Once again, it is highly likely Daddy had a history of violence and abuse before he separated from the mother. But of course he got his custody "rights" anyway.
Dad is identified as GREGORY BINGHAM.
http://kfor.com/2016/05/17/calumet-man-facing-charges-of-child-abuse/
Oklahoma man accused of beating his 8-year-old daughter multiple times
Posted 6:46 pm, May 17, 2016, by Sheldra Brigham, Updated at 06:19am, May 18, 2016
CALUMET, Okla. - A Calumet man is facing charges of child abuse.
He's accused of beating his daughter on and off over a 45-minute period.
Gregory Bingham is facing one count of child abuse after returning his 8-year-old to her mother after a weekend visit at his home.
"What happened is she had gone to pick up her daughter and she was changing her clothes so they could go to Yukon to another event. She realized she had severe bruising around her butt, thighs and legs," said Chris West.
That's when Canadian County Undersheriff West said the mother called authorities.
"When the mother realized the girl had been severely beaten, had bruised black and blue, I'm talking several dozen stripes from a leather belt. She reportedly had received multiple beatings in a 24-hour period," West said.
The child was examined and questioned and her father, Bingham, was arrested.
Deputies said he admitted the spanking was excessive.
According to investigators, Bingham stated he spanked his daughter on her backside on eight separate occasions over a 45-minute period with three 'licks' each time for a total of 24 strikes.
"Kids go through a lot of trauma when that happens, because kids are trusting to adults, especially parents," West said.
It's the type of abuse officials are seeing more and more of - a line that is crossed when spanking turns to beating.
"Oklahoma allows ordinary force, which includes spanking, paddling and switching. At DHS, we look at number of factors. The biggest one is the age. But, what's appropriate for a 13-year-old is not the same for a 3-year-old. So, we consider are there marks and where the bruises are located, the intent or reason for the discipline or punishment," said Katelynn Burns, DHS.
Bingham is out of jail on a $10,000 bond.
Showing posts with label Oklahoma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oklahoma. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Custodial dad, step charged with abusing 3-year-old son (Sequoyah County, Oklahoma)
As we so often see, the precise custodial rights of dad BENJAMIN BARKER are not spelled out. However, it seems likely he had full custody as there is ZERO mention of the mother. What happened to this boy's mom? It's an important question to ask, as child abusing fathers are very often wife beaters, and vice versa. And this type is the most likely kind of father to pursue and be awarded full custody.
http://www.newson6.com/story/31741746/sallisaw-father-stepmom-charged-with-child-abuse-of-three-year-old
Sallisaw Father, Stepmom Charged With Child Abuse Of Three-Year-Old
Posted: Apr 16, 2016 10:29 AM EDT Updated: Apr 16, 2016 10:54 AM EDT
By: NewsOn6.com
SEQUOYAH COUNTY, Oklahoma - A Sallisaw couple was arrested this week after they were charged with child abuse of his three-year-old son.
Benjamin Barker, 26, the boy's father, and Victoria Barker, 22, the stepmother, were arrested by deputies after Tulsa doctors diagnosed the child with a litany of severe injuries.
KFSM, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith reports the couple's son had been seen by doctors in November 2015. In an affidavit, doctors said the boy had multiple contusions, a head injury and non-accidental traumatic injuries.
The affidavit also stated that Victoria's actions were "violent" and "non-accidental."
Benjamin Barker is charged with enabling child abuse by injury and Victoria Barker is charged with child abuse by injury. The charges were filed this week after prosecutors got the doctor's report.
Court records show the Barkers have a court appearance set for April 20.
http://www.newson6.com/story/31741746/sallisaw-father-stepmom-charged-with-child-abuse-of-three-year-old
Sallisaw Father, Stepmom Charged With Child Abuse Of Three-Year-Old
Posted: Apr 16, 2016 10:29 AM EDT Updated: Apr 16, 2016 10:54 AM EDT
By: NewsOn6.com
SEQUOYAH COUNTY, Oklahoma - A Sallisaw couple was arrested this week after they were charged with child abuse of his three-year-old son.
Benjamin Barker, 26, the boy's father, and Victoria Barker, 22, the stepmother, were arrested by deputies after Tulsa doctors diagnosed the child with a litany of severe injuries.
KFSM, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith reports the couple's son had been seen by doctors in November 2015. In an affidavit, doctors said the boy had multiple contusions, a head injury and non-accidental traumatic injuries.
The affidavit also stated that Victoria's actions were "violent" and "non-accidental."
Benjamin Barker is charged with enabling child abuse by injury and Victoria Barker is charged with child abuse by injury. The charges were filed this week after prosecutors got the doctor's report.
Court records show the Barkers have a court appearance set for April 20.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Sex offender dad keeps custody of 8-year-old daughter (Bakersfield, California)
This case has all the classic red flags of child sexual abuse--and all the signs of judicial cover up of the same. Dad is identified as NICHOLAS ELIZONDO.
http://www.bakersfield.com/columnists/2015/12/28/jose-gaspar-sex-offender-dad-keeps-custody-of-child.html
JOSE GASPAR: Sex offender dad keeps custody of child
BY JOSE GASPAR
For The Californian Monday, Dec 28, 2015 12:00 AM
For the second time in less than three years, a court recently awarded custody of an 8-year-old girl to her father, who is a registered sex offender.
I first told you about this strange case back in 2013 when a judge in Oklahoma City awarded custody of the then 6-year-old child to 57-year-old Nicholas Elizondo of Bakersfield. In 1995, Elizondo pleaded no contest to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child younger than 14.
Elizondo later married Lisa Knight and the pair had a child, but the marriage didn't work out and Knight moved to Oklahoma City, where she was raising her daughter. After his release from prison, Elizondo traveled to Oklahoma City and obtained visitation rights to see and be with his daughter. He then fought for custody of the girl, which was granted by Oklahoma County Judge Howard Haralson.
Knight appealed and lost.
Elizondo came back to Bakersfield with his daughter and Knight followed soon after and filed for child custody in Kern County Superior Court. But Knight had a big hurdle to overcome.
The fact that her ex-husband is a registered sex offender could not be used in the child custody hearing. Kern County Court Commissioner James Compton said that issue had already been litigated in Oklahoma City. Knight would have to show that there was a significant change of circumstances detrimental to her daughter living with her father that warrants a change of custody.
The mother alleged that while looking through a window, she saw her daughter and Elizondo in the same bed and Elizondo was wearing nothing but underwear.
On the stand, Elizondo said he was wearing “swim trunks,” not underwear. He also said his daughter was simply on top of the bed, not “under the covers” with him.
Police were called to the house, but nobody was arrested or charged with a crime. Knight said she believed her daughter was at risk of being sexually abused, was not receiving proper medical care and had a urinary tract infection. Knight also claimed Elizondo had assaulted her at a hospital parking lot in Madera.
The child never testified, though she was represented by her own court-appointed attorney, Stephanie Childers. Earlier this month, Compton ruled in favor of keeping the child with Elizondo while Knight has visitation rights.
“The court does not find a basis to change custody,” said Compton.
Elizondo declined to give an interview but stated, “This proves I’m not a danger to my own daughter.”
The hearing did provide an opportunity to finally get a reading of why Judge Haralson initially awarded Elizondo custody of the child. Court transcripts from the Oklahoma case in 2013 were admitted into evidence.
Though Knight has no criminal or drug abuse history, Haralson found she was not the person raising her daughter. Rather, he said, other relatives were, and the child had not received proper psychological and medical treatment.
“Mother is not doing her job as a parent, and I wish she would,” said Haralson.
Allegations that the child had been sexually abused were not found credible. And referring to Elizondo, the judge said, “He's got a target on his back as a registered sex offender, and you know people are going to try to set you up.”
The child Elizondo was convicted of molesting back in 1995 is now an adult, and she testified in Oklahoma on behalf of Elizondo, saying the abuse never happened. Elizondo, a former parole officer, has said the only reason he pleaded no contest in 1995 was because Kern County had just finished prosecuting the infamous “witch hunt” child sex abuse trials.
These were cases in which scores of local people were sentenced to hundreds of years in prison after being wrongfully convicted. Elizondo said he feared the same would happen to him, so he took a six-year plea deal and served four before being released.
Knight said she will continue to pursue the case and plans to appeal.
What a bizarre case. Who is telling the truth? A child's life hangs in the balance.
http://www.bakersfield.com/columnists/2015/12/28/jose-gaspar-sex-offender-dad-keeps-custody-of-child.html
JOSE GASPAR: Sex offender dad keeps custody of child
BY JOSE GASPAR
For The Californian Monday, Dec 28, 2015 12:00 AM
For the second time in less than three years, a court recently awarded custody of an 8-year-old girl to her father, who is a registered sex offender.
I first told you about this strange case back in 2013 when a judge in Oklahoma City awarded custody of the then 6-year-old child to 57-year-old Nicholas Elizondo of Bakersfield. In 1995, Elizondo pleaded no contest to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child younger than 14.
Elizondo later married Lisa Knight and the pair had a child, but the marriage didn't work out and Knight moved to Oklahoma City, where she was raising her daughter. After his release from prison, Elizondo traveled to Oklahoma City and obtained visitation rights to see and be with his daughter. He then fought for custody of the girl, which was granted by Oklahoma County Judge Howard Haralson.
Knight appealed and lost.
Elizondo came back to Bakersfield with his daughter and Knight followed soon after and filed for child custody in Kern County Superior Court. But Knight had a big hurdle to overcome.
The fact that her ex-husband is a registered sex offender could not be used in the child custody hearing. Kern County Court Commissioner James Compton said that issue had already been litigated in Oklahoma City. Knight would have to show that there was a significant change of circumstances detrimental to her daughter living with her father that warrants a change of custody.
The mother alleged that while looking through a window, she saw her daughter and Elizondo in the same bed and Elizondo was wearing nothing but underwear.
On the stand, Elizondo said he was wearing “swim trunks,” not underwear. He also said his daughter was simply on top of the bed, not “under the covers” with him.
Police were called to the house, but nobody was arrested or charged with a crime. Knight said she believed her daughter was at risk of being sexually abused, was not receiving proper medical care and had a urinary tract infection. Knight also claimed Elizondo had assaulted her at a hospital parking lot in Madera.
The child never testified, though she was represented by her own court-appointed attorney, Stephanie Childers. Earlier this month, Compton ruled in favor of keeping the child with Elizondo while Knight has visitation rights.
“The court does not find a basis to change custody,” said Compton.
Elizondo declined to give an interview but stated, “This proves I’m not a danger to my own daughter.”
The hearing did provide an opportunity to finally get a reading of why Judge Haralson initially awarded Elizondo custody of the child. Court transcripts from the Oklahoma case in 2013 were admitted into evidence.
Though Knight has no criminal or drug abuse history, Haralson found she was not the person raising her daughter. Rather, he said, other relatives were, and the child had not received proper psychological and medical treatment.
“Mother is not doing her job as a parent, and I wish she would,” said Haralson.
Allegations that the child had been sexually abused were not found credible. And referring to Elizondo, the judge said, “He's got a target on his back as a registered sex offender, and you know people are going to try to set you up.”
The child Elizondo was convicted of molesting back in 1995 is now an adult, and she testified in Oklahoma on behalf of Elizondo, saying the abuse never happened. Elizondo, a former parole officer, has said the only reason he pleaded no contest in 1995 was because Kern County had just finished prosecuting the infamous “witch hunt” child sex abuse trials.
These were cases in which scores of local people were sentenced to hundreds of years in prison after being wrongfully convicted. Elizondo said he feared the same would happen to him, so he took a six-year plea deal and served four before being released.
Knight said she will continue to pursue the case and plans to appeal.
What a bizarre case. Who is telling the truth? A child's life hangs in the balance.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Lawyer: registered sex offender dad keeping custody is "right decision" (Bakersfield, California)
Remember when the Fathers Rights movement claimed that they were just about loving daddies getting to see their children like mommies do? Remember when concerned mothers and others warned that mandatory joint custody and other schemes to promote father involvement could lead to abuses if domestic violence, child abuse, criminal behavior and the like was minimized or ignored? You remember how those concerns were dismissed as "irrational" or "hysterical"?
Welcome to the brave new world. The FRs and their minions don't just ignore abuse now. They openly flaunt that a custodial dad of an 8-year-old daughter, a dad who is a restistered sex offender, should have sole custody. And how that's a good thing. This is how sick things are now.
Dad is identified as NICHOLAS ELIZONDO.
http://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/lawyer-sex-offender-dad-keeping-custody-was-the-right-decision
Lawyer: sex offender dad keeping custody was the right decision
By Adam Herbets, Eyewitness News |Wednesday, December 9th 2015
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — An attorney representing a registered sex offender says he's happy with the court's ruling to not award custody to the child's mother.
Eyewitness News has been covering the story of Nicholas Elizondo and his ex-wife, Lisa Knight, for about two and a half years. Their 8-year-old daughter has been stuck in the middle of it. Ira Stoker, Elizondo's lawyer, said there is a lot more to the case than just the fact that, yes, his client is a registered sex offender.
"We deal with these issues every day in family law court," he said. "There's nothing really new here."
He went on to say that even though he's never represented a registered sex offender before, Elizondo's criminal record doesn't disqualify him from being the best parent to take care of his daughter.
These are all things that a judge in Oklahoma knew when Elizondo was awarded custody of the young girl in 2013. Stoker did not represent Elizondo in that hearing, but he studied up on the case after Knight filed for an appeal.
"He made that ruling because that was in the best interests of the child," said Stoker. "There was issues revolving (around Knight's) mental state."
Elizondo declined requests for an interview, but he did give one statement after the hearing.
"This proves I'm not a danger to my own daughter," he said.
Stoker thinks the whole thing was blown out of proportion, especially because he knew that Court Commissioner James Compton would not relitigate the original case from 2013. That means Knight would have had to show that there had been a change of circumstances to be awarded sole custody. Knight still believes there should have been enough to get a more favorable ruling.
"There might have been some sexual abuse going on," said Knight. "She won't say. She won't say why she's afraid of him ... I'd do almost anything for her, and I just keep fighting."
Knight pleaded for the opportunity to let her daughter to testify in court, but an attorney representing the minor's best interests said that wouldn't be a good idea.
"(My daughter) would have said that she wanted to live with her mother," said Knight.
The custody arrangements will stay the same. Knight will get to see her daughter three weekends out of the month, because Compton said he thinks the child needs both parents in her life.
Knight isn't convinced. She continues to be afraid of what could be going on at her ex-husband's house.
"He's a sociopath," she said. "It's scary and a lot of parents don't believe that it's happening, but it is."
Stoker said he hopes Knight doesn't try to file another appeal, for her daughter's sake.
"Anything that any loving parent can do with their child, (Elizondo) is allowed to do. He's the father," said Stoker. "He's never gotten angry. He's never even been resentful towards her ... basically she made allegations of anything that she could think of."
Welcome to the brave new world. The FRs and their minions don't just ignore abuse now. They openly flaunt that a custodial dad of an 8-year-old daughter, a dad who is a restistered sex offender, should have sole custody. And how that's a good thing. This is how sick things are now.
Dad is identified as NICHOLAS ELIZONDO.
http://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/lawyer-sex-offender-dad-keeping-custody-was-the-right-decision
Lawyer: sex offender dad keeping custody was the right decision
By Adam Herbets, Eyewitness News |Wednesday, December 9th 2015
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — An attorney representing a registered sex offender says he's happy with the court's ruling to not award custody to the child's mother.
Eyewitness News has been covering the story of Nicholas Elizondo and his ex-wife, Lisa Knight, for about two and a half years. Their 8-year-old daughter has been stuck in the middle of it. Ira Stoker, Elizondo's lawyer, said there is a lot more to the case than just the fact that, yes, his client is a registered sex offender.
"We deal with these issues every day in family law court," he said. "There's nothing really new here."
He went on to say that even though he's never represented a registered sex offender before, Elizondo's criminal record doesn't disqualify him from being the best parent to take care of his daughter.
These are all things that a judge in Oklahoma knew when Elizondo was awarded custody of the young girl in 2013. Stoker did not represent Elizondo in that hearing, but he studied up on the case after Knight filed for an appeal.
"He made that ruling because that was in the best interests of the child," said Stoker. "There was issues revolving (around Knight's) mental state."
Elizondo declined requests for an interview, but he did give one statement after the hearing.
"This proves I'm not a danger to my own daughter," he said.
Stoker thinks the whole thing was blown out of proportion, especially because he knew that Court Commissioner James Compton would not relitigate the original case from 2013. That means Knight would have had to show that there had been a change of circumstances to be awarded sole custody. Knight still believes there should have been enough to get a more favorable ruling.
"There might have been some sexual abuse going on," said Knight. "She won't say. She won't say why she's afraid of him ... I'd do almost anything for her, and I just keep fighting."
Knight pleaded for the opportunity to let her daughter to testify in court, but an attorney representing the minor's best interests said that wouldn't be a good idea.
"(My daughter) would have said that she wanted to live with her mother," said Knight.
The custody arrangements will stay the same. Knight will get to see her daughter three weekends out of the month, because Compton said he thinks the child needs both parents in her life.
Knight isn't convinced. She continues to be afraid of what could be going on at her ex-husband's house.
"He's a sociopath," she said. "It's scary and a lot of parents don't believe that it's happening, but it is."
Stoker said he hopes Knight doesn't try to file another appeal, for her daughter's sake.
"Anything that any loving parent can do with their child, (Elizondo) is allowed to do. He's the father," said Stoker. "He's never gotten angry. He's never even been resentful towards her ... basically she made allegations of anything that she could think of."
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Abusive dad in custody after abducting 2-year-old son (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Dad is identified as TRAVIS LESTER.
http://www.okcfox.com/story/29909657/police-searching-for-missing-and-endangered-2-year-old
Missing 2-year-old found, father in custody
Posted: Aug 28, 2015 2:53 PM EDT Updated: Aug 28, 2015 5:56 PM EDT
By: Austin Prickett, Sr. Digital Content Manager
The Oklahoma City Police Department says a missing 2-year-old has been found in safe condition.
According to police, a 2-year-old boy was allegedly taken by his father Travis Lester, who does not have parental rights, Thursday at a metro Walmart. An Amber Alert was issued for the missing child at around 2:30 p.m. Friday. Just after 4 p.m. Friday, Lester and the child were found at a Motel 6 in Midwest City. Lester was then taken into custody.
The Oklahoma City Police Department says the child was taken around 4 p.m. Thursday by Lester from the Walmart near I-240 and Sante Fe. Police say Lester was armed with a pistol and made threats to harm the child.
Lester allegedly told the child's mother to withdraw money for him so she could buy him a shotgun. The boy's mother then went to the bathroom and Lester took off with boy. Police were then called to the business.
The victim told police Lester had threatened and abused her in the past. She also told police Lester's parental rights had been terminated and that Lester had been attempting to intimidate her into buying the gun for him.
Police investigating the incident observed bruises on the victim. Lester was convicted of second-degree burglary in 2010. In 2006, he was convicted of domestic assault and battery.
Lester will be booked into the Oklahoma County Jail.
http://www.okcfox.com/story/29909657/police-searching-for-missing-and-endangered-2-year-old
Missing 2-year-old found, father in custody
Posted: Aug 28, 2015 2:53 PM EDT Updated: Aug 28, 2015 5:56 PM EDT
By: Austin Prickett, Sr. Digital Content Manager
The Oklahoma City Police Department says a missing 2-year-old has been found in safe condition.
According to police, a 2-year-old boy was allegedly taken by his father Travis Lester, who does not have parental rights, Thursday at a metro Walmart. An Amber Alert was issued for the missing child at around 2:30 p.m. Friday. Just after 4 p.m. Friday, Lester and the child were found at a Motel 6 in Midwest City. Lester was then taken into custody.
The Oklahoma City Police Department says the child was taken around 4 p.m. Thursday by Lester from the Walmart near I-240 and Sante Fe. Police say Lester was armed with a pistol and made threats to harm the child.
Lester allegedly told the child's mother to withdraw money for him so she could buy him a shotgun. The boy's mother then went to the bathroom and Lester took off with boy. Police were then called to the business.
The victim told police Lester had threatened and abused her in the past. She also told police Lester's parental rights had been terminated and that Lester had been attempting to intimidate her into buying the gun for him.
Police investigating the incident observed bruises on the victim. Lester was convicted of second-degree burglary in 2010. In 2006, he was convicted of domestic assault and battery.
Lester will be booked into the Oklahoma County Jail.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Dad to go on trial for blinding 4-month-old daughter (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Dad is identified as CORNELIUS SHANKLIN.
http://www.newson6.com/story/29887864/oklahoma-father-accused-of-shaking-baby-to-blindness-will-stand-trial
Oklahoma Father Accused Of Shaking Baby To Blindness Will Stand Trial
Posted: Aug 26, 2015 6:54 PM EST Updated: Aug 26, 2015 7:53 PM EST
Lori Fullbright, News On 6
TULSA, Oklahoma - A Tulsa man must stand trial for child abuse after prosecutors say he shook his 4-month-old daughter so hard, she’s now blind.
A detective and a doctor testified against Cornelius Shanklin on Wednesday, and the judge ruled there's enough evidence for him to go to trial.
About a dozen members of the baby’s family showed up to support the case in court and they all wore matching T-shirts that say “Justice for MaAliyah."
MaAliyah's family members filled two rows inside the courtroom as they listened to the testimony of a child crisis detective and a pediatrician who specializes in abuse cases.
MaAliyah's mother, Mandy, waited outside the courtroom doors, ready to testify if needed against her husband.
The detective says Shanklin told police he was watching his daughter and toddler son the night MaAliyah was injured, and he could tell she had a skull fracture and didn't look right and wouldn't stop crying.
He told police he was upstairs and thought maybe she rolled off her pillow and hit her head or their son did something to her.
A pediatrician says MaAliyah did have a skull fracture in the back of her head, bleeding in her brain and both her retinas were detached.
She testified someone would have to violently shake a baby and hit her head on something to cause those injuries.
She testified a toddler isn't strong enough or coordinated enough to shake a baby that hard, and even if a toddler dropped the baby, it would only cause bruising, not those injuries.
She also testified the baby could not at that age roll over or crawl, so couldn't cause the injuries herself.
She told the judge MaAliyah likely will be blind the rest of her life.
"She's innocent,” the pediatrician said. “She couldn't protect herself."
As it turned out, MaAliyah's mother was not called to testify, and she was relieved to learn the judge ordered her husband to stand trial.
In addition to the child abuse charge, a charge of child neglect also was added.
Prosecutors argued Shanklin did not get medical help for MaAliyah in a timely manner.
http://www.newson6.com/story/29887864/oklahoma-father-accused-of-shaking-baby-to-blindness-will-stand-trial
Oklahoma Father Accused Of Shaking Baby To Blindness Will Stand Trial
Posted: Aug 26, 2015 6:54 PM EST Updated: Aug 26, 2015 7:53 PM EST
Lori Fullbright, News On 6
TULSA, Oklahoma - A Tulsa man must stand trial for child abuse after prosecutors say he shook his 4-month-old daughter so hard, she’s now blind.
A detective and a doctor testified against Cornelius Shanklin on Wednesday, and the judge ruled there's enough evidence for him to go to trial.
About a dozen members of the baby’s family showed up to support the case in court and they all wore matching T-shirts that say “Justice for MaAliyah."
MaAliyah's family members filled two rows inside the courtroom as they listened to the testimony of a child crisis detective and a pediatrician who specializes in abuse cases.
MaAliyah's mother, Mandy, waited outside the courtroom doors, ready to testify if needed against her husband.
The detective says Shanklin told police he was watching his daughter and toddler son the night MaAliyah was injured, and he could tell she had a skull fracture and didn't look right and wouldn't stop crying.
He told police he was upstairs and thought maybe she rolled off her pillow and hit her head or their son did something to her.
A pediatrician says MaAliyah did have a skull fracture in the back of her head, bleeding in her brain and both her retinas were detached.
She testified someone would have to violently shake a baby and hit her head on something to cause those injuries.
She testified a toddler isn't strong enough or coordinated enough to shake a baby that hard, and even if a toddler dropped the baby, it would only cause bruising, not those injuries.
She also testified the baby could not at that age roll over or crawl, so couldn't cause the injuries herself.
She told the judge MaAliyah likely will be blind the rest of her life.
"She's innocent,” the pediatrician said. “She couldn't protect herself."
As it turned out, MaAliyah's mother was not called to testify, and she was relieved to learn the judge ordered her husband to stand trial.
In addition to the child abuse charge, a charge of child neglect also was added.
Prosecutors argued Shanklin did not get medical help for MaAliyah in a timely manner.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Dad charged with abusing 28-day-old baby; baby has skull fracture, multiple brain bleeds, fractures (Edmond, Oklahoma)
Dad is identified as JOHNATHAN MCKEE.
http://www.news9.com/story/29869650/edmond-father-accused-of-abusing-28-day-old-child
Edmond Father Accused Of Abusing 28-Day-Old Child
Posted: Aug 24, 2015 7:38 PM EST Updated: Aug 24, 2015 7:38 PM EST
By Dana Hertneky, News 9
EDMOND, Oklahoma - A 28-day-old baby is rushed to the hospital with severe injuries including a skull fracture and brain bleed.
This weekend, Edmond police arrested his father who is accused of abusing him.
Johnathan McKee was booked into the Oklahoma County jail Saturday night after investigators concluded he was responsible for the severe abuse of his 4-week-old baby.
Just before 6 a.m. August 1, emergency crews were called to the Edmond home on Tambos Trail near 2nd Street and Interstate 35.
“My son is a newborn and he is gurgling blood and spitting up blood and he’s not breathing right,” McKee told a dispatcher.
According to court papers the infant was rushed to OU Medical Center where doctors determined he had "multiple brain bleeds, skull fracture, multiple rib fractures and retinal hemorrhages, all indicative of child abuse."
Neither the baby's parents nor McKee's parents, who the couple was living with, would talk to investigators when they arrived at the hospital.
“We went immediately there and tried to meet with the mother and father of the infant and the grandparents of the infant and were told once we got to the hospital they had retained an attorney and were not going to cooperate with us,” Edmond police spokeswoman Jennifer Monroe said. “He has extensive injuries that will take a lifetime to recover from."
McKee has since bonded out of jail.
He was being held on a $10,000 bond.
http://www.news9.com/story/29869650/edmond-father-accused-of-abusing-28-day-old-child
Edmond Father Accused Of Abusing 28-Day-Old Child
Posted: Aug 24, 2015 7:38 PM EST Updated: Aug 24, 2015 7:38 PM EST
By Dana Hertneky, News 9
EDMOND, Oklahoma - A 28-day-old baby is rushed to the hospital with severe injuries including a skull fracture and brain bleed.
This weekend, Edmond police arrested his father who is accused of abusing him.
Johnathan McKee was booked into the Oklahoma County jail Saturday night after investigators concluded he was responsible for the severe abuse of his 4-week-old baby.
Just before 6 a.m. August 1, emergency crews were called to the Edmond home on Tambos Trail near 2nd Street and Interstate 35.
“My son is a newborn and he is gurgling blood and spitting up blood and he’s not breathing right,” McKee told a dispatcher.
According to court papers the infant was rushed to OU Medical Center where doctors determined he had "multiple brain bleeds, skull fracture, multiple rib fractures and retinal hemorrhages, all indicative of child abuse."
Neither the baby's parents nor McKee's parents, who the couple was living with, would talk to investigators when they arrived at the hospital.
“We went immediately there and tried to meet with the mother and father of the infant and the grandparents of the infant and were told once we got to the hospital they had retained an attorney and were not going to cooperate with us,” Edmond police spokeswoman Jennifer Monroe said. “He has extensive injuries that will take a lifetime to recover from."
McKee has since bonded out of jail.
He was being held on a $10,000 bond.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Dad charged with abusing young daughter; girl on ventilator, has brain bleed (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Dad is identified as JACOB TYRE.
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/father-admits-shaking-young-girl/nm5RH/
Father admits to shaking young girl
By Michael Purdy
Tulsa, Okla. — It's a disturbing story out of Tulsa, involving a 20-year-old father.
Deputies say they arrived at the St. Francis Children's Hospital this week, in reference to a child abuse call. Once there, they were told about a young girl's injuries. The age of the child hasn't been released.
Doctors informed deputies the girl had a brain bleed, bruises on her body, and she had to be put on a ventilator. Plus, she was suffering from retinal hemorrhaging.
The father, Jacob Tyre, was then interviewed. Tyre allegedly confessed to officers he had shook his daughter because she would not stop crying.
Tyre was taken to the Tulsa County Jail. He faces a count of child abuse.
An update on the child's condition hasn't been released.
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/father-admits-shaking-young-girl/nm5RH/
Father admits to shaking young girl
By Michael Purdy
Tulsa, Okla. — It's a disturbing story out of Tulsa, involving a 20-year-old father.
Deputies say they arrived at the St. Francis Children's Hospital this week, in reference to a child abuse call. Once there, they were told about a young girl's injuries. The age of the child hasn't been released.
Doctors informed deputies the girl had a brain bleed, bruises on her body, and she had to be put on a ventilator. Plus, she was suffering from retinal hemorrhaging.
The father, Jacob Tyre, was then interviewed. Tyre allegedly confessed to officers he had shook his daughter because she would not stop crying.
Tyre was taken to the Tulsa County Jail. He faces a count of child abuse.
An update on the child's condition hasn't been released.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Arrest warrant issued for dad accused of immersing 2-year-old daughter in scalding hot water (Del City, Oklahoma)
Dad is identified as TRASHAWN DEON LANIER.
http://www.news9.com/story/29362385/arrest-warrant-issued-for-ok-father-accused-of-immersing-child-in-hot-water
Arrest Warrant Issued For OK Father Accused Of Immersing Child In Hot Water
Posted: Jun 19, 2015 12:53 PM EDT Updated: Jun 19, 2015 12:53 PM EDT
By Xin Xin Liu, News9.com
DEL CITY, Oklahoma - An arrest warrant has been issued for a man accused of immersing his 2-year-old child in scalding water in Del City.
The suspect, 22-year-old Trashawn Deon Lanier, is wanted on a complaint of child neglect.
According to authorities, on May 30, officers responded to the report of a possible child abuse involving a 2-year-old girl at Baptist Hospital. The child was transported to Southwest Medical Center and then transferred to Baptist Hospital Burn Center, suffering from 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 24 percent of her body.
Based on medical examination, doctors found out that the victim had been immersed in scalding hot water.
Lanier is the victim's biological father. On May 28 at a home in Del City, Lanier was giving the victim a bath when he claimed the toddler climbed into the bath tub, which was filled with scalding hot water, and then fell into the tub.
However, a doctor said that the forensic evidence does not match Lanier's version of how the incident happened. The doctor said based on the child's injuries, Lanier would have had to physically place the victim in the water.
http://www.news9.com/story/29362385/arrest-warrant-issued-for-ok-father-accused-of-immersing-child-in-hot-water
Arrest Warrant Issued For OK Father Accused Of Immersing Child In Hot Water
Posted: Jun 19, 2015 12:53 PM EDT Updated: Jun 19, 2015 12:53 PM EDT
By Xin Xin Liu, News9.com
DEL CITY, Oklahoma - An arrest warrant has been issued for a man accused of immersing his 2-year-old child in scalding water in Del City.
The suspect, 22-year-old Trashawn Deon Lanier, is wanted on a complaint of child neglect.
According to authorities, on May 30, officers responded to the report of a possible child abuse involving a 2-year-old girl at Baptist Hospital. The child was transported to Southwest Medical Center and then transferred to Baptist Hospital Burn Center, suffering from 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 24 percent of her body.
Based on medical examination, doctors found out that the victim had been immersed in scalding hot water.
Lanier is the victim's biological father. On May 28 at a home in Del City, Lanier was giving the victim a bath when he claimed the toddler climbed into the bath tub, which was filled with scalding hot water, and then fell into the tub.
However, a doctor said that the forensic evidence does not match Lanier's version of how the incident happened. The doctor said based on the child's injuries, Lanier would have had to physically place the victim in the water.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Big surprise...Judge rules in favor of DHS in wrongful-death lawsuit; they gave abusive, drug-dealing dad custody--one month later, he beat to death 5-year-old daughter (Chandler, Oklahoma)
Once again, the notoriously father friendly CPS gives an abusive father custody--and then the predictable happens. He beats the child to death less than a month later. And then, what do you know. A judge won't hold these bozos responsible for their actions. Who didn't see that coming....
The killer custodial dad is SEAN DEVON BROOKS. He's on the Killer Dads and Custody list for Oklahoma.
http://examiner-enterprise.com/news/state/judge-rules-favor-oklahoma-department-human-services-serenity-deal-wrongful-death-lawsuit
Posted June 1, 2015 - 12:07pm
Judge rules in favor of Oklahoma Department of Human Services in Serenity Deal wrongful-death lawsuit
By Nolan Clay The Oklahoman (TNS)
A judge has found in favor of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in a wrongful-death lawsuit, ruling the agency is not liable for the murder of Serenity Deal in 2011.
Serenity’s maternal grandparents, Charles and Annette Deal, of Chandler, appealed the decision Wednesday to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Serenity is the 5-year-old girl whose murder by her father in June 2011 led to widespread public outrage toward DHS. The longtime DHS director, Howard Hendrick, stepped down in 2012 after public confidence in his leadership fell because of child deaths.
Her father, Sean Devon Brooks, beat her to death in June 2011, less than a month after she began living with him full time at his Oklahoma City apartment at the recommendation of DHS workers.
She had been in a foster home.
Two workers were charged
DHS fired two Pottawatomie County child welfare workers over her death. The two had pushed for the girl to be placed with her father even though she had been injured twice during overnight visits with him in January 2011.
The two workers, Jennifer Shawn and Randy J. Lack, later were charged with suppressing evidence from Serenity’s judge. Both pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor offense and were put on probation. Serenity’s grandparents and her imprisoned mother, Samantha Deal, sued DHS and the two fired workers in 2013 in Pottawatomie County District Court. A district judge from Payne County took over the case after Pottawatomie County judges removed themselves from presiding over the lawsuit.
At a hearing May 7 in Stillwater, Judge Phillip Corley threw out all the claims against DHS “as a matter of law.” The judge at the same hearing did find against Shawn and Lack. How much in damages they will be ordered to pay will be determined later.
DHS attorneys raised a series of legal arguments against the claims. Most notably, they argued DHS cannot be held “vicariously liable” for the actions of employees that were “in direct violation of agency policy and were ultimately found to include criminal conduct.”
The grandparents’ attorneys are asking the Supreme Court to reverse the judgment in favor of DHS “because it is contrary to law.” They have raised seven issues where the judge may have erred.
Serenity’s father, Brooks, 35, is serving a life sentence in prison for first-degree murder. The former motel clerk admitted in his guilty plea in 2011 that he beat his daughter on the head.
DHS became involved in Serenity’s care after her mother was accused in 2009 of molesting a boy. The mother eventually went to prison in 2011. She is still in prison.
Brooks had not known he was Serenity’s father until she was 3.
In termination papers, DHS said its two workers failed to fully check the father’s background, which included times when he had been violent.
Records showed DHS never contacted the mother of Brooks’ three other children until after Serenity died. That woman, Brooks’ ex-girlfriend, has said she would have warned DHS workers that she considered Brooks too violent to be around their children. She also has claimed he “sold drugs the entire six years she was with him,” records show.
Case against workers
In the criminal cases, the two workers were accused of suppressing evidence from the judge that included a hospital photo of Serenity taken after one of the visits with her father in January 2011. The photo showed her with a swollen and bruised face and two black eyes.
Both Serenity and her father said he dropped her accidentally. DHS workers accepted that explanation.
Pottawatomie County District Attorney Richard Smothermon said in 2012 that the judge never would have placed Serenity with her father if the judge had seen that evidence.
“There is no way that this child fell out of a car seat. And anybody, without any bit of education, can tell that his story was just not true. This child was beaten. They never provided that to the court,” Smothermon said in 2012.
Another DHS child welfare worker — who had had concerns about the father and who had urged caution — committed suicide a month after her death.
The killer custodial dad is SEAN DEVON BROOKS. He's on the Killer Dads and Custody list for Oklahoma.
http://examiner-enterprise.com/news/state/judge-rules-favor-oklahoma-department-human-services-serenity-deal-wrongful-death-lawsuit
Posted June 1, 2015 - 12:07pm
Judge rules in favor of Oklahoma Department of Human Services in Serenity Deal wrongful-death lawsuit
By Nolan Clay The Oklahoman (TNS)
A judge has found in favor of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in a wrongful-death lawsuit, ruling the agency is not liable for the murder of Serenity Deal in 2011.
Serenity’s maternal grandparents, Charles and Annette Deal, of Chandler, appealed the decision Wednesday to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Serenity is the 5-year-old girl whose murder by her father in June 2011 led to widespread public outrage toward DHS. The longtime DHS director, Howard Hendrick, stepped down in 2012 after public confidence in his leadership fell because of child deaths.
Her father, Sean Devon Brooks, beat her to death in June 2011, less than a month after she began living with him full time at his Oklahoma City apartment at the recommendation of DHS workers.
She had been in a foster home.
Two workers were charged
DHS fired two Pottawatomie County child welfare workers over her death. The two had pushed for the girl to be placed with her father even though she had been injured twice during overnight visits with him in January 2011.
The two workers, Jennifer Shawn and Randy J. Lack, later were charged with suppressing evidence from Serenity’s judge. Both pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor offense and were put on probation. Serenity’s grandparents and her imprisoned mother, Samantha Deal, sued DHS and the two fired workers in 2013 in Pottawatomie County District Court. A district judge from Payne County took over the case after Pottawatomie County judges removed themselves from presiding over the lawsuit.
At a hearing May 7 in Stillwater, Judge Phillip Corley threw out all the claims against DHS “as a matter of law.” The judge at the same hearing did find against Shawn and Lack. How much in damages they will be ordered to pay will be determined later.
DHS attorneys raised a series of legal arguments against the claims. Most notably, they argued DHS cannot be held “vicariously liable” for the actions of employees that were “in direct violation of agency policy and were ultimately found to include criminal conduct.”
The grandparents’ attorneys are asking the Supreme Court to reverse the judgment in favor of DHS “because it is contrary to law.” They have raised seven issues where the judge may have erred.
Serenity’s father, Brooks, 35, is serving a life sentence in prison for first-degree murder. The former motel clerk admitted in his guilty plea in 2011 that he beat his daughter on the head.
DHS became involved in Serenity’s care after her mother was accused in 2009 of molesting a boy. The mother eventually went to prison in 2011. She is still in prison.
Brooks had not known he was Serenity’s father until she was 3.
In termination papers, DHS said its two workers failed to fully check the father’s background, which included times when he had been violent.
Records showed DHS never contacted the mother of Brooks’ three other children until after Serenity died. That woman, Brooks’ ex-girlfriend, has said she would have warned DHS workers that she considered Brooks too violent to be around their children. She also has claimed he “sold drugs the entire six years she was with him,” records show.
Case against workers
In the criminal cases, the two workers were accused of suppressing evidence from the judge that included a hospital photo of Serenity taken after one of the visits with her father in January 2011. The photo showed her with a swollen and bruised face and two black eyes.
Both Serenity and her father said he dropped her accidentally. DHS workers accepted that explanation.
Pottawatomie County District Attorney Richard Smothermon said in 2012 that the judge never would have placed Serenity with her father if the judge had seen that evidence.
“There is no way that this child fell out of a car seat. And anybody, without any bit of education, can tell that his story was just not true. This child was beaten. They never provided that to the court,” Smothermon said in 2012.
Another DHS child welfare worker — who had had concerns about the father and who had urged caution — committed suicide a month after her death.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Registered sex offender dad arrested for raping 7-year-old daughter; what happened to girl's mom? (Washington County, Oklahoma)
The headline is very misleading. This wasn't some random "man" who was arrested. It was a registered sex offender who was also the girl's father. Not only that, there is not one single word on this girl's mother. Did DAVID WAYNE WILLOUGHBY have custody? How or why was this girl's mother erased from this story?
http://examiner-enterprise.com/news/local-news/man-arrested-alleged-sexual-abuse-child
Man arrested for alleged sexual abuse of child
By Tim Hudson
Local authorities arrested a formerly convicted sex offender on charges stemming from the alleged sexual abuse of a child.
David Wayne Willoughby, 46, was arrested on charges of strongarm rape, lewd molestation and failure to register as sex offender.
According to Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigator Sgt. Jon Copeland, deputies were “informed of an incident involving sexual abuse to a child under the age of 10” on Sunday.
Copeland said that the initial report came from “a concerned individual who had received information a child had been sexually abused by their biological father.”
“The reporting party informed deputies the child disclosed the father had sexually abused the child,” Copeland said. “The Department of Human Services, Child Welfare, was contacted and, after being informed, the child and their sibling were taken into emergency custody.”
A forensic interview was then conducted at Ray of Hope Advocacy Center that allegedly “revealed inappropriate sexual conduct between the child and the child’s father dating back to when the victim was 7 years old.”
Copeland said that deputies later learned that Willoughby failed to notify the WCSO of a change of address after his home had caught fire earlier in 2015.
Willoughby’s sex offender status comes from a prior Cherokee County conviction for sexual battery in 2001.
http://examiner-enterprise.com/news/local-news/man-arrested-alleged-sexual-abuse-child
Man arrested for alleged sexual abuse of child
By Tim Hudson
Local authorities arrested a formerly convicted sex offender on charges stemming from the alleged sexual abuse of a child.
David Wayne Willoughby, 46, was arrested on charges of strongarm rape, lewd molestation and failure to register as sex offender.
According to Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigator Sgt. Jon Copeland, deputies were “informed of an incident involving sexual abuse to a child under the age of 10” on Sunday.
Copeland said that the initial report came from “a concerned individual who had received information a child had been sexually abused by their biological father.”
“The reporting party informed deputies the child disclosed the father had sexually abused the child,” Copeland said. “The Department of Human Services, Child Welfare, was contacted and, after being informed, the child and their sibling were taken into emergency custody.”
A forensic interview was then conducted at Ray of Hope Advocacy Center that allegedly “revealed inappropriate sexual conduct between the child and the child’s father dating back to when the victim was 7 years old.”
Copeland said that deputies later learned that Willoughby failed to notify the WCSO of a change of address after his home had caught fire earlier in 2015.
Willoughby’s sex offender status comes from a prior Cherokee County conviction for sexual battery in 2001.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Dad murders 6- and 10-year-old sons, their mom; neighbors praise him as "kind" and "gentle" (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
This is almost a parody of the badly written domestic violence newspaper article. All the tell-tale signs:
1) Moronic police scrambling for a "motive"--apparently with no idea that these kinds of murders have already been thoroughly researched examined and tend to have similar motives, i.e. controlling, narcissistic father who sees women and kids as nothing but extensions of his own ego that can be disposed of as it suits him.
2) Moronic neighbors who praise the family (and Dad SUDHEER KHAMITKAR by implication) as "kind" and "gentle" with really no clue as to what the father is really like behind a shallow public presentation
3) Moronic neighbors who apparently believe that domestic violence murder only happens in "unsafe" unban neighborhoods and not in suburban cul-de-sacs. So they are "shocked" that such a thing would happen in "their neighborhood." Street crime may tend to be limited to certain areas, but that is NOT the case with domestic violence. Yet all this ignorance is reported without any correction. As a result, the myth that a "nice" neighborhood keeps you safe from male interpersonal violence is perpetuated.
4) The fact that the mother (allegedly) never contacted the police is taken as evidence of no previous domestic violence. Ridiculous, and anybody who knows ANYTHING about domestic violence knows this is a meaningless factoid--if true.. MOST victims do not report, and non-reporting is especially prevalent among educated, middle-class women AND women who are immigrants.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3023184/Tulsa-police-say-man-killed-wife-2-sons-himself.html
Police hunt for motive after father, 42, shot dead his software developer wife, 38, and their two sons then himself
•Sudheer Khamitkar, shot his wife, Smita Haval Khamitkar, and their sons Arnav Khamitkar, 10 and Arush Khamitkar, six, earlier this week
•Their bodies were found after Mrs Khamitkar's employers, American Airlines, requested a welfare check when she failed to turn up to work
•Police say they still do not have any motive but are speaking to Mr Khamitkar's employers; he recently switched jobs, they said
By Associated Press and Dailymail.com Reporter Published: 10:55 EST, 2 April 2015 | Updated: 16:47 EST, 2 April 2015
Investigators are trying to determine why a man shot his wife and two young sons before killing himself at the family's home in a quiet Oklahoma suburb this week.
Sudheer Khamitkar, 42, shot his 38-year-old wife, Smita Haval Khamitkar, and their sons Arnav Khamitkar, 10 and Arush Khamitkar, 6, in separate rooms at their Tulsa home, police said.
The bodies were found on Wednesday as officers conducted a welfare check requested by the mother's employer after she failed to show up for work or call in sick for two days.
'Right now we still don't know the motive behind the murder-suicide,' said Sergeant Shane Tuell. On Thursday, Tuell said the father had recently changed jobs and that detectives would interview his current and former employers in an effort to learn if he was having personal troubles.
There was no indication of forced entry and no suspects are being sought, authorities said.
A backdoor was unlocked and a handgun was found near the father's body.
'The evidence indicates that the father shot and killed the children and the wife before turning the gun on himself,' said homicide Sergeant Dave Walker in a news release.
'There is evidence of multiple gunshots throughout the house. All the bodies were found in different rooms throughout the house.' Sergeant Walker added that the family had lived at the home for 10 years and there had been no previous history of domestic violence or criminal activity at the home,
Newson6 reported. Mrs Khamitkar, whose Facebook page indicates she was originally from Pune in India, had worked as an Android app developer for American Airlines.
'Smita Khamitkar was a member of the American Airlines team in Tulsa for nearly five years and we're deeply saddened by the news of her passing,' the company said in a statement. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with Smita's family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time.'
Online profiles for Mr Khamitkar show he had trained and worked as a mechanical engineer for companies including Oseco, a relief systems company, and Wellman Products Group, a company that develops car parts.
He had also secured multiple patents in previous years for new types of rupture discs - a device that prevents equipment or a system from being damaged by too much pressure.
Neighbors said they were shocked by the events and called the area safe.
Most every property in the neighborhood has a large fence, so children can play or swim in privacy, though some play basketball in the driveway or at a cul-de-sac.
'I love this neighborhood. It's very quiet here,' Mercedes Perez told The Associated Press.
Her husband, Vinicio Perez, said he would sometimes see two children playing and bouncing around in the front yard of the home where the bodies were found. 'I'm shocked,' he said.
'This place should be a place surrounded by security.' Stephen Wiseman lived next door to the family for almost ten years.
He said: They were wonderful, the most kind [and] gentle people you'd ever meet.
Our kids played with them all day on Saturday, and … we saw the kids on Sunday.'
Another neighbor reported hearing noises at the house late on Monday.
1) Moronic police scrambling for a "motive"--apparently with no idea that these kinds of murders have already been thoroughly researched examined and tend to have similar motives, i.e. controlling, narcissistic father who sees women and kids as nothing but extensions of his own ego that can be disposed of as it suits him.
2) Moronic neighbors who praise the family (and Dad SUDHEER KHAMITKAR by implication) as "kind" and "gentle" with really no clue as to what the father is really like behind a shallow public presentation
3) Moronic neighbors who apparently believe that domestic violence murder only happens in "unsafe" unban neighborhoods and not in suburban cul-de-sacs. So they are "shocked" that such a thing would happen in "their neighborhood." Street crime may tend to be limited to certain areas, but that is NOT the case with domestic violence. Yet all this ignorance is reported without any correction. As a result, the myth that a "nice" neighborhood keeps you safe from male interpersonal violence is perpetuated.
4) The fact that the mother (allegedly) never contacted the police is taken as evidence of no previous domestic violence. Ridiculous, and anybody who knows ANYTHING about domestic violence knows this is a meaningless factoid--if true.. MOST victims do not report, and non-reporting is especially prevalent among educated, middle-class women AND women who are immigrants.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3023184/Tulsa-police-say-man-killed-wife-2-sons-himself.html
Police hunt for motive after father, 42, shot dead his software developer wife, 38, and their two sons then himself
•Sudheer Khamitkar, shot his wife, Smita Haval Khamitkar, and their sons Arnav Khamitkar, 10 and Arush Khamitkar, six, earlier this week
•Their bodies were found after Mrs Khamitkar's employers, American Airlines, requested a welfare check when she failed to turn up to work
•Police say they still do not have any motive but are speaking to Mr Khamitkar's employers; he recently switched jobs, they said
By Associated Press and Dailymail.com Reporter Published: 10:55 EST, 2 April 2015 | Updated: 16:47 EST, 2 April 2015
Investigators are trying to determine why a man shot his wife and two young sons before killing himself at the family's home in a quiet Oklahoma suburb this week.
Sudheer Khamitkar, 42, shot his 38-year-old wife, Smita Haval Khamitkar, and their sons Arnav Khamitkar, 10 and Arush Khamitkar, 6, in separate rooms at their Tulsa home, police said.
The bodies were found on Wednesday as officers conducted a welfare check requested by the mother's employer after she failed to show up for work or call in sick for two days.
'Right now we still don't know the motive behind the murder-suicide,' said Sergeant Shane Tuell. On Thursday, Tuell said the father had recently changed jobs and that detectives would interview his current and former employers in an effort to learn if he was having personal troubles.
There was no indication of forced entry and no suspects are being sought, authorities said.
A backdoor was unlocked and a handgun was found near the father's body.
'The evidence indicates that the father shot and killed the children and the wife before turning the gun on himself,' said homicide Sergeant Dave Walker in a news release.
'There is evidence of multiple gunshots throughout the house. All the bodies were found in different rooms throughout the house.' Sergeant Walker added that the family had lived at the home for 10 years and there had been no previous history of domestic violence or criminal activity at the home,
Newson6 reported. Mrs Khamitkar, whose Facebook page indicates she was originally from Pune in India, had worked as an Android app developer for American Airlines.
'Smita Khamitkar was a member of the American Airlines team in Tulsa for nearly five years and we're deeply saddened by the news of her passing,' the company said in a statement. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with Smita's family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time.'
Online profiles for Mr Khamitkar show he had trained and worked as a mechanical engineer for companies including Oseco, a relief systems company, and Wellman Products Group, a company that develops car parts.
He had also secured multiple patents in previous years for new types of rupture discs - a device that prevents equipment or a system from being damaged by too much pressure.
Neighbors said they were shocked by the events and called the area safe.
Most every property in the neighborhood has a large fence, so children can play or swim in privacy, though some play basketball in the driveway or at a cul-de-sac.
'I love this neighborhood. It's very quiet here,' Mercedes Perez told The Associated Press.
Her husband, Vinicio Perez, said he would sometimes see two children playing and bouncing around in the front yard of the home where the bodies were found. 'I'm shocked,' he said.
'This place should be a place surrounded by security.' Stephen Wiseman lived next door to the family for almost ten years.
He said: They were wonderful, the most kind [and] gentle people you'd ever meet.
Our kids played with them all day on Saturday, and … we saw the kids on Sunday.'
Another neighbor reported hearing noises at the house late on Monday.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Mom trying to regain custody from registered sex offender dad (Bakersfield, California)
This is what a judicial system looks like when it has been thoroughly coopted and corrupted by the fathers rights crowd. Even the "court-appointed attorney for the child" is more interested in legal procedure than actually defending her so-called client. And notice the way the mother is treated with disdain and contempt--not the registered sex offender daddy.
Dad is identified as NICHOLAS ELIZONDO. We've reported on this case before.
http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/Mother-continues-to-seek-custody-of-daughter-placed-with-sex-offender-dad-297854051.html?tab=video&c=y
Mom seeks custody of daughter placed with sex offender dad
By Jose Gaspar, Eyewitness News Published: Mar 27, 2015 at 6:31 PM PDT
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - A Bakersfield woman continues to try and regain sole custody of her 8-year-old daughter in an unusual child custody battle.
The girl is currently living with the father, 56-year-old Nicholas Elizondo, who is a registered sex offender.
Elizondo was convicted in 1995 after pleading no contest to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
In June 2013, Elizondo traveled to Oklahoma to gain custody of his daughter, and after a lengthy battle, a judge awarded full custody of the child to Elizondo.
Since then, the girl's mother, 50-year-old Lisa Knight, has been seeking to regain custody.
Knight has moved back to Bakersfield from Oklahoma, where Elizondo lives with his daughter.
In a court hearing on Friday, Knight made new allegations against her ex-husband. Knight said that during one night in January, she went to Elizondo's house to check on her daughter. Knight said she looked through a window into a bedroom, where she said she observed Elizondo under the blankets in bed with the 8-year-old girl. Knight said she saw that Elizondo was in his underwear.
"I want my daughter protected," said Knight in court.
The court-appointed attorney for the child, Stephanie Childers, objected to Knight's claim of what she had witnessed. Knight said she reported the incident to police two days later.
"I object! This is the first time I've heard about this," said Childers.
Knight also alleges Elizondo has neglected and failed to provide proper medical care for the child. The mother told the court the child has had constant urinary tract infections and that she has had to take the child to seek medical treatment.
Judge James Compton continued the case to April 21.
Compton said attorneys for Elizondo and for the minor needed time to receive and review police and medical reports made as a result of the new allegations made by Knight.
Dad is identified as NICHOLAS ELIZONDO. We've reported on this case before.
http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/Mother-continues-to-seek-custody-of-daughter-placed-with-sex-offender-dad-297854051.html?tab=video&c=y
Mom seeks custody of daughter placed with sex offender dad
By Jose Gaspar, Eyewitness News Published: Mar 27, 2015 at 6:31 PM PDT
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - A Bakersfield woman continues to try and regain sole custody of her 8-year-old daughter in an unusual child custody battle.
The girl is currently living with the father, 56-year-old Nicholas Elizondo, who is a registered sex offender.
Elizondo was convicted in 1995 after pleading no contest to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
In June 2013, Elizondo traveled to Oklahoma to gain custody of his daughter, and after a lengthy battle, a judge awarded full custody of the child to Elizondo.
Since then, the girl's mother, 50-year-old Lisa Knight, has been seeking to regain custody.
Knight has moved back to Bakersfield from Oklahoma, where Elizondo lives with his daughter.
In a court hearing on Friday, Knight made new allegations against her ex-husband. Knight said that during one night in January, she went to Elizondo's house to check on her daughter. Knight said she looked through a window into a bedroom, where she said she observed Elizondo under the blankets in bed with the 8-year-old girl. Knight said she saw that Elizondo was in his underwear.
"I want my daughter protected," said Knight in court.
The court-appointed attorney for the child, Stephanie Childers, objected to Knight's claim of what she had witnessed. Knight said she reported the incident to police two days later.
"I object! This is the first time I've heard about this," said Childers.
Knight also alleges Elizondo has neglected and failed to provide proper medical care for the child. The mother told the court the child has had constant urinary tract infections and that she has had to take the child to seek medical treatment.
Judge James Compton continued the case to April 21.
Compton said attorneys for Elizondo and for the minor needed time to receive and review police and medical reports made as a result of the new allegations made by Knight.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Dad with joint custody arrested for murder of 5-year-old son; boy found dead after police standoff (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Another child dead thanks to fathers rights. Once again, the legal system favored Daddy's right to do whatever the hell he wanted with no regard for the safety or security of mothers and children.
Who couldn't have seen this coming? Seriously? Dad BYRON CREECH had a history of abusive controlling behavior INCLUDING DEATH THREATS. And intimidating the family with a gun. Huge red flags here.
Mom even managed to get an order of protection against this POS.
AND THE COURTS STILL GAVE HIM JOINT CUSTODY. What the f***???
Of course they put her and her son at complete risk by doing this, and just retraumatized them all over again. Daddy vandalized Mom's car during an exchange. And then this...
Meet the latest addition to the Killer Dads and Custody list for Oklahoma.
When is this going to stop??? We need to quit giving violent men access to children NOW!
http://www.newson6.com/story/28569941/police-standoff-at-south-tulsa-apartment-complex-continues
Dad Arrested For Murder; 5-Year-Old Son Found Dead After Standoff
Posted: Mar 20, 2015 6:59 AM EDT Updated: Mar 20, 2015 6:45 PM EDT
TULSA, Oklahoma - Police say they found a 5-year-old boy dead inside an apartment after a man involved in a 17-hour standoff surrendered on Friday morning.
Officers said the standoff with the unidentified man began at about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Riverchase Apartments in the 7900 block of South Riverside Drive.
Bryon Creech, 36, surrendered to police at about 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Police entered the apartment and found the boy's body inside. Police said the boy was his son.
Creech has been booked into the Tulsa County Jail for first-degree murder, shooting with intent to kill, kidnapping, second-degree burglary and violating a protective order.
Police said the man came to the apartment where his wife and child live, violating a protective order. They said the couple is going through a divorce but have joint custody of the child.
Late Friday afternoon, police said the woman left the apartment to go to work on Thursday, and some time after that, Creech came to her apartment and brought their son. He had court-allowed visitation with the boy, police said. Officers said Creech broke into the apartment and barricaded himself and the boy inside, but his wife was able to see him remotely through surveillance cameras she installed.
His wife called police to report Creech was inside her residence, and shortly after officers arrived, they said Creech fired at least 10 shots.
Police evacuated the complex and set up a secure area around the apartment where the man and the child were located. Officers said the department's special operations team talked with Creech by phone all night in an effort to get him to surrender.
Court documents show Creech's wife filed a petition for a protective order in July 2014 after Creech threatened her with a gun. The woman was afraid Creech would hurt her or her son, records say. She also cited his size – Creech is 6-foot-6 and weighs 330 pounds, according to her petition.
“He is a very large angry loud man. He blocked with his body in our bedroom and would not allow me to leave the bedroom. Recently his anger has been escalating. He constantly threatens and harasses me in a loud and frightening cruel way. My son is afraid of him and has told me so. The defendant has had anger management treatment before. This spring during an argument while I was trying to leave he placed a hand gun on the couch between us. I was frightened to leave because of his behavior and the gun. He has taken my cell phone away in the past to prevent me from calling 911. He has also taken my car keys in order to trap me at the house. I am very afraid of him and know that things will get really bad when I file for divorce. He threatened “to make my life a living hell” if I filed. I am afraid he will hurt me and my son. His behavior is getting worse and out of control. He has forced me to do things I did not want to do.”
Creech also filed a petition seeking a protective order against his wife. He wrote in the document that he found bruises on his son's thigh and back in January. He claimed the child said "mommy grabbed me and pushed me." Creech's request for a protective order against the woman was denied.
He was booked into the Tulsa County Jail on Friday afternoon.
In November 2014, Creech was charged with malicious injury to property, a misdemeanor. According to court documents, Creech vandalized his wife's vehicle during a meeting to exchange custody of the child. QuikTrip surveillance footage caught Creech scraping something down the side of her vehicle, an affidavit says. That case still is ongoing in Tulsa County District Court.
Who couldn't have seen this coming? Seriously? Dad BYRON CREECH had a history of abusive controlling behavior INCLUDING DEATH THREATS. And intimidating the family with a gun. Huge red flags here.
Mom even managed to get an order of protection against this POS.
AND THE COURTS STILL GAVE HIM JOINT CUSTODY. What the f***???
Of course they put her and her son at complete risk by doing this, and just retraumatized them all over again. Daddy vandalized Mom's car during an exchange. And then this...
Meet the latest addition to the Killer Dads and Custody list for Oklahoma.
When is this going to stop??? We need to quit giving violent men access to children NOW!
http://www.newson6.com/story/28569941/police-standoff-at-south-tulsa-apartment-complex-continues
Dad Arrested For Murder; 5-Year-Old Son Found Dead After Standoff
Posted: Mar 20, 2015 6:59 AM EDT Updated: Mar 20, 2015 6:45 PM EDT
TULSA, Oklahoma - Police say they found a 5-year-old boy dead inside an apartment after a man involved in a 17-hour standoff surrendered on Friday morning.
Officers said the standoff with the unidentified man began at about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Riverchase Apartments in the 7900 block of South Riverside Drive.
Bryon Creech, 36, surrendered to police at about 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Police entered the apartment and found the boy's body inside. Police said the boy was his son.
Creech has been booked into the Tulsa County Jail for first-degree murder, shooting with intent to kill, kidnapping, second-degree burglary and violating a protective order.
Police said the man came to the apartment where his wife and child live, violating a protective order. They said the couple is going through a divorce but have joint custody of the child.
Late Friday afternoon, police said the woman left the apartment to go to work on Thursday, and some time after that, Creech came to her apartment and brought their son. He had court-allowed visitation with the boy, police said. Officers said Creech broke into the apartment and barricaded himself and the boy inside, but his wife was able to see him remotely through surveillance cameras she installed.
His wife called police to report Creech was inside her residence, and shortly after officers arrived, they said Creech fired at least 10 shots.
Police evacuated the complex and set up a secure area around the apartment where the man and the child were located. Officers said the department's special operations team talked with Creech by phone all night in an effort to get him to surrender.
Court documents show Creech's wife filed a petition for a protective order in July 2014 after Creech threatened her with a gun. The woman was afraid Creech would hurt her or her son, records say. She also cited his size – Creech is 6-foot-6 and weighs 330 pounds, according to her petition.
“He is a very large angry loud man. He blocked with his body in our bedroom and would not allow me to leave the bedroom. Recently his anger has been escalating. He constantly threatens and harasses me in a loud and frightening cruel way. My son is afraid of him and has told me so. The defendant has had anger management treatment before. This spring during an argument while I was trying to leave he placed a hand gun on the couch between us. I was frightened to leave because of his behavior and the gun. He has taken my cell phone away in the past to prevent me from calling 911. He has also taken my car keys in order to trap me at the house. I am very afraid of him and know that things will get really bad when I file for divorce. He threatened “to make my life a living hell” if I filed. I am afraid he will hurt me and my son. His behavior is getting worse and out of control. He has forced me to do things I did not want to do.”
Creech also filed a petition seeking a protective order against his wife. He wrote in the document that he found bruises on his son's thigh and back in January. He claimed the child said "mommy grabbed me and pushed me." Creech's request for a protective order against the woman was denied.
He was booked into the Tulsa County Jail on Friday afternoon.
In November 2014, Creech was charged with malicious injury to property, a misdemeanor. According to court documents, Creech vandalized his wife's vehicle during a meeting to exchange custody of the child. QuikTrip surveillance footage caught Creech scraping something down the side of her vehicle, an affidavit says. That case still is ongoing in Tulsa County District Court.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Dad arrested for abusing 1-month-old baby (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Dad is identified as MICHAEL STONE.
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/father-arrested-connection-abuse-1-month-old/nkNR7/
Posted: 12:41 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Father arrested in connection with abuse of 1-month-old
By Michael Purdy
Tulsa, Okla. — Tulsa officers responded to a child abuse call involving a 1-month-old child this week.
Police say the child's unidentified mother was the reporting party.
When officers arrived, they found the victim had a bite mark on their left cheek.
The baby also had bruising on their right ear.
No word on if the child is male or female.
Police say the child's father, Michael Stone, was in charge of the child during the time the baby was injured.
Still, what exactly happened hasn't been released.
Stone was arrested on Tuesday and booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
He faces a count of child abuse.
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/father-arrested-connection-abuse-1-month-old/nkNR7/
Posted: 12:41 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Father arrested in connection with abuse of 1-month-old
By Michael Purdy
Tulsa, Okla. — Tulsa officers responded to a child abuse call involving a 1-month-old child this week.
Police say the child's unidentified mother was the reporting party.
When officers arrived, they found the victim had a bite mark on their left cheek.
The baby also had bruising on their right ear.
No word on if the child is male or female.
Police say the child's father, Michael Stone, was in charge of the child during the time the baby was injured.
Still, what exactly happened hasn't been released.
Stone was arrested on Tuesday and booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
He faces a count of child abuse.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Dad convicted of abusing infant daughter in 2009 now accused of 1st-degree murder in death of infant son (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Dad is identified as BRANDON LAMONT ROSS. No mention of a mother in the home.
http://www.news9.com/story/28063267/okc-father-arrested-in-babys-death-now-facing-murder-charge
OKC Father Arrested In Baby's Death Now Facing Murder Charge
Posted: Feb 09, 2015 3:56 PM EST Updated: Feb 09, 2015 5:31 PM EST
By Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9
OKLAHOMA CITY - An Oklahoma City father, arrested in connection to the death of his 3-month-old baby, is now accused of first-degree murder.
According to police, at about 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, officers responded to the report of an unresponsive baby at a home in the 700 block of S.E. 15th Street. The child, King Barnes, was transported by EMSA to Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said they interviewed the child's father, 26-year-old Brandon Lamont Ross, on the day of the incident. They learned that Ross had left the baby unattended at the home for about 20 to 30 minutes. He told police that when he returned, he discovered his home ransacked and the baby unresponsive.
Ross was then booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on one count of child neglect.
According to police, the Medical Examiner has since ruled this case a homicide. According to the Medical Examiner's office, Barnes had acute brain hemorrhage, optic nerve hemorrhage and multiple healing rib fractures.
Ross appeared for a video arraignment in front of a judge on Monday. He is being held without bond, accused of both child neglect and first-degree murder.
Ross looked overwhelmed as the judge read the accusations against him. He even started crying during his video arraignment when the judge told him he is now being held for first degree murder.
According to the probable cause affidavit released Monday, Ross told them he left his son alone in his apartment at the Ambassador Courts Housing complex off SE 15th St. while he went to the store.
News 9 talked to one neighbor she said she came face to face with him. But she did not want to be identified.
"I didn't even know he had kids,” she said. "I seen him with my own eyes!"
The neighbor, who is a mother herself, said Ross came to her and her friend looking for help, but never mentioned the baby was in distress - and didn't seem too upset either.
"He was like, ‘Did you girls see anyone come out of my apartment?'," she said. "He hadn't been living here a long time - maybe a month or so."
Neighbors News 9 talked to were shocked to learn he is now accused of killing his 3-month-old baby boy, who police and paramedics found not breathing in the apartment. The boy was rushed to Children's hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
They are even more upset to learn Ross spent time in prison for abusing his 2-month-old baby daughter back in 2009.
Court records show Ross pleaded guilty to the crime, and received a suspended sentence and had just been released from prison in 2013. Court documents state in that case Ross brought his daughter to the emergency room at Children's Hospital saying she was lethargic, panting, and limp in his arms. Doctors say the child was suffering from “abusive head trauma” and had bleeding on the brain and the retinas of her eyes had become detatched. The child was placed in protective custody. Court papers further state the child's mother told police Ross had thrown her high in the air on several occasions and often spun her around. The mother was charged and convicted of enabling child abuse.
"It makes me mad," said the neighbor back at Ross's current complex. “If they are not going to take care of them, why do you even have kids why do you even make kids!"
The DA has not yet filed formal charges against Ross and News 9 has just learned DHS has launched an investigation into this case.
http://www.news9.com/story/28063267/okc-father-arrested-in-babys-death-now-facing-murder-charge
OKC Father Arrested In Baby's Death Now Facing Murder Charge
Posted: Feb 09, 2015 3:56 PM EST Updated: Feb 09, 2015 5:31 PM EST
By Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9
OKLAHOMA CITY - An Oklahoma City father, arrested in connection to the death of his 3-month-old baby, is now accused of first-degree murder.
According to police, at about 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, officers responded to the report of an unresponsive baby at a home in the 700 block of S.E. 15th Street. The child, King Barnes, was transported by EMSA to Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said they interviewed the child's father, 26-year-old Brandon Lamont Ross, on the day of the incident. They learned that Ross had left the baby unattended at the home for about 20 to 30 minutes. He told police that when he returned, he discovered his home ransacked and the baby unresponsive.
Ross was then booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on one count of child neglect.
According to police, the Medical Examiner has since ruled this case a homicide. According to the Medical Examiner's office, Barnes had acute brain hemorrhage, optic nerve hemorrhage and multiple healing rib fractures.
Ross appeared for a video arraignment in front of a judge on Monday. He is being held without bond, accused of both child neglect and first-degree murder.
Ross looked overwhelmed as the judge read the accusations against him. He even started crying during his video arraignment when the judge told him he is now being held for first degree murder.
According to the probable cause affidavit released Monday, Ross told them he left his son alone in his apartment at the Ambassador Courts Housing complex off SE 15th St. while he went to the store.
News 9 talked to one neighbor she said she came face to face with him. But she did not want to be identified.
"I didn't even know he had kids,” she said. "I seen him with my own eyes!"
The neighbor, who is a mother herself, said Ross came to her and her friend looking for help, but never mentioned the baby was in distress - and didn't seem too upset either.
"He was like, ‘Did you girls see anyone come out of my apartment?'," she said. "He hadn't been living here a long time - maybe a month or so."
Neighbors News 9 talked to were shocked to learn he is now accused of killing his 3-month-old baby boy, who police and paramedics found not breathing in the apartment. The boy was rushed to Children's hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
They are even more upset to learn Ross spent time in prison for abusing his 2-month-old baby daughter back in 2009.
Court records show Ross pleaded guilty to the crime, and received a suspended sentence and had just been released from prison in 2013. Court documents state in that case Ross brought his daughter to the emergency room at Children's Hospital saying she was lethargic, panting, and limp in his arms. Doctors say the child was suffering from “abusive head trauma” and had bleeding on the brain and the retinas of her eyes had become detatched. The child was placed in protective custody. Court papers further state the child's mother told police Ross had thrown her high in the air on several occasions and often spun her around. The mother was charged and convicted of enabling child abuse.
"It makes me mad," said the neighbor back at Ross's current complex. “If they are not going to take care of them, why do you even have kids why do you even make kids!"
The DA has not yet filed formal charges against Ross and News 9 has just learned DHS has launched an investigation into this case.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Mom trying to regain custody of 5-year-old daughter from registered sex offender dad (Bakersfield, California)
The triumph of fathers rights. Basically an unholy alliance of pedophiliacs and corrupt politicians and judges.
The CUSTODIAL registered sex offender dad is identified as NICHOLAS ALIZONDO.
http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/investigations/Sex-offender-child-custody-dispute-289528181.html
Sex offender involved in child custody dispute
By Jose Gaspar, Eyewitness News
Published: Jan 22, 2015 at 10:58 PM PST
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2015 at 11:05 AM PST
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - In an unusual child custody battle, a Bakersfield mom is trying to regain custody of her daughter who was placed by a judge with the father.
But, the father is a registered sex offender.
"I can take care of her," said the mother, Lisa Knight. "I have that close relationship with her. I know exactly how she feels."
The case of Lisa Knight vs. Nicholas Elizondo drew national attention in 2013 because of the uncommon circumstance. Knight and Elizondo were married, had a daughter and later divorced.
Knight moved to Oklahoma and lived there with the daughter. Elizondo later traveled to Oklahoma and fought for custody of the 6-year-old girl.
For unknown reason, a judge in Oklahoma awarded custody to Elizondo.
Knight claims she doesn't understand why a judge would award custody to her ex-husband despite his criminal conviction. #"I have no idea," said Knight.
According to court documents obtained by Eyewitness News, 56-year-old Elizondo pleaded no contest in 1995 to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was sentenced to six years in prison. At that time, Elizondo worked as a parole officer and was a board member of the Young Republicans Federation of Kern County.
Efforts to contact Elizondo for comment were unsuccessful, and calls placed to his attorney, Larry Wilson, were not returned.
Knight returned to Bakersfield last year to fight for custody. She is acting as her own attorney, she said, because she does not have the money to hire one.
Knight keeps a voluminous file of legal papers and said she has evidence that will help her regain custody of her daughter. But, it may be more difficult.
"From the last order, what has changed?" said Bakersfield family law attorney David Leon, who is not associated with the case. "What change of circumstances have occurred that would warrant a change of custody?"
Leon believes that the judge in Bakersfield will not necessarily let Elizondo's status as a sex offender be a major factor, because that issue has already been litigated in Oklahoma.
"Judges can look at all the circumstances, obviously, to make sure a child is protected. But, in my opinion, they wouldn't be relitigating that issue," said Leon.
Knight said she has no record of any criminal history or drug use that may have played a role in losing her daughter. A check on the Kern County Superior Court website shows no criminal history for Knight.
A check on the Oklahoma State Courts website also shows no record of criminal history by Knight.
The case is scheduled to go to court in February. Eyewitness News will continue to follow this story and report on the latest developments.
The CUSTODIAL registered sex offender dad is identified as NICHOLAS ALIZONDO.
http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/investigations/Sex-offender-child-custody-dispute-289528181.html
Sex offender involved in child custody dispute
By Jose Gaspar, Eyewitness News
Published: Jan 22, 2015 at 10:58 PM PST
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2015 at 11:05 AM PST
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - In an unusual child custody battle, a Bakersfield mom is trying to regain custody of her daughter who was placed by a judge with the father.
But, the father is a registered sex offender.
"I can take care of her," said the mother, Lisa Knight. "I have that close relationship with her. I know exactly how she feels."
The case of Lisa Knight vs. Nicholas Elizondo drew national attention in 2013 because of the uncommon circumstance. Knight and Elizondo were married, had a daughter and later divorced.
Knight moved to Oklahoma and lived there with the daughter. Elizondo later traveled to Oklahoma and fought for custody of the 6-year-old girl.
For unknown reason, a judge in Oklahoma awarded custody to Elizondo.
Knight claims she doesn't understand why a judge would award custody to her ex-husband despite his criminal conviction. #"I have no idea," said Knight.
According to court documents obtained by Eyewitness News, 56-year-old Elizondo pleaded no contest in 1995 to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was sentenced to six years in prison. At that time, Elizondo worked as a parole officer and was a board member of the Young Republicans Federation of Kern County.
Efforts to contact Elizondo for comment were unsuccessful, and calls placed to his attorney, Larry Wilson, were not returned.
Knight returned to Bakersfield last year to fight for custody. She is acting as her own attorney, she said, because she does not have the money to hire one.
Knight keeps a voluminous file of legal papers and said she has evidence that will help her regain custody of her daughter. But, it may be more difficult.
"From the last order, what has changed?" said Bakersfield family law attorney David Leon, who is not associated with the case. "What change of circumstances have occurred that would warrant a change of custody?"
Leon believes that the judge in Bakersfield will not necessarily let Elizondo's status as a sex offender be a major factor, because that issue has already been litigated in Oklahoma.
"Judges can look at all the circumstances, obviously, to make sure a child is protected. But, in my opinion, they wouldn't be relitigating that issue," said Leon.
Knight said she has no record of any criminal history or drug use that may have played a role in losing her daughter. A check on the Kern County Superior Court website shows no criminal history for Knight.
A check on the Oklahoma State Courts website also shows no record of criminal history by Knight.
The case is scheduled to go to court in February. Eyewitness News will continue to follow this story and report on the latest developments.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Dad admits hurting 2-month-old daughter (Bixby, Oklahoma)
Dad is identified as NATHAN PUTNAM.
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/father-admits-hurting-2-month-old-daughter/njPB9/
Posted: 12:11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014
Father admits to hurting 2-month-old daughter
By Michael Purdy
Bixby, Okla. — A Bixby father was arrested Monday night, after being accused of child abuse.
Police say Nathan Putnam was watching his 2-month-old daughter, while the mother and grandmother went to the store.
During this time, the infant began to cry. This bothered Putnam, so he admitted to grabbing the girl's foot and pulling it in a downward position.
A short time later, the mother and grandmother returned home and noticed bruising on the infant's foot.
Putnam described the girl's injury as, "popped blood vessels at the base of the ankle."
A doctor checked out the infant and determined the injury to be consistent with child abuse.
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/father-admits-hurting-2-month-old-daughter/njPB9/
Posted: 12:11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014
Father admits to hurting 2-month-old daughter
By Michael Purdy
Bixby, Okla. — A Bixby father was arrested Monday night, after being accused of child abuse.
Police say Nathan Putnam was watching his 2-month-old daughter, while the mother and grandmother went to the store.
During this time, the infant began to cry. This bothered Putnam, so he admitted to grabbing the girl's foot and pulling it in a downward position.
A short time later, the mother and grandmother returned home and noticed bruising on the infant's foot.
Putnam described the girl's injury as, "popped blood vessels at the base of the ankle."
A doctor checked out the infant and determined the injury to be consistent with child abuse.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Dad jailed for abusing 5-month-old daughter; baby in critical condition (Hollis, Oklahoma)
Wonder if this was a custody/visitation situation.
Dad is identified as RICKY GARCIA.
http://www.kswo.com/story/27179403/hollis-father-jailed-on-child-abuse-complaint
Hollis father jailed on child abuse complaint
Posted: Oct 31, 2014 6:27 PM EDT Updated: Oct 31, 2014 6:27 PM EDT
By Derek Hendy, Internet Content Director
HOLLIS, Okla._A five-month old girl is in critical condition after she was allegedly being abused by her father.
Ricky Garcia was arrested Friday morning for the crime. The OSBI says the girl's mother took the baby to the emergency room in Hollis on Sunday. The child was ultimately transferred to Oklahoma City where she remains. Doctors said the baby had a broken arm and leg, as well as bruises on her head and body. She also had retinal hemorrhaging, which can be caused by shaken baby syndrome or severe blows to the head.
Witnesses, who were inside the apartment when the baby was hurt, told investigators that her father was the only one who had contact with her when the abuse occurred.
Garcia is in jail on a $500,000 bond on a single count of child abuse.
Dad is identified as RICKY GARCIA.
http://www.kswo.com/story/27179403/hollis-father-jailed-on-child-abuse-complaint
Hollis father jailed on child abuse complaint
Posted: Oct 31, 2014 6:27 PM EDT Updated: Oct 31, 2014 6:27 PM EDT
By Derek Hendy, Internet Content Director
HOLLIS, Okla._A five-month old girl is in critical condition after she was allegedly being abused by her father.
Ricky Garcia was arrested Friday morning for the crime. The OSBI says the girl's mother took the baby to the emergency room in Hollis on Sunday. The child was ultimately transferred to Oklahoma City where she remains. Doctors said the baby had a broken arm and leg, as well as bruises on her head and body. She also had retinal hemorrhaging, which can be caused by shaken baby syndrome or severe blows to the head.
Witnesses, who were inside the apartment when the baby was hurt, told investigators that her father was the only one who had contact with her when the abuse occurred.
Garcia is in jail on a $500,000 bond on a single count of child abuse.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Dad murders 3-year-old son, 5-year-old daughter, their mother after she arrives to pick them up from visitation (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Yet another follow up, this time from a story first posted in August. At that time this was still an UNNAMED DAD. Now we see that he was later identified as WILLIAM ROLANDO FUENTES GODINEZ.
Even though this POS gunned down and killed three innocent people, notice there is still a tendency to blame all these murders on "marital problems" or "issues between the man and the woman." This just deflects responsibility away from the killer, and blames the mother for the father's acts. And notice that the mother is blamed even though she tried to accommodate this POS with visitation.
This is why fathers with histories of domestic violence should be banned from contact with the kids. Mothers should not be put in harm's way because they are being pressured or required to "facilitate" the abuser's access to the kids. After a marital breakup, all these guys want to do is punish mom, and they know the most vicious thing they can do is destroy her children.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/crimewatch/police-four-dead-including-two-children-in-east-tulsa-apartment/article_610ccdfe-309e-5c10-94b5-9105ae3c2f9e.html
Police: Man kills wife, two children before committing suicide; victims identified
The victims include two small children, ages 3 and 5.
Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 12:00 am
By SAMANTHA VICENT & KENDRICK MARSHALL
World Staff Writers
An estranged couple from Guatemala and their two small children were found dead in a murder-suicide in Tulsa early Tuesday after experiencing several months of marital problems, authorities said.
Police responded to a call at the Bradford Townhouses, 2190 S. 109th East Ave., around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday after a tenant reported finding four bodies there with gunshot wounds.
“(Family members) were visiting the apartment residence, and one of the … residents came home and found them deceased,” Tulsa Police Department spokeswoman Demita Kinard said.
Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Houston said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that William Rolando Fuentes Godinez, 35, fatally shot his wife, Maribel Jaqueline Ramirez Fuentes, 22, and then killed their 3-year-old son, Franklin Yosiel Fuentes Ramirez, and 5-year-old daughter, Caroline Michelle Fuentes Ramirez.
Police also found a 2-year-old girl unharmed in the home, and she has since been returned to her mother, they said.
The Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement says a family friend said Fuentes Godinez regularly threatened to kill his wife and children if she refused to let him return home. “The female victim had dropped off the children … at their father’s apartment earlier in the day,” Tulsa Police Sgt. Dave Walker said in a release.
“The female victim returned in the evening hours and brought a 2-year-old child with her. This child was related to the female victim’s roommate and they were living at a separate location.”
Fuentes Godinez had two male roommates, neither of whom were home at the time the shootings occurred, Walker said.
Ramirez Fuentes and Fuentes Godinez were from San Pedro Sacatepequez, San Marcos, which is in Guatemala’s southwest corner, officials said. Their children were born in the United States, and Guatemalan authorities said a family friend reported that the couple separated two months ago.
ReeRee Elmore, a five-year resident of the apartment complex, said the family, like most others living there, kept to themselves.
“I just saw (Fuentes Godinez) when he would come outside smoking a cigarette,” she said. “He didn’t talk to anybody or bother anybody. … It’s just shocking to me because you just can’t picture somebody doing that.”
Shirley Bradley, who has lived at the complex for eight years, shared a building with the family. She said she heard a suspicious noise around 10:15 p.m. Monday coming from the area around Fuentes Godinez’s apartment but was still shocked to see multiple patrol cars in the area overnight.
“Our dog ran from the furthest point of that apartment to my door and would not come away from the corner, so I’m assuming that’s when something was going on,” Bradley said. “From what I understand, … she brought the kids over to visit and then she went to buy groceries, and when she came back … is when it all went down.” Bradley didn’t know the family personally but said she believes that the complex has seen an increase in crime during her time there. The violent deaths have prompted her to think about moving, she said.
“My heart goes out for those babies,” she said. “They did nothing wrong. No matter the issues between the man and the woman, the children were innocent.”
The Guatemalan Consulate will continue to assist the family’s survivors and Tulsa authorities during their investigation, officials there said.
“If necessary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will cover the costs of repatriation of remains, if it were the family’s desire,” the office’s statement, written in Spanish, says.
The deaths increase Tulsa’s homicide total for the year to 35 and Tulsa’s suicide total for the year to 58, police said.
Even though this POS gunned down and killed three innocent people, notice there is still a tendency to blame all these murders on "marital problems" or "issues between the man and the woman." This just deflects responsibility away from the killer, and blames the mother for the father's acts. And notice that the mother is blamed even though she tried to accommodate this POS with visitation.
This is why fathers with histories of domestic violence should be banned from contact with the kids. Mothers should not be put in harm's way because they are being pressured or required to "facilitate" the abuser's access to the kids. After a marital breakup, all these guys want to do is punish mom, and they know the most vicious thing they can do is destroy her children.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/crimewatch/police-four-dead-including-two-children-in-east-tulsa-apartment/article_610ccdfe-309e-5c10-94b5-9105ae3c2f9e.html
Police: Man kills wife, two children before committing suicide; victims identified
The victims include two small children, ages 3 and 5.
Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 12:00 am
By SAMANTHA VICENT & KENDRICK MARSHALL
World Staff Writers
An estranged couple from Guatemala and their two small children were found dead in a murder-suicide in Tulsa early Tuesday after experiencing several months of marital problems, authorities said.
Police responded to a call at the Bradford Townhouses, 2190 S. 109th East Ave., around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday after a tenant reported finding four bodies there with gunshot wounds.
“(Family members) were visiting the apartment residence, and one of the … residents came home and found them deceased,” Tulsa Police Department spokeswoman Demita Kinard said.
Guatemala’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Houston said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that William Rolando Fuentes Godinez, 35, fatally shot his wife, Maribel Jaqueline Ramirez Fuentes, 22, and then killed their 3-year-old son, Franklin Yosiel Fuentes Ramirez, and 5-year-old daughter, Caroline Michelle Fuentes Ramirez.
Police also found a 2-year-old girl unharmed in the home, and she has since been returned to her mother, they said.
The Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement says a family friend said Fuentes Godinez regularly threatened to kill his wife and children if she refused to let him return home. “The female victim had dropped off the children … at their father’s apartment earlier in the day,” Tulsa Police Sgt. Dave Walker said in a release.
“The female victim returned in the evening hours and brought a 2-year-old child with her. This child was related to the female victim’s roommate and they were living at a separate location.”
Fuentes Godinez had two male roommates, neither of whom were home at the time the shootings occurred, Walker said.
Ramirez Fuentes and Fuentes Godinez were from San Pedro Sacatepequez, San Marcos, which is in Guatemala’s southwest corner, officials said. Their children were born in the United States, and Guatemalan authorities said a family friend reported that the couple separated two months ago.
ReeRee Elmore, a five-year resident of the apartment complex, said the family, like most others living there, kept to themselves.
“I just saw (Fuentes Godinez) when he would come outside smoking a cigarette,” she said. “He didn’t talk to anybody or bother anybody. … It’s just shocking to me because you just can’t picture somebody doing that.”
Shirley Bradley, who has lived at the complex for eight years, shared a building with the family. She said she heard a suspicious noise around 10:15 p.m. Monday coming from the area around Fuentes Godinez’s apartment but was still shocked to see multiple patrol cars in the area overnight.
“Our dog ran from the furthest point of that apartment to my door and would not come away from the corner, so I’m assuming that’s when something was going on,” Bradley said. “From what I understand, … she brought the kids over to visit and then she went to buy groceries, and when she came back … is when it all went down.” Bradley didn’t know the family personally but said she believes that the complex has seen an increase in crime during her time there. The violent deaths have prompted her to think about moving, she said.
“My heart goes out for those babies,” she said. “They did nothing wrong. No matter the issues between the man and the woman, the children were innocent.”
The Guatemalan Consulate will continue to assist the family’s survivors and Tulsa authorities during their investigation, officials there said.
“If necessary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will cover the costs of repatriation of remains, if it were the family’s desire,” the office’s statement, written in Spanish, says.
The deaths increase Tulsa’s homicide total for the year to 35 and Tulsa’s suicide total for the year to 58, police said.
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