times Record
Sebastian County Circuit Court Judge Michael Fitzhugh told Bobby Lee Pitchford he would sentence him to “significantly more” time in prison Friday, if law didn’t require a sentence of no more than five years in prison plus 15 years suspended.
Pitchford, 26, of Fort Smith was convicted of first-degree battery Wednesday against his son Tristan Stepanian, 2, who was life-flighted Sept. 25 to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for an emergency surgery on a perforated small intestine.
The jury deliberated for about 3 1/2 hours Wednesday before convicting Pitchford, then deliberated 90 minutes before recommending a sentence of four years in prison plus 16 years suspended. The trial began Monday.
First-degree battery is a Class B felony normally punishable by five to 20 years in prison, but Pitchford faced a sentencing range of five to 40 years in prison because he is a habitual offender. He previously was convicted of four felonies: theft of property and being a felon in possession of a firearm in state court, and desertion and being absent without leave in a military court in 2008 when he was in the U.S. Army.
But Fitzhugh determined he couldn’t sentence Pitchford to less than the five-year minimum, based on a 2013 Arkansas Supreme Court decision.
“This court has consistently held that minimum sentences for habitual offenders are mandatory,” according to the 4-3 decision issued May 23, 2013.
The judge delayed sentencing until Friday to give both the prosecution and defense time to submit briefs on sentencing.
On Friday, Fitzhugh announced that he also found he was prohibited from sentencing Pitchford to more than five years, based on the jury’s recommendation.
“If the jury in any case assesses a punishment, whether of fine or imprisonment, below the limit prescribed by law for offenses of which the defendant is convicted, the court shall render judgment and pronounce sentence according to the lowest limit prescribed by law in such cases,” according to Arkansas law.
The defense insisted Tristan’s injuries were caused either when another 2-year-old struck him in the stomach with a toy guitar or when Tristan jumped off a children’s picnic table and landed on a toy truck.
Fitzhugh told Pitchford “your story is just not believable in the eyes of the court” based on the testimony of three physicians, who told jurors the force needed to cause a perforated bowel is equal to a car wreck at 50 or 60 mph or a fall from a two-story window.
Pitchford and his wife Rachael cared for Tristan for about six weeks, until Sept. 24, while Tristan’s mother and Pitchford’s ex-wife, Robin Stepanian, was in Tulsa, where she was planning to move. The surgeon who operated on Tristan testified the injury that cause the child’s perforated bowel occurred no later than Sept. 23.
Fitzhugh also pointed out that the child was “bruised or cut from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet” by the time he was hospitalized, after coming to him without any injuries.
Dr. Rachel Clingenpeel told jurors Tuesday that a child who falls out a two-story window doesn’t have as many bruises as Tristan had Sept. 25 following his emergency surgery. Clingenpeel also said multiple bruises on the neck, back, stomach and hip aren’t typical of accidental injuries children regularly experience.
Clingenpeel is a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital specializing in child abuse cases.
Although Fitzhugh was prohibited from sentencing Pitchford to more than five years, he ordered the sentence be consecutive to a six-year prison term Pitchford received in February when the court revoked his suspended sentence on a 2009 felon in possession of a firearm charge.
Fitzhugh also issued a no-contact order prohibiting Pitchford from any communication with Tristan and forbidding him from having any unsupervised contact with any minor.
Deputy public defender Rita Watkins objected to the judge forbidding Pitchford from having unsupervised contact with minors. Fitzhugh told Watkins she could object but that was his ruling.
Deputy prosecuting attorney Robert McClure said Tristan has recovered from his injuries and is now in foster care.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Dad finally charged after teen daughter "disappears" during his custody time; pleads "not guilty" (Mobile, Alabama)
I wonder how voluntary this visit was on the mother's part. The media is often inaccurate about these kinds of details. But even if this visit with a mentally ill, suicidal father wasn't court-ordered, mothers are under considerable pressure to promote visitation from the fathers rights movement and their influence on mothers and others in authority.
Dad is identified as DEMETRIC L. HOOPER.
http://blog.al.com/live/2014/02/year_and_a_half_after_mobile_t.html
Year and a half after Mobile teen disappeared, father pleads not guilty to interference
By Brendan Kirby on February 10, 2014 at 7:30 PM, updated February 11, 2014 at 8:51 AM
MOBILE, Alabama – A father whose daughter disappeared while she was in his custody pleaded not guilty to a felony charge Monday, while investigators appear no closer to solving the mystery than they were a year and a half ago.
After police arrested Demetric L. Hooper in 2012, prosecutors expressed hope that they would be able to learn what happened to Brittany Robinson and held out the possibility that they would upgrade charges against the defendant.
But a Mobile County grand jury indicted Hooper, 37, on the same Class C felony that police originally charged him with. He faces one to 10 years in prison if convicted.
“The grand jury indicted on the evidence it had before it,” Mobile County Assistant District Attorney Jill Phillips said Monday. “There still is an ongoing investigation into her whereabouts. … We continue to follow leads.”
Phillips said prosecutors could amend charge at a later date.
Mobile County Circuit Judge Ben Brooks scheduled a status hearing for March 12 and appointed attorney Zackery Moore to represent him. Moore said he does not know enough about the case yet to comment.
According to law enforcement authorities, the mother of Brittany Robinson allowed her then 14-year-old daughter to visit her father in June 2012. When Hooper did not return the girl, the mother called police. Hooper’s home was empty, according to officials.
Investigators managed to track down Hooper in Arkansas, where he had checked himself into a mental health facility. Authorities have said the defendant resisted arrest and required four law enforcement officers to physically restrain him before they could put him in the squad car There was no sign of Brittany, who now is 16 years old.
Prosecutors have said that Hooper threatened suicide and has a history of mental health problems.
According to law enforcement authorities, Hooper traveled extensively throughout the Southeast since disappearing with the teenager over the summer.
Phillips said local authorities have received help from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Dad is identified as DEMETRIC L. HOOPER.
http://blog.al.com/live/2014/02/year_and_a_half_after_mobile_t.html
Year and a half after Mobile teen disappeared, father pleads not guilty to interference
By Brendan Kirby on February 10, 2014 at 7:30 PM, updated February 11, 2014 at 8:51 AM
MOBILE, Alabama – A father whose daughter disappeared while she was in his custody pleaded not guilty to a felony charge Monday, while investigators appear no closer to solving the mystery than they were a year and a half ago.
After police arrested Demetric L. Hooper in 2012, prosecutors expressed hope that they would be able to learn what happened to Brittany Robinson and held out the possibility that they would upgrade charges against the defendant.
But a Mobile County grand jury indicted Hooper, 37, on the same Class C felony that police originally charged him with. He faces one to 10 years in prison if convicted.
“The grand jury indicted on the evidence it had before it,” Mobile County Assistant District Attorney Jill Phillips said Monday. “There still is an ongoing investigation into her whereabouts. … We continue to follow leads.”
Phillips said prosecutors could amend charge at a later date.
Mobile County Circuit Judge Ben Brooks scheduled a status hearing for March 12 and appointed attorney Zackery Moore to represent him. Moore said he does not know enough about the case yet to comment.
According to law enforcement authorities, the mother of Brittany Robinson allowed her then 14-year-old daughter to visit her father in June 2012. When Hooper did not return the girl, the mother called police. Hooper’s home was empty, according to officials.
Investigators managed to track down Hooper in Arkansas, where he had checked himself into a mental health facility. Authorities have said the defendant resisted arrest and required four law enforcement officers to physically restrain him before they could put him in the squad car There was no sign of Brittany, who now is 16 years old.
Prosecutors have said that Hooper threatened suicide and has a history of mental health problems.
According to law enforcement authorities, Hooper traveled extensively throughout the Southeast since disappearing with the teenager over the summer.
Phillips said local authorities have received help from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Dad forced disabled son to watch pornography, judge finally rules; mom's previous allegations not believed (Arkansas)
After FINALLY getting to the appellate court level, the judge determined that that father had in fact forced his son--then at 7 or 8 years of age--to watch pornography. He demurred, however, from finding evidence of sexual abuse per se. Which means that the daddy--identified only as "R.J." -- is still getting a break of sorts, given that these kinds of actions are strongly linked to pedophile grooming behavior.
Notice that once again, the mother's allegations were ignored and dismissed as the rantings of a vindictive wife in the process of divorcing her husband. Smart abusers COUNT on these misogynistic assumptions. making it almost impossible to divorce these guys without leaving your children at extreme risk. These fathers rights judges. custody evaluators, and social workers always accept the abuser daddy's word as gospel, and never suspect him of lying about his sexual abuse. Even when there is evidence other than the mother's word to back up the abuse. Though it's not real clear in this article, it's distinctly possible that the grooming/porn exposure took place during court-ordered visitation. Wouldn't surprise me.
I suspect there are plenty of these FR types who support child rapists at the Arkansas state circuit level. Partly because many are conservative and biased towards men, partly because they have probably received fathers-rights inspired "trainings" saying that mothers routinely lie about these things. When the actual research has demonstrated again and again that women very rarely fabricate such accusations.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/arkansas-father-allegedly-abused-disabled-son-exposing-him-porn#
Arkansas Father Allegedly Abused Disabled Son By Exposing Him To Porn
By Khier Casino, Mon, December 16, 2013
An Arkansas appellate court judge ruled that a father abused his disabled, 15-year-old son by forcing him to view pornography, overturning a lower court ruling.
According to Courthouse News Service, the Arkansas State Police Crimes against Children Division launched an investigation in February 2010, when the Department of Human Services got an anonymous tip that the autistic boy was being abused by his father, and forced to watch porn videos three different times.
There was no evidence of sexual abuse, but investigators determined the father, known only as “R.F.” in court documents, made his son watch porn and suggested he should be placed on the state’s Child Mistreatment Registry.
R.F. challenged this determination, but an administrative law judge found the agency had enough evidence to back up claims that the boy was exposed to pornography when he was 7 or 8 years old, while confined to a wheel chair. R.F. appealed to the state circuit court, which reversed the administrative law judge's decision due to lack of supported substantial evidence.
The DHS also appealed, and upon review of the case, Judge Phillip Whiteaker decided for the agency.
R.F. contended that the decision to place him on the registry was based on allegations his ex-wife made when they were going through a divorce, a time when she "held a grudge against him." The allegations have since been recanted by his ex-wife, R.F. said.
However, Judge Whiteaker found the father’s facts were falsified.
"While W.F. [as the ex-wife is identified in court documents] did express her desire that the matter be dropped by DHS, she fell far short from recanting her testimony," the judge wrote. "Rather, she clearly testified that R.F. forced R.R.F. [their son] to watch pornographic videos."
Whiteaker continued: "The ALJ found W.F. to be credible. The ALJ concluded that R.F. showed a video, which was purely sexual in nature with no identifiable story line or serious literary value, to R.R.F. when he was seven or eight years and was wheelchair bound and could not leave of his own volition.
"We find that substantial evidence supports the agency decision and that the appellant has failed to demonstrate that the proof before the administrative tribunal was so nearly undisputed that fair-minded persons could not reach its conclusion. Additional, these findings, as stated by the ALJ, fall squarely under the definition of sexual abuse under the child-maltreatment statute."
Under Arkansas statute, sexual abuse means the forced watching of pornography or live sexual activity by a person 18 years of age of younger.
Notice that once again, the mother's allegations were ignored and dismissed as the rantings of a vindictive wife in the process of divorcing her husband. Smart abusers COUNT on these misogynistic assumptions. making it almost impossible to divorce these guys without leaving your children at extreme risk. These fathers rights judges. custody evaluators, and social workers always accept the abuser daddy's word as gospel, and never suspect him of lying about his sexual abuse. Even when there is evidence other than the mother's word to back up the abuse. Though it's not real clear in this article, it's distinctly possible that the grooming/porn exposure took place during court-ordered visitation. Wouldn't surprise me.
I suspect there are plenty of these FR types who support child rapists at the Arkansas state circuit level. Partly because many are conservative and biased towards men, partly because they have probably received fathers-rights inspired "trainings" saying that mothers routinely lie about these things. When the actual research has demonstrated again and again that women very rarely fabricate such accusations.
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/arkansas-father-allegedly-abused-disabled-son-exposing-him-porn#
Arkansas Father Allegedly Abused Disabled Son By Exposing Him To Porn
By Khier Casino, Mon, December 16, 2013
An Arkansas appellate court judge ruled that a father abused his disabled, 15-year-old son by forcing him to view pornography, overturning a lower court ruling.
According to Courthouse News Service, the Arkansas State Police Crimes against Children Division launched an investigation in February 2010, when the Department of Human Services got an anonymous tip that the autistic boy was being abused by his father, and forced to watch porn videos three different times.
There was no evidence of sexual abuse, but investigators determined the father, known only as “R.F.” in court documents, made his son watch porn and suggested he should be placed on the state’s Child Mistreatment Registry.
R.F. challenged this determination, but an administrative law judge found the agency had enough evidence to back up claims that the boy was exposed to pornography when he was 7 or 8 years old, while confined to a wheel chair. R.F. appealed to the state circuit court, which reversed the administrative law judge's decision due to lack of supported substantial evidence.
The DHS also appealed, and upon review of the case, Judge Phillip Whiteaker decided for the agency.
R.F. contended that the decision to place him on the registry was based on allegations his ex-wife made when they were going through a divorce, a time when she "held a grudge against him." The allegations have since been recanted by his ex-wife, R.F. said.
However, Judge Whiteaker found the father’s facts were falsified.
"While W.F. [as the ex-wife is identified in court documents] did express her desire that the matter be dropped by DHS, she fell far short from recanting her testimony," the judge wrote. "Rather, she clearly testified that R.F. forced R.R.F. [their son] to watch pornographic videos."
Whiteaker continued: "The ALJ found W.F. to be credible. The ALJ concluded that R.F. showed a video, which was purely sexual in nature with no identifiable story line or serious literary value, to R.R.F. when he was seven or eight years and was wheelchair bound and could not leave of his own volition.
"We find that substantial evidence supports the agency decision and that the appellant has failed to demonstrate that the proof before the administrative tribunal was so nearly undisputed that fair-minded persons could not reach its conclusion. Additional, these findings, as stated by the ALJ, fall squarely under the definition of sexual abuse under the child-maltreatment statute."
Under Arkansas statute, sexual abuse means the forced watching of pornography or live sexual activity by a person 18 years of age of younger.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Dad pleads guilty to killing infant sons (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Killed two babies, two years apart. And he got away with the second murder because nobody figured out the first baby's death was a homicide.
Dad is identified as TRAVIS FOX. We've posted on this case before.
http://www.nwahomepage.com/story/father-pleads-guilty-to-killing-sons/d/story/7ch8T-QxZ0ipNAJ7PCqwdg
Father Pleads Guilty to Killing Sons
11/18/2013 10:41 AM 11/18/2013 10:52 AM
FAYETTEVILLE, AR-- A Northwest Arkansas man has pleaded guilty to killing his two infant sons.
On Monday, the Washington County prosecuting attorney recommended Travis Fox serve two life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Fox was charged with two counts of capital murder, accused of shaking both his six and seven-month-old sons to death over a two-year period. He was arrested for the 2011 death of the six-month-old boy only after police responded to the 2013 death of his seven-month-old son back in March.
According to court documents, the investigating coroner recognized Fox from the 2011 death, which was also determined to be suspicious, but hadn't yielded charges.
Police say Fox admitted to shaking both boys while he was under the influence of alcohol.
Dad is identified as TRAVIS FOX. We've posted on this case before.
http://www.nwahomepage.com/story/father-pleads-guilty-to-killing-sons/d/story/7ch8T-QxZ0ipNAJ7PCqwdg
Father Pleads Guilty to Killing Sons
11/18/2013 10:41 AM 11/18/2013 10:52 AM
FAYETTEVILLE, AR-- A Northwest Arkansas man has pleaded guilty to killing his two infant sons.
On Monday, the Washington County prosecuting attorney recommended Travis Fox serve two life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Fox was charged with two counts of capital murder, accused of shaking both his six and seven-month-old sons to death over a two-year period. He was arrested for the 2011 death of the six-month-old boy only after police responded to the 2013 death of his seven-month-old son back in March.
According to court documents, the investigating coroner recognized Fox from the 2011 death, which was also determined to be suspicious, but hadn't yielded charges.
Police say Fox admitted to shaking both boys while he was under the influence of alcohol.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Dad charged with homicide in death of 1-year-old son (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Dad is identified as JOSEPH JOHNSON SR.
http://www.thv11.com/news/article/286452/2/1-year-old-dies-of-severe-water-burns-father-in-custody
Little Rock 1-year-old dies of severe water burns; father in custody
8:05 PM, Nov 8, 2013
Jessica Johnson
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - According to a Little Rock police report, a man has been charged with homicide after his 1-year-old child was severely burned by hot water.
Police narrative shows that 1-year-old Joseph Johnson Jr. had 40 to 50 percent of his body covered in second and third degree burns when a Little Rock officer arrived at a home on Chimney Rock Place to assist MEMS not long after 9 p.m. on June 6 of this year. The child's father, Joseph Johnson Sr., told police he was unaware that the temperature of the water was too hot, according to the narrative.
"...He said he was by himself with Joseph at the residence and it was his first time to give Joseph a bath because he is always working, so he wanted to help out his wife," the narrative read. Police said the child was flown to Arkansas Children's Hospital where he later died.
Though it initially appeared to officers as an accident, it was reported to the child abuse hotline. Lt. Sidney Allen with the Little Rock Police Department said that later, the medical examiner determined that the injuries to the child were intentional.
According to Lt. Allen, the child's death was ruled a homicide and Johnson Sr. turned himself in Thursday night after learning there was a warrant for his arrest. Lt. Allen said he was arrested and charged with homicide.
http://www.thv11.com/news/article/286452/2/1-year-old-dies-of-severe-water-burns-father-in-custody
Little Rock 1-year-old dies of severe water burns; father in custody
8:05 PM, Nov 8, 2013
Jessica Johnson
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - According to a Little Rock police report, a man has been charged with homicide after his 1-year-old child was severely burned by hot water.
Police narrative shows that 1-year-old Joseph Johnson Jr. had 40 to 50 percent of his body covered in second and third degree burns when a Little Rock officer arrived at a home on Chimney Rock Place to assist MEMS not long after 9 p.m. on June 6 of this year. The child's father, Joseph Johnson Sr., told police he was unaware that the temperature of the water was too hot, according to the narrative.
"...He said he was by himself with Joseph at the residence and it was his first time to give Joseph a bath because he is always working, so he wanted to help out his wife," the narrative read. Police said the child was flown to Arkansas Children's Hospital where he later died.
Though it initially appeared to officers as an accident, it was reported to the child abuse hotline. Lt. Sidney Allen with the Little Rock Police Department said that later, the medical examiner determined that the injuries to the child were intentional.
According to Lt. Allen, the child's death was ruled a homicide and Johnson Sr. turned himself in Thursday night after learning there was a warrant for his arrest. Lt. Allen said he was arrested and charged with homicide.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Dad charged with 1st-degree murder in baby's death (Pine Bluff, Arkansas)
Another case where Daddy was "care taking" while Mom had to work....
Dad is identified as IVORY JONES.
http://www.thv11.com/news/article/264404/2/Police-investigating-infants-death-in-Pine-Bluff
Ivory Jones charged with first-degree murder after infant's death
10:39 PM, May 9, 2013
Amy Hancock
PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) - A Pine Bluff father is sitting behind bars, charged with first degree murder after his infant child died in his care.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Ivory Jones, 23, of Pine Bluff has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after his infant child was declared dead Thursday morning.
Police said they were called to a home on Richard Court around 6:33 in reference to a child not breathing. Police said when they arrived, they found the child in an infant seat on a love seat in front of a television; the child was pale and unresponsive.
Police said the Jones had put him in front of the television sometime between midnight and 1 a.m. and fell asleep. Jones later woke at 6 a.m. to find their pet dog, a 3-year-old Boxer, lying on top of the baby.
Jones said he tried to perform CPR for about 5 minutes but realized it was too late, added police.
They said he then went outside to wait on the child's mother to come home from work before calling police. The sheriff's office webpage indicates that Jones is being held without bond.
Dad is identified as IVORY JONES.
http://www.thv11.com/news/article/264404/2/Police-investigating-infants-death-in-Pine-Bluff
Ivory Jones charged with first-degree murder after infant's death
10:39 PM, May 9, 2013
Amy Hancock
PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KTHV) - A Pine Bluff father is sitting behind bars, charged with first degree murder after his infant child died in his care.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Ivory Jones, 23, of Pine Bluff has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after his infant child was declared dead Thursday morning.
Police said they were called to a home on Richard Court around 6:33 in reference to a child not breathing. Police said when they arrived, they found the child in an infant seat on a love seat in front of a television; the child was pale and unresponsive.
Police said the Jones had put him in front of the television sometime between midnight and 1 a.m. and fell asleep. Jones later woke at 6 a.m. to find their pet dog, a 3-year-old Boxer, lying on top of the baby.
Jones said he tried to perform CPR for about 5 minutes but realized it was too late, added police.
They said he then went outside to wait on the child's mother to come home from work before calling police. The sheriff's office webpage indicates that Jones is being held without bond.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Dad accused of murdering two babies less than two years apart (Springdale, Arkansas)
Dad is identified as TRAVIS FOX.
http://www.4029tv.com/news/arkansas/northwest/father-charged-with-murdering-2-babies-pleads-not-guilty/-/8897460/19325956/-/825enwz/-/index.html
Father accused of killing his two children
Two deaths in less than two years
UPDATED 11:41 AM CDT Apr 24, 2013
SPRINGDALE, Ark. —40/29 News got new information Thursday night about the family of Travis Fox, the father who's accused of murdering his two babies. Police say Fox confessed to "violently shaking" his seven-month-old child and a six-month-old, who died more than a year ago.
On Sept. 2011, West Fork police investigated the suspicious death of a 6-month-old child. Investigators say the father, Fox, was a suspect, but the autopsy was inconclusive, and no arrest was ever made.
Wednesday in Springdale, police say it was the same situation, only this time it was Fox's 7-month-old that died, and police say this arrest may have saved the lives of other children.
"The wife might be expecting, but that's speculation. I can't confirm that," said Sgt. Kenneth Albright with the Washington County Sheriff's Department in a news conference on Thursday.
He was talking about Fox's wife. A woman who says she knows the family would not go on camera, but she also told 40/29 that Fox's wife is expecting.
Fox, only 24-years-old, faces two counts of first-degree murder. Police say the first child died in West Fork back in 2011, but the investigation came up empty.
"The child, a 6-month-old baby boy, was sent to the crime lab. The medical examiner performed an autopsy, at which time the results were undetermined," Albright said.
Investigators say there wasn't enough evidence to make an arrest, but when a 7-month-old died at Northwest Medical Center on Wednesday, investigators started connecting the dots.
"Deputy Coroner Randall Galloway was on scene assisting Springdale with that. He recognized the name from the previous West Fork death, advised the detectives of that, at which time they spoke with our office," Albright said.
That's when they brought Fox in for questioning, and police say he admitted to shaking the babies.
"He was interviewed by Washington County detectives as well as Springdale detectives, at which time he made a confession to shaking both babies, shaking them violently, and throwing them down onto the couch," Albright said.
He said this was a team effort between four different agencies, but if it weren't for the due diligence of the Washington County Coroner's Office the arrest might not have been made.
Counseling services are available to the investigators who covered this. The mother of the children is not facing charges right now, but police say the investigation continues.
http://www.4029tv.com/news/arkansas/northwest/father-charged-with-murdering-2-babies-pleads-not-guilty/-/8897460/19325956/-/825enwz/-/index.html
Father accused of killing his two children
Two deaths in less than two years
UPDATED 11:41 AM CDT Apr 24, 2013
SPRINGDALE, Ark. —40/29 News got new information Thursday night about the family of Travis Fox, the father who's accused of murdering his two babies. Police say Fox confessed to "violently shaking" his seven-month-old child and a six-month-old, who died more than a year ago.
On Sept. 2011, West Fork police investigated the suspicious death of a 6-month-old child. Investigators say the father, Fox, was a suspect, but the autopsy was inconclusive, and no arrest was ever made.
Wednesday in Springdale, police say it was the same situation, only this time it was Fox's 7-month-old that died, and police say this arrest may have saved the lives of other children.
"The wife might be expecting, but that's speculation. I can't confirm that," said Sgt. Kenneth Albright with the Washington County Sheriff's Department in a news conference on Thursday.
He was talking about Fox's wife. A woman who says she knows the family would not go on camera, but she also told 40/29 that Fox's wife is expecting.
Fox, only 24-years-old, faces two counts of first-degree murder. Police say the first child died in West Fork back in 2011, but the investigation came up empty.
"The child, a 6-month-old baby boy, was sent to the crime lab. The medical examiner performed an autopsy, at which time the results were undetermined," Albright said.
Investigators say there wasn't enough evidence to make an arrest, but when a 7-month-old died at Northwest Medical Center on Wednesday, investigators started connecting the dots.
"Deputy Coroner Randall Galloway was on scene assisting Springdale with that. He recognized the name from the previous West Fork death, advised the detectives of that, at which time they spoke with our office," Albright said.
That's when they brought Fox in for questioning, and police say he admitted to shaking the babies.
"He was interviewed by Washington County detectives as well as Springdale detectives, at which time he made a confession to shaking both babies, shaking them violently, and throwing them down onto the couch," Albright said.
He said this was a team effort between four different agencies, but if it weren't for the due diligence of the Washington County Coroner's Office the arrest might not have been made.
Counseling services are available to the investigators who covered this. The mother of the children is not facing charges right now, but police say the investigation continues.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Why was dad under investigation for killing newborn son allowed to return home and kill other infant son in SAME way? (Washington County, Arkansas)
We've posted on dad TRAVIS FOX before.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2295393/Why-Arkansas-father-Travis-Fox-investigation-killing-newborn-son-allowed-return-family-home.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Why was father under investigation for shaking his newborn son to death allowed to return to the family home where he killed his other baby son in the SAME way?
Travis Fox confessed to killing his two infant sons Travis Fox II and William Fox - 18-months apart
He was under investigation for his first child's death by shaking when his second son was hospitalized and died the same way
Fox has a history with drugs and anger issues
By PAUL THOMPSON
PUBLISHED: 15:01 EST, 18 March 2013 | UPDATED: 08:09 EST, 19 March 2013
Hard questions are being asked in Springdale, Washington County, after a 24-year-old father appeared in court today charged with the violent murders of his two infant sons - 18-months apart.
Travis Fox admitted to police in the Arkansas city that last week he shook his seven-month old son William to death after consuming five beers on Wednesday and then confessed to killing his son Travis Fox II the exact same way in 2011 after a tequila binge.
And despite his fiancee's shock at his admission, it has emerged that Washington County sheriff's suspected him of murdering his first child as did the couple's church pastor - but no charges were pressed and he was allowed to return home to ultimately kill again.
Seven month-old William Fox, died at Northwest Medical Center from injuries as a result of being violently shaken in his parents home on Wednesday last week.
Questioned by Springdale police, immediately after, Fox told investigators 'that he violently shook the child for an extended amount of time because the child was `fussing,' said officers in a news release.
'He demonstrated the shake and it was violent,' said officials, who added that Fox said he had been heavily drinking before shaking his infant son to death.
While Springdale police officers were investigating the death they learned Fox was already under investigation by Washington County sheriff's for the death of his other son Travis II 18 months ago.
Travis II died from 'suspicious' injuries in September 2011.
An autopsy was inconclusive and Fox was never charged with any crime - despite the strong suspicion of the Washington County Coroner.
Indeed, after the death of his latest son, the coroner remembered Fox and contacted police.
In addition, the Foxes pastor, Tim Estes admitted to 40/29 News in Arkansas that after the memorial service for the couple's first child, he felt uneasy about the circumstances.
'I have to tell you some alarm bells went off in my mind when the first baby was brought in. Something felt uneasy in my spirit,' said Estes.
But in the aftermath of the terrible crimes against two defenseless children, hindsight is proving no help for those who knew Travis Fox.
Estes told 40/29 that Fox had been known to suffer from drug and anger issues and he had tried to help him as a youth.
Neighbors also said that they sometimes heard the Foxes argue. Angela Robison who lived in the same Olivewood Apartments as the Foxes said she would hear him argue with his wife Tiffany - who is currently pregnant with twins. Family home: Travis lived at his Springdale, Arkansas, home with his wife Tiffany and their sons,
'She would say ‘he hit me’ and he would say ‘I didn’t,’ said Robinson to 5newsonline.
'I would tell him ‘come to my house before you hit her, come down and talk to me’ because we were close.'
'Just, poor babies and I don’t understand how he could do it. I know he admitted it but still hard to actually think of him because he wasn’t like that.
'My kids picked on him and played around with him and he never got mad.'
His wife has claimed she knew never saw this coming and has disowned her husband, labeling him a 'baby killer'.
Incredibly, having escaped punishment for the murder of his first son, Fox and Tiffany had an falling out around a year-ago and he begged his wife to let him come home.
Judging by the dates on his wife's myspace.com page where he posted his apology, Tiffany would have been four-months pregnant with William.
'I miss him so much thats (sic) also my son,' wrote Fox. 'I love the hell out of him. Babygurl I love u (sic) so much too.'
It was while being questioned, Fox allegedly confessed to killing both his children.
He told investigators his first child died after he shook him for 30-45 seconds.
'Mr. Fox said he was angered and tired because he was up for two days without sleep,' a prosecutor wrote in his report.
The report says Fox told the investigator that he admitted drinking tequila the day of the first death and that he'd tossed the child on a chair.
Travis Fox faces two counts of first-degree murder. It is unclear whether Fox has an attorney. He s being held without bond at the Washington County Jail.
Fox also faces a charge of probation violation.
According to court documents, he was sentenced to five years probation in 2009 after pleading guilty to residential burglary and several other theft-related charges.
Fox will not be formally charged until his arraignment on April 17 and A funeral for William Fox is being planned at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2295393/Why-Arkansas-father-Travis-Fox-investigation-killing-newborn-son-allowed-return-family-home.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Why was father under investigation for shaking his newborn son to death allowed to return to the family home where he killed his other baby son in the SAME way?
Travis Fox confessed to killing his two infant sons Travis Fox II and William Fox - 18-months apart
He was under investigation for his first child's death by shaking when his second son was hospitalized and died the same way
Fox has a history with drugs and anger issues
By PAUL THOMPSON
PUBLISHED: 15:01 EST, 18 March 2013 | UPDATED: 08:09 EST, 19 March 2013
Hard questions are being asked in Springdale, Washington County, after a 24-year-old father appeared in court today charged with the violent murders of his two infant sons - 18-months apart.
Travis Fox admitted to police in the Arkansas city that last week he shook his seven-month old son William to death after consuming five beers on Wednesday and then confessed to killing his son Travis Fox II the exact same way in 2011 after a tequila binge.
And despite his fiancee's shock at his admission, it has emerged that Washington County sheriff's suspected him of murdering his first child as did the couple's church pastor - but no charges were pressed and he was allowed to return home to ultimately kill again.
Seven month-old William Fox, died at Northwest Medical Center from injuries as a result of being violently shaken in his parents home on Wednesday last week.
Questioned by Springdale police, immediately after, Fox told investigators 'that he violently shook the child for an extended amount of time because the child was `fussing,' said officers in a news release.
'He demonstrated the shake and it was violent,' said officials, who added that Fox said he had been heavily drinking before shaking his infant son to death.
While Springdale police officers were investigating the death they learned Fox was already under investigation by Washington County sheriff's for the death of his other son Travis II 18 months ago.
Travis II died from 'suspicious' injuries in September 2011.
An autopsy was inconclusive and Fox was never charged with any crime - despite the strong suspicion of the Washington County Coroner.
Indeed, after the death of his latest son, the coroner remembered Fox and contacted police.
In addition, the Foxes pastor, Tim Estes admitted to 40/29 News in Arkansas that after the memorial service for the couple's first child, he felt uneasy about the circumstances.
'I have to tell you some alarm bells went off in my mind when the first baby was brought in. Something felt uneasy in my spirit,' said Estes.
But in the aftermath of the terrible crimes against two defenseless children, hindsight is proving no help for those who knew Travis Fox.
Estes told 40/29 that Fox had been known to suffer from drug and anger issues and he had tried to help him as a youth.
Neighbors also said that they sometimes heard the Foxes argue. Angela Robison who lived in the same Olivewood Apartments as the Foxes said she would hear him argue with his wife Tiffany - who is currently pregnant with twins. Family home: Travis lived at his Springdale, Arkansas, home with his wife Tiffany and their sons,
'She would say ‘he hit me’ and he would say ‘I didn’t,’ said Robinson to 5newsonline.
'I would tell him ‘come to my house before you hit her, come down and talk to me’ because we were close.'
'Just, poor babies and I don’t understand how he could do it. I know he admitted it but still hard to actually think of him because he wasn’t like that.
'My kids picked on him and played around with him and he never got mad.'
His wife has claimed she knew never saw this coming and has disowned her husband, labeling him a 'baby killer'.
Incredibly, having escaped punishment for the murder of his first son, Fox and Tiffany had an falling out around a year-ago and he begged his wife to let him come home.
Judging by the dates on his wife's myspace.com page where he posted his apology, Tiffany would have been four-months pregnant with William.
'I miss him so much thats (sic) also my son,' wrote Fox. 'I love the hell out of him. Babygurl I love u (sic) so much too.'
It was while being questioned, Fox allegedly confessed to killing both his children.
He told investigators his first child died after he shook him for 30-45 seconds.
'Mr. Fox said he was angered and tired because he was up for two days without sleep,' a prosecutor wrote in his report.
The report says Fox told the investigator that he admitted drinking tequila the day of the first death and that he'd tossed the child on a chair.
Travis Fox faces two counts of first-degree murder. It is unclear whether Fox has an attorney. He s being held without bond at the Washington County Jail.
Fox also faces a charge of probation violation.
According to court documents, he was sentenced to five years probation in 2009 after pleading guilty to residential burglary and several other theft-related charges.
Fox will not be formally charged until his arraignment on April 17 and A funeral for William Fox is being planned at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Dad charged with 1st-degree murder in deaths of two babies (Springdale, Arkansas)
Dad is identified as TRAVIS FOX.
http://news.yahoo.com/arkansas-father-arrested-deaths-2-infants-232341187.html#.UUNP8248ZYg.facebook
Arkansas father arrested in deaths of 2 infants
Associated Press – 17 hrs ago
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas man accused of fatally shaking two of his infant children in separate angry outbursts was charged Thursday with two counts of first-degree murder.
A 7-month-old baby was brought Wednesday to Northwest Medical Center, where doctors found the boy to have suspicious injuries.
Under questioning, the baby's father, Travis Fox, 24, of Springdale, told investigators "that he violently shook the child for an extended amount of time because the child was 'fussing,'''police said in a news release.
"He demonstrated the shake and it was violent," the release said.
Authorities said Fox acknowledged that he drank five beers before shaking the baby.
While the baby's death was being investigated, Springdale officers learned that Fox was under investigation for the Sept. 4, 2011, death of another of his children, a 6-month-old boy.
A Washington County sheriff's detective interviewed Fox about the baby's death in 2011.
"Mr. Fox admitted that he shook his 6-month-old son for 30-45 seconds because he was 'fussing,'" according to a prosecutor's report. "Mr. Fox said he was angered and tired because he was up for two days without sleep."
The report says Fox told the investigator that he admitted drinking tequila the day of the first death and that he'd tossed the child on a chair.
"Mr. Fox admitted he needs help for his anger," the report said.
It was unclear Thursday whether Fox had an attorney. He was being held without bond at the Washington County Jail.
http://news.yahoo.com/arkansas-father-arrested-deaths-2-infants-232341187.html#.UUNP8248ZYg.facebook
Arkansas father arrested in deaths of 2 infants
Associated Press – 17 hrs ago
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas man accused of fatally shaking two of his infant children in separate angry outbursts was charged Thursday with two counts of first-degree murder.
A 7-month-old baby was brought Wednesday to Northwest Medical Center, where doctors found the boy to have suspicious injuries.
Under questioning, the baby's father, Travis Fox, 24, of Springdale, told investigators "that he violently shook the child for an extended amount of time because the child was 'fussing,'''police said in a news release.
"He demonstrated the shake and it was violent," the release said.
Authorities said Fox acknowledged that he drank five beers before shaking the baby.
While the baby's death was being investigated, Springdale officers learned that Fox was under investigation for the Sept. 4, 2011, death of another of his children, a 6-month-old boy.
A Washington County sheriff's detective interviewed Fox about the baby's death in 2011.
"Mr. Fox admitted that he shook his 6-month-old son for 30-45 seconds because he was 'fussing,'" according to a prosecutor's report. "Mr. Fox said he was angered and tired because he was up for two days without sleep."
The report says Fox told the investigator that he admitted drinking tequila the day of the first death and that he'd tossed the child on a chair.
"Mr. Fox admitted he needs help for his anger," the report said.
It was unclear Thursday whether Fox had an attorney. He was being held without bond at the Washington County Jail.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Dad sentenced to 245 years for child sexual abuse (LeFlore County, Arkansas)
Dad is identified as JAMES HASKIN. Notice that Mom will probably also go to prison for "enabling"--a charge that is seldom levied against the partners of abusive women.
http://5newsonline.com/2013/01/11/leflore-county-man-sentenced-to-245-years-in-child-sex-abuse-case/
Father Sentenced to 245 Years in Child Sex Abuse Case
Posted on: 4:36 pm, January 11, 2013, by Alicia Agent, updated on: 05:18pm, January 11, 2013
A LeFlore County jury found James Haskin, 62, of Monroe, guilty on multiple counts of child sexual abuse and neglect Friday.
He was sentenced to 245 years in prison, according to Margaret Nicholson, LeFlore County assistant district attorney.
Haskin will be formally sentenced on Feb. 22. He will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before he can be eligible for parole.
Haskin is charged with nine counts of child neglect and three counts of sexual abuse toward his children. His trial began Monday.
His wife Lucinda entered a plea of “no contest” to nine counts of child neglect and three counts of enabling child sexual abuse and gave up her right to a trial on Jan. 4. She will also be sentenced on Feb. 22.
Nicholson said it will be up to the judge to determine her sentence.
The jury was made up of seven men and five women, Nicholson said.
The couple was arrested on Nov. 1, 2011, after one of their nine children told a case worker that she and another sibling had been sexually abused by Haskin.
One of the daughters claimed to have given birth to a stillborn child which Haskin delivered and buried on their 25-acre property. Authorities believed Haskin was the father of the baby, however no remains were ever found on the property.
http://5newsonline.com/2013/01/11/leflore-county-man-sentenced-to-245-years-in-child-sex-abuse-case/
Father Sentenced to 245 Years in Child Sex Abuse Case
Posted on: 4:36 pm, January 11, 2013, by Alicia Agent, updated on: 05:18pm, January 11, 2013
A LeFlore County jury found James Haskin, 62, of Monroe, guilty on multiple counts of child sexual abuse and neglect Friday.
He was sentenced to 245 years in prison, according to Margaret Nicholson, LeFlore County assistant district attorney.
Haskin will be formally sentenced on Feb. 22. He will be required to serve 85 percent of his sentence before he can be eligible for parole.
Haskin is charged with nine counts of child neglect and three counts of sexual abuse toward his children. His trial began Monday.
His wife Lucinda entered a plea of “no contest” to nine counts of child neglect and three counts of enabling child sexual abuse and gave up her right to a trial on Jan. 4. She will also be sentenced on Feb. 22.
Nicholson said it will be up to the judge to determine her sentence.
The jury was made up of seven men and five women, Nicholson said.
The couple was arrested on Nov. 1, 2011, after one of their nine children told a case worker that she and another sibling had been sexually abused by Haskin.
One of the daughters claimed to have given birth to a stillborn child which Haskin delivered and buried on their 25-acre property. Authorities believed Haskin was the father of the baby, however no remains were ever found on the property.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Dad charged with murder in death of 4-month-old daughter; arrested after child custody hearing for 2-year-old son (Bryant, Arkansas)
This case follows a pattern very often seen with abusive men, where the kids are killed after the marriage is breaking up or on the verge of breaking up. Also notice that this father apparently had no qualms about pursuing custody of the surviving child--also a very interesting sign. Typical of narcissists with big control issues. And also notice that Mom no longer has custody, the grandparents do. Even though she apparently isn't charged with anything. We'll see what happens at trial.
Dad is identified as DEVIN HUNT.
http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=589672
New Details About 4-Month-Old's Death in Bryant, Father Charged With Murder
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News Updated: September 26, 2012
There are new details about the 4-month-old baby from Bryant who died, police say, at the hands of her own father.
We were the first to tell you about Presley Faith Hunt on Monday. She died at Arkansas Children's hospital June 22nd.
Doctors say Presley suffered from Abusive Head Trauma.
She had swelling and bleeding on her brain, as well as other injuries; she even suffered from a tear in her eye.
Investigators say after reviewing the medical report released Friday, they had enough to charge Presley's father with capital murder.
"It is not an easy case for anyone, by any means," said Sgt. Todd Crowson with Bryant Police.
Though accustomed to dealing with murder cases, investigators say Presley's death is especially tough.
"It's even harder when it's a small small child like this, a defenseless child. It really hits home," said Sgt. Crowson.
Sgt. Crowson says they were called to Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) after learning of Presley's injuries.
They say Devin Hunt, 23, was at a home on Independence Dr. in Bryant June 21st, alone with Presley and his other child, a 2-year-old son.
Hunt at first told an investigator he left the room for just a moment, heard Presley cry, and came back to see the 2-year-old standing over her.
Doctors at ACH told police the sibling couldn't have been the one to cause the severe injuries.
Now, police say, before and since his arrest Monday morning, Hunt has been silent.
"He hasn't been wanting to give any statements," Sgt. Crowson said.
Police are puzzled over exactly what happened. Hunt had just finished boot camp for the National Guard. He and his wife filed for divorce shortly after Presley's death.
"Do we believe he planned to do this?" the reporter asked. "I hope not," said Sgt. Crowson.
Hunt's attorney continued to maintain his client's innocence Tuesday.
But police say they, like many others, just want to know why?
"There's only one person that can answer that and he's sitting in jail right now," said Sgt. Crowson.
An attorney for Presley's mom Tuesday told us over the phone that they have faith in God and in the legal system that justice will prevail in the case.
Hunt has a bond hearing Wednesday. He was arrested Monday at the Saline County Courthouse after a custody hearing for his 2-year-old son. Right now, police say that child is with his maternal grand-parents.
Dad is identified as DEVIN HUNT.
http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=589672
New Details About 4-Month-Old's Death in Bryant, Father Charged With Murder
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News Updated: September 26, 2012
There are new details about the 4-month-old baby from Bryant who died, police say, at the hands of her own father.
We were the first to tell you about Presley Faith Hunt on Monday. She died at Arkansas Children's hospital June 22nd.
Doctors say Presley suffered from Abusive Head Trauma.
She had swelling and bleeding on her brain, as well as other injuries; she even suffered from a tear in her eye.
Investigators say after reviewing the medical report released Friday, they had enough to charge Presley's father with capital murder.
"It is not an easy case for anyone, by any means," said Sgt. Todd Crowson with Bryant Police.
Though accustomed to dealing with murder cases, investigators say Presley's death is especially tough.
"It's even harder when it's a small small child like this, a defenseless child. It really hits home," said Sgt. Crowson.
Sgt. Crowson says they were called to Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) after learning of Presley's injuries.
They say Devin Hunt, 23, was at a home on Independence Dr. in Bryant June 21st, alone with Presley and his other child, a 2-year-old son.
Hunt at first told an investigator he left the room for just a moment, heard Presley cry, and came back to see the 2-year-old standing over her.
Doctors at ACH told police the sibling couldn't have been the one to cause the severe injuries.
Now, police say, before and since his arrest Monday morning, Hunt has been silent.
"He hasn't been wanting to give any statements," Sgt. Crowson said.
Police are puzzled over exactly what happened. Hunt had just finished boot camp for the National Guard. He and his wife filed for divorce shortly after Presley's death.
"Do we believe he planned to do this?" the reporter asked. "I hope not," said Sgt. Crowson.
Hunt's attorney continued to maintain his client's innocence Tuesday.
But police say they, like many others, just want to know why?
"There's only one person that can answer that and he's sitting in jail right now," said Sgt. Crowson.
An attorney for Presley's mom Tuesday told us over the phone that they have faith in God and in the legal system that justice will prevail in the case.
Hunt has a bond hearing Wednesday. He was arrested Monday at the Saline County Courthouse after a custody hearing for his 2-year-old son. Right now, police say that child is with his maternal grand-parents.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Dad arrested after baby, mom assaulted (Berryville, Arkansas)
Dad is identified as JAVIER B. MARTINEZ.
http://www.carrollconews.com/story/1881466.html
Father arrested after baby, mom hurt
Monday, August 13, 2012
By Tina Parker, Carroll County News
BERRYVILLE -- A Berryville man faces felony child abuse and domestic charges after an altercation with family members.
Javier B. Martinez, 18, was arrested by the Berryville Police Department on Monday, Aug. 6 after he injured his infant son and girlfriend during an argument, police said.
According to a police report, Martinez started to wreck the house when he and his girlfriend, began to argue after she had friends over at their apartment while he was at work.
When police arrived they found the door to the apartment open, a 1-year-old child crying in the arms of his mother and Martinez surrounded by broken household items.
Martinez allegedly fractured his infant son's leg, caused bruising around the temple area and caused a cut to the child's foot from broken glass.
The child was taken to Mercy Hospital and his leg was put in a splint. The girlfriend had a bump on her head, bruising and red marks on her neck and a scratch on her leg, according the police report.
A prior incident was reported to police on Aug. 1, 2011 by the grandmother, but the department was unable to act because a statement was not given by the girlfriend.
Martinez has been charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, third-degree domestic battery and first degree assault on a family or household member.
http://www.carrollconews.com/story/1881466.html
Father arrested after baby, mom hurt
Monday, August 13, 2012
By Tina Parker, Carroll County News
BERRYVILLE -- A Berryville man faces felony child abuse and domestic charges after an altercation with family members.
Javier B. Martinez, 18, was arrested by the Berryville Police Department on Monday, Aug. 6 after he injured his infant son and girlfriend during an argument, police said.
According to a police report, Martinez started to wreck the house when he and his girlfriend, began to argue after she had friends over at their apartment while he was at work.
When police arrived they found the door to the apartment open, a 1-year-old child crying in the arms of his mother and Martinez surrounded by broken household items.
Martinez allegedly fractured his infant son's leg, caused bruising around the temple area and caused a cut to the child's foot from broken glass.
The child was taken to Mercy Hospital and his leg was put in a splint. The girlfriend had a bump on her head, bruising and red marks on her neck and a scratch on her leg, according the police report.
A prior incident was reported to police on Aug. 1, 2011 by the grandmother, but the department was unable to act because a statement was not given by the girlfriend.
Martinez has been charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, third-degree domestic battery and first degree assault on a family or household member.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Three-year-old boy brutally murdered, dumped in trash during dad's visitation; blood found in dad's apartment (Memphis, Tennessee)
We just posted on this case. Now the "missing" boy has been found dead, brutally beaten and dumped in the trash like so much garbage. Dad is identified as MAURICE BROWN SR.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2168533/Missing-toddler-Maurice-Brown-Jr-dead-days-vanished.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
The toddler thrown out with the trash: Missing three-year-old found dead days after he vanished
By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 22:40 EST, 3 July 2012 | UPDATED: 12:52 EST, 4 July 2012
Memphis police say the body of a child found in a large trash bin is a three-year-old boy who had been missing for two days.
Police Director Toney Armstrong said Tuesday night that Tennessee authorities have identified the body of Maurice Brown Jr, who was reported missing by his father on Sunday night.
The body was found more than a mile from where the boy had been staying with his father, Maurice Brown Sr, on South Pauline Street. Brown Sr is being held on $1 million bond and faces charges of child neglect in the case.
The cause of death is still under investigation and Armstrong would not reveal details of the body's condition. But the police director said he could not fathom how someone could kill and dispose of a child's body in the manner seen in this case.
'A person capable of something like this will do absolutely anything,' Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said in a press conference Tuesday night, according to The Commercial Appeal.
'I, certainly as the father of a small child, can't even begin to imagine what would prompt somebody or trigger somebody to not only react violently to a small three-year-old child ... but to dispose of the body in such a manner is just unimaginable.'
Armstrong said the discovery was part of a systematic search for the boy. Police said the father had told them that he fell asleep for about 1 1/2 hours Sunday night and awakened to find a door open and the boy gone.
However, a police affidavit contradicted his account. A witness told police that he saw Brown Sr leaving his apartment with a child draped over his right shoulder and walk toward a parking lot on the north side of the apartment building between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the affidavit.
Police said they found blood in Brown Sr's apartment, and detectives believed the boy may have been seriously injured. Maurice Brown, Sr, was charged with child neglect or endangerment on Monday night. Court records do not show if he has a lawyer.
Police used helicopters and dogs in their search for the boy. Flyers with the boy's photo on them were distributed in the neighborhood near downtown Memphis where Maurice Brown Sr lives.
Armstrong said detectives are still investigating, including whether Brown Sr will face additional charges.
The affidavit said that the father had threatened to spank his son for wetting his pants on Sunday night, but instead he told the boy to change clothes and made him sit down to watch television.
That's when, the father says, he fell asleep on a couch in the living room, the affidavit said.
Brown Sr told police he woke up at around 10 p.m. and searched the apartment and the neighborhood, but could not find his son.
Police said they found evidence of spattered and pooled blood in the man's bathroom that was consistent with a beating. Police also found a white piece of cloth with blood on it, the affidavit said.
'Based upon the age of the missing child, and the blood evidence in the bathroom, which is consistent with blunt force trauma, the affiant has probable cause to believe that the child has sustained serious bodily injury,' said the affidavit, signed by homicide detective Darren Goods.
The boy's mother, Latoya Kanneh, told The Commercial Appeal that she drove to Memphis from Pine Bluff, Ark., after being told by police that her son was missing. Kanneh, 23, said her son lived with her in Arkansas but was visiting his father in Memphis.
When she arrived at the apartment complex, family and friends flyered the neighborhood with missing posters of the boy. 'Where’s my baby?' she shouted. 'I just want my baby.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2168533/Missing-toddler-Maurice-Brown-Jr-dead-days-vanished.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
The toddler thrown out with the trash: Missing three-year-old found dead days after he vanished
By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 22:40 EST, 3 July 2012 | UPDATED: 12:52 EST, 4 July 2012
Memphis police say the body of a child found in a large trash bin is a three-year-old boy who had been missing for two days.
Police Director Toney Armstrong said Tuesday night that Tennessee authorities have identified the body of Maurice Brown Jr, who was reported missing by his father on Sunday night.
The body was found more than a mile from where the boy had been staying with his father, Maurice Brown Sr, on South Pauline Street. Brown Sr is being held on $1 million bond and faces charges of child neglect in the case.
The cause of death is still under investigation and Armstrong would not reveal details of the body's condition. But the police director said he could not fathom how someone could kill and dispose of a child's body in the manner seen in this case.
'A person capable of something like this will do absolutely anything,' Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said in a press conference Tuesday night, according to The Commercial Appeal.
'I, certainly as the father of a small child, can't even begin to imagine what would prompt somebody or trigger somebody to not only react violently to a small three-year-old child ... but to dispose of the body in such a manner is just unimaginable.'
Armstrong said the discovery was part of a systematic search for the boy. Police said the father had told them that he fell asleep for about 1 1/2 hours Sunday night and awakened to find a door open and the boy gone.
However, a police affidavit contradicted his account. A witness told police that he saw Brown Sr leaving his apartment with a child draped over his right shoulder and walk toward a parking lot on the north side of the apartment building between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, according to the affidavit.
Police said they found blood in Brown Sr's apartment, and detectives believed the boy may have been seriously injured. Maurice Brown, Sr, was charged with child neglect or endangerment on Monday night. Court records do not show if he has a lawyer.
Police used helicopters and dogs in their search for the boy. Flyers with the boy's photo on them were distributed in the neighborhood near downtown Memphis where Maurice Brown Sr lives.
Armstrong said detectives are still investigating, including whether Brown Sr will face additional charges.
The affidavit said that the father had threatened to spank his son for wetting his pants on Sunday night, but instead he told the boy to change clothes and made him sit down to watch television.
That's when, the father says, he fell asleep on a couch in the living room, the affidavit said.
Brown Sr told police he woke up at around 10 p.m. and searched the apartment and the neighborhood, but could not find his son.
Police said they found evidence of spattered and pooled blood in the man's bathroom that was consistent with a beating. Police also found a white piece of cloth with blood on it, the affidavit said.
'Based upon the age of the missing child, and the blood evidence in the bathroom, which is consistent with blunt force trauma, the affiant has probable cause to believe that the child has sustained serious bodily injury,' said the affidavit, signed by homicide detective Darren Goods.
The boy's mother, Latoya Kanneh, told The Commercial Appeal that she drove to Memphis from Pine Bluff, Ark., after being told by police that her son was missing. Kanneh, 23, said her son lived with her in Arkansas but was visiting his father in Memphis.
When she arrived at the apartment complex, family and friends flyered the neighborhood with missing posters of the boy. 'Where’s my baby?' she shouted. 'I just want my baby.'
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Dad convicted of negligent homicide in 2009 death of 2-month-old son (Arkansas)
We're supposed to believe that dad CHASE CASCIO beat the baby to death because he and the mother had different upbringings? Hogwash. This was a dude with a history of violence who beat a baby to death--probably because he was "frustrated." At least, that's what usually comes out in these cases. These guys have no patience or nurturing skills--and that combined with tremendous strength becomes a deadly combination. Given the healing rib fractures, this fatal attack was not the first time Daddy had abused the baby either.
http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20120515/NEWS01/120515019
Father convicted of negligent homicide in infant's death6:43 PM, May. 15, 2012
Written by Amritha Alladi
A jury on Tuesday found Chase Cascio guilty of negligent homicide in the death of his 2-month-old son, who was killed in June 2009.
After about five hours of deliberation, the jury came back with the guilty verdict that could put Cascio in prison for two to five years, said prosecuting attorney Josephine Heller.
The verdict on Tuesday followed closing arguments by both sides, focusing on whether it was Cascio who beat and shook the baby, whether he intended to harm the baby, the believability of witness testimonies and the timing of events.
Prosecutors Heller and Nick Anderson told the jury that Cascio had a violent past, had been quoted saying “everyone has a breaking point” and that pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Jose Bermudez had testified that the injuries the baby suffered were consistent with those caused by blunt force trauma less than an hour or so before the baby was sent to the hospital.
Anderson argued Cascio had reached his breaking point at home, with the increasing arguments he had gotten into with his wife stemming from their different upbringings and financial struggles.
Anderson said witnesses such as the baby’s mother, great-grandmother and a family neighbor had testified that the baby had seemed happy days and hours before he was in Cascio’s care.
But defense attorney Darrell Oliveaux suggested the injuries could have happened much earlier, perhaps when the baby was in the care of a different family member. He said Bermudez, who had testified about the injuries, later deferred expert opinion regarding when the injuries could have occurred to forensic pathologist Dr. Frank Peretti of the Arkansas Crime Lab.
Peretti told the court the bleeding and injuries could have happened hours or days earlier, Oliveaux told the jury. He added that Peretti had said the baby didn’t have neck injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome, so the shaking of the baby and patting of its back to which Cascio had admitted was in an attempt to help the baby, who was already choking, Oliveaux said. He added that the symptoms the baby displayed when Cascio was caring for his son — loss of consciousness, irritability, respiratory arrest — were consistent with injuries the baby could have received hours or days earlier, according to expert testimony.
The News-Star files state that on June 3, 2009, an ambulance took the child from Cascio’s residence to Glenwood Regional Medical Center’s emergency room. The infant was sent to the pediatric intensive care unit at St. Francis North Hospital later because the injuries were too serious.
The attending physician discovered large quantities of blood surrounding the infant’s brain and subdural hematoma. The attending physician noted that the infant was not responsive and not breathing on his own, reports stated.
The physician reportedly associated the injuries with Shaken Baby Syndrome, although the doctor noted that the baby also had broken ribs, but that the injury was older and healing.
An investigation into the incident revealed that the infant was in Cascio’s care when he made the 911 call for assistance.
Jurors were asked to find the defendant guilty of second-degree murder, guilty of manslaughter, guilty of negligent homicide or not guilty.
http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20120515/NEWS01/120515019
Father convicted of negligent homicide in infant's death6:43 PM, May. 15, 2012
Written by Amritha Alladi
A jury on Tuesday found Chase Cascio guilty of negligent homicide in the death of his 2-month-old son, who was killed in June 2009.
After about five hours of deliberation, the jury came back with the guilty verdict that could put Cascio in prison for two to five years, said prosecuting attorney Josephine Heller.
The verdict on Tuesday followed closing arguments by both sides, focusing on whether it was Cascio who beat and shook the baby, whether he intended to harm the baby, the believability of witness testimonies and the timing of events.
Prosecutors Heller and Nick Anderson told the jury that Cascio had a violent past, had been quoted saying “everyone has a breaking point” and that pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Jose Bermudez had testified that the injuries the baby suffered were consistent with those caused by blunt force trauma less than an hour or so before the baby was sent to the hospital.
Anderson argued Cascio had reached his breaking point at home, with the increasing arguments he had gotten into with his wife stemming from their different upbringings and financial struggles.
Anderson said witnesses such as the baby’s mother, great-grandmother and a family neighbor had testified that the baby had seemed happy days and hours before he was in Cascio’s care.
But defense attorney Darrell Oliveaux suggested the injuries could have happened much earlier, perhaps when the baby was in the care of a different family member. He said Bermudez, who had testified about the injuries, later deferred expert opinion regarding when the injuries could have occurred to forensic pathologist Dr. Frank Peretti of the Arkansas Crime Lab.
Peretti told the court the bleeding and injuries could have happened hours or days earlier, Oliveaux told the jury. He added that Peretti had said the baby didn’t have neck injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome, so the shaking of the baby and patting of its back to which Cascio had admitted was in an attempt to help the baby, who was already choking, Oliveaux said. He added that the symptoms the baby displayed when Cascio was caring for his son — loss of consciousness, irritability, respiratory arrest — were consistent with injuries the baby could have received hours or days earlier, according to expert testimony.
The News-Star files state that on June 3, 2009, an ambulance took the child from Cascio’s residence to Glenwood Regional Medical Center’s emergency room. The infant was sent to the pediatric intensive care unit at St. Francis North Hospital later because the injuries were too serious.
The attending physician discovered large quantities of blood surrounding the infant’s brain and subdural hematoma. The attending physician noted that the infant was not responsive and not breathing on his own, reports stated.
The physician reportedly associated the injuries with Shaken Baby Syndrome, although the doctor noted that the baby also had broken ribs, but that the injury was older and healing.
An investigation into the incident revealed that the infant was in Cascio’s care when he made the 911 call for assistance.
Jurors were asked to find the defendant guilty of second-degree murder, guilty of manslaughter, guilty of negligent homicide or not guilty.
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