Dad is identified as ALGERNON RIEUX.
http://www.myfoxla.com/story/29242327/bodies-of-woman-baby-boy-found-near-south-la
Man Sought In Death Of Wife, Baby Boy In South LA
Posted: Jun 04, 2015 4:12 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 04, 2015 9:18 PM EDT
Posted by: Kelly Taylor, Digital Producer
LOS ANGELES (CNS/FOX 11) - The bodies of a woman and a baby boy were discovered Thursday near South Los Angeles and sheriff's investigators named the woman's husband and father of the child as their suspected killer.
Deputies responding about 8:10 a.m. to a baby-not-breathing call in the 11100 block of South Normandie Avenue found a woman "outside the location performing CPR on an infant,'' said Deputy Trina Schrader of the Sheriff's Information Bureau.
The woman directed the deputies to another person inside who needed help, Schrader said, and they "found a female adult inside the location that was unresponsive.''
The infant and the woman were pronounced dead at the scene by county fire department personnel, Schrader said.
Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County coroner's office said the woman was in her 20s, but the names and causes of death of the woman and child were not immediately released.
Sheriff's homicide detectives were looking for Algernon Rieux, 26, who they say is bipolar and may be on suicidal and under the influence of methamphetamine.
Rieux is the woman's husband and the child's father, according to reports from the scene.
Rieux is described as black, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds.
He has connections to the San Pedro area.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
Anonymous tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
Showing posts with label bipolar disorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bipolar disorder. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2015
Monday, October 27, 2014
Dad ruled competent to stand trial in death of 5-week-old son; parents had just separated and baby killed during father's visitation (Winfield, West Virginia)
Still doing case updates on the killer dad and custody lists. This update comes from last summer.
Dad ROBERT JEREMY SMITH is accused of killing his 5-week-old son during visitation. The parents had separated.
Though the father has a typical cover story regarding the boy's death (he "dropped" him), that doesn't exactly explain why the police found a bloody hammer in the house. Or why the baby had abrasions on his forehead and multiple skull fractures. Or why Dad cut his own throat in an apparent suicide attempt. Or why the baby's body was found in the back seat of a car.
Notice that Smith's own mother filed a domestic violence petition to gain custody of his first child (from an earlier relationship) when that child showed up at the hospital with a "suspicious" injury. The mother's mother also claimed that Smith could be "controlling" and "violent."
Of course that petition was dismissed.
http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20140628/GZ01/140629340
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Evaluation says Hurricane man accused of killing infant son competent to stand trial
By Ryan Quinn, Staff writer
WINFIELD, W.Va. — A psychiatric evaluation of the Hurricane man accused of killing his 5-week-old son has concluded that he’s competent to stand trial and states that he has “indicated a desire to defend himself and be judged not guilty.”
The evaluation, filed in Putnam County Circuit Court on Thursday, states that Robert Jeremy Smith said he wouldn’t consider a plea bargain because it would be an admission of guilt, but “later entertained the possibility of admitting to certain charges that did directly imply he intentionally harmed the child.”
Smith, 33, of Shank Avenue, is charged with death of a child by a parent as a result of child abuse. His son, Madden, was found dead in the back seat of a car on Venable Avenue, in Kanawha City, on May 21.
Smith also was there, with his throat cut — police said he apparently attempted suicide.Smith told police that Madden died after he accidentally dropped him from about chest-high after picking him up with his bad right arm. The evaluation notes that Smith was diagnosed with arm muscle atrophy in March.
“I urge people not to form a judgment too quickly in this case,” Shawn Bayliss, Smith’s attorney, told the Gazette-Mail on Thursday. “We have no idea what the evidence is going to show, but we believe it’s going to show that this was an accidental trauma, not an intentional or nefarious act.”
Bayliss said the situation is hard on every member of Smith’s family.
The report states that Smith doesn’t have a mental disease or defect and that he understands the proceedings against him and can rationally consult with his attorney. It also says Smith didn’t lack substantial capacity to understand his actions at the time of the alleged offense.
Huntington psychiatrist and neurologist Dr. Bobby Miller II performed the evaluation.
Bayliss referred Smith to Miller to “provide information regarding any psychiatric diagnosis, the examinee’s mental status, and forensic psychiatry opinions regarding the issue of competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and/or diminished capacity.”
The evaluation states that Smith denied that he was intoxicated at the time of the child’s death. He told police, according to a criminal complaint, that he had been watching Madden at his mother’s home when he picked the child up to change his diaper and accidentally dropped him. Smith said Madden began gasping for air, and then Smith couldn’t find a pulse. He said he attempted CPR but was unable to revive the boy, and that he shook the baby.
The complaint states that Madden had abrasions on his forehead when examined by paramedics, and appeared to have suffered multiple skull fractures.
Police said they found a hammer in the house with blood on it. The evaluation states that Smith “offered the possibility that more injuries would have occurred during his vigorous attempts of resuscitation while the child was on a hard surface.”
Smith said he is an unlikely person to harm a child because his father was murdered.
“He had purposed himself to be a super father,” the report states. “Between Mr. Smith and his wife they had 7 children including three children under the age of 1 from his current marriage.”
Smith said stress in his relationship with his wife included financial problems and the fact that one of their children was still in the hospital after being born with her intestines outside her body. He said they had decided to separate and live with their parents.
The evaluation states that Smith previously was treated at a Prestera Center in Charleston for depression and a three-year addiction to prescription pain medication. He said he attempted suicide once before the incident but that he’s not currently suicidal. He is under psychiatric care at the Western Regional Jail.
A March medical record said, “Depression with anxiety was noted to be a chronic problem” and that Smith “reported severe symptoms that occurred daily in his right arm” and had been complaining about weakness there since January 2013. In 2011, he was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, major depressive disorder and opioid abuse.
The report states that West Virginia Child Protective Services got an anonymous report in May that Smith was abusing drugs.
It also states that, in 2009, Smith and Megan Haynes, who is not Smith’s current wife, brought their first child, Maddox, to the hospital with what was “noted to be a suspicious injury.”
“A protection plan was initiated and the parents were not allowed to be alone with the child,” the report states. The mothers of Smith and Haynes were placed on the parenting plan for Maddox, and Haynes’ mother “stated that she did not like Mr. Smith because he was controlling and could be violent.” However, “Despite the family dynamics and allegations, no maltreatment was substantiated.”
Smith’s mother tried to gain custody of Maddox by filing a domestic violence petition against Smith alleging that the child was in grave danger, but the DVP was dismissed.
Smith has a bail hearing set for 3:30 p.m. on July 9.
Dad ROBERT JEREMY SMITH is accused of killing his 5-week-old son during visitation. The parents had separated.
Though the father has a typical cover story regarding the boy's death (he "dropped" him), that doesn't exactly explain why the police found a bloody hammer in the house. Or why the baby had abrasions on his forehead and multiple skull fractures. Or why Dad cut his own throat in an apparent suicide attempt. Or why the baby's body was found in the back seat of a car.
Notice that Smith's own mother filed a domestic violence petition to gain custody of his first child (from an earlier relationship) when that child showed up at the hospital with a "suspicious" injury. The mother's mother also claimed that Smith could be "controlling" and "violent."
Of course that petition was dismissed.
http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20140628/GZ01/140629340
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Evaluation says Hurricane man accused of killing infant son competent to stand trial
By Ryan Quinn, Staff writer
WINFIELD, W.Va. — A psychiatric evaluation of the Hurricane man accused of killing his 5-week-old son has concluded that he’s competent to stand trial and states that he has “indicated a desire to defend himself and be judged not guilty.”
The evaluation, filed in Putnam County Circuit Court on Thursday, states that Robert Jeremy Smith said he wouldn’t consider a plea bargain because it would be an admission of guilt, but “later entertained the possibility of admitting to certain charges that did directly imply he intentionally harmed the child.”
Smith, 33, of Shank Avenue, is charged with death of a child by a parent as a result of child abuse. His son, Madden, was found dead in the back seat of a car on Venable Avenue, in Kanawha City, on May 21.
Smith also was there, with his throat cut — police said he apparently attempted suicide.Smith told police that Madden died after he accidentally dropped him from about chest-high after picking him up with his bad right arm. The evaluation notes that Smith was diagnosed with arm muscle atrophy in March.
“I urge people not to form a judgment too quickly in this case,” Shawn Bayliss, Smith’s attorney, told the Gazette-Mail on Thursday. “We have no idea what the evidence is going to show, but we believe it’s going to show that this was an accidental trauma, not an intentional or nefarious act.”
Bayliss said the situation is hard on every member of Smith’s family.
The report states that Smith doesn’t have a mental disease or defect and that he understands the proceedings against him and can rationally consult with his attorney. It also says Smith didn’t lack substantial capacity to understand his actions at the time of the alleged offense.
Huntington psychiatrist and neurologist Dr. Bobby Miller II performed the evaluation.
Bayliss referred Smith to Miller to “provide information regarding any psychiatric diagnosis, the examinee’s mental status, and forensic psychiatry opinions regarding the issue of competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and/or diminished capacity.”
The evaluation states that Smith denied that he was intoxicated at the time of the child’s death. He told police, according to a criminal complaint, that he had been watching Madden at his mother’s home when he picked the child up to change his diaper and accidentally dropped him. Smith said Madden began gasping for air, and then Smith couldn’t find a pulse. He said he attempted CPR but was unable to revive the boy, and that he shook the baby.
The complaint states that Madden had abrasions on his forehead when examined by paramedics, and appeared to have suffered multiple skull fractures.
Police said they found a hammer in the house with blood on it. The evaluation states that Smith “offered the possibility that more injuries would have occurred during his vigorous attempts of resuscitation while the child was on a hard surface.”
Smith said he is an unlikely person to harm a child because his father was murdered.
“He had purposed himself to be a super father,” the report states. “Between Mr. Smith and his wife they had 7 children including three children under the age of 1 from his current marriage.”
Smith said stress in his relationship with his wife included financial problems and the fact that one of their children was still in the hospital after being born with her intestines outside her body. He said they had decided to separate and live with their parents.
The evaluation states that Smith previously was treated at a Prestera Center in Charleston for depression and a three-year addiction to prescription pain medication. He said he attempted suicide once before the incident but that he’s not currently suicidal. He is under psychiatric care at the Western Regional Jail.
A March medical record said, “Depression with anxiety was noted to be a chronic problem” and that Smith “reported severe symptoms that occurred daily in his right arm” and had been complaining about weakness there since January 2013. In 2011, he was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, major depressive disorder and opioid abuse.
The report states that West Virginia Child Protective Services got an anonymous report in May that Smith was abusing drugs.
It also states that, in 2009, Smith and Megan Haynes, who is not Smith’s current wife, brought their first child, Maddox, to the hospital with what was “noted to be a suspicious injury.”
“A protection plan was initiated and the parents were not allowed to be alone with the child,” the report states. The mothers of Smith and Haynes were placed on the parenting plan for Maddox, and Haynes’ mother “stated that she did not like Mr. Smith because he was controlling and could be violent.” However, “Despite the family dynamics and allegations, no maltreatment was substantiated.”
Smith’s mother tried to gain custody of Maddox by filing a domestic violence petition against Smith alleging that the child was in grave danger, but the DVP was dismissed.
Smith has a bail hearing set for 3:30 p.m. on July 9.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
"Stressed" dad pleads guilty to crushing 8-month-old son to death (Anderson, South Carolina)
Poor mom was saddled with a deadbeat loser, and now she has lost custody of her remaining child thanks to Daddy's crimes. This is typical of the way that mothers are punished for the deeds of men. That the mother is not charged with anything that I can tell is irrelevant to the authorities.
Dad is identified as CHRISTOPHER FOSTER.
http://www.independentmail.com/news/father-pleads-guilty-in-death-of-child_85443626
Father pleads guilty in death of child
By: Mike Ellis Posted: 3:37 PM, Oct 2, 2014 Updated: 2 mins ago
Christopher Foster admitted to crushing his 8-month-old son to death in a moment of stress and frustration.
He was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child neglect charges Thursday.
Foster told investigators shortly after his son died, on June 8, 2012, that he had been feeding Leon Davis Foster and the child became wedged in a chair. Foster showed little emotion in a pair of interviews right after and two days after his son’s death, Assistant Solicitor Catherine Huey said.
Eight months after Leon died, however, Foster teared up in a follow-up interview.
“He confessed and said the child would not stop crying so he held the child to his chest until the child stopped breathing,” Huey said.
Foster held Leon in a way that the infant could not breathe, she said.
Foster’s wife had gone to get a bouncy chair from her in-law’s home and when she came back, she called 911. Leon was pronounced dead at AnMed Health Medical Center.
A forensic pathologist determined at the time that the death was an accident. The same pathologist, Dr. Brett Woodard, later ruled the death a homicide in light of Foster’s confession.
Huey said both an accident and an intentional act had the same medical signs.
Defense attorney Jennifer Johnson said Foster had several mental issues as well as extensive financial and family problems that contributed to his frustration.
“It was a terrible, horrible thing that he did,” Johnson said. “I know he wishes every day he could take it back.”
Foster enlisted in the Navy after graduating from T.L. Hanna High School and married his high school sweetheart, who soon became diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Johnson said. Foster also had his own mental health issues in the military after having a breakdown due to family and job pressures, she said.
“It was too much too soon,” Johnson said. “He made a choice in what I will call a moment of panic.” Foster and his family were living in a room of a home on Edgefield Drive, with 13 people in the small house belonging to his wife’s parents.
Foster also had bounced from job to job, losing work twice after wrecking cars and being underemployed at other jobs. He was not involved in drugs or alcohol, Johnson said.
Judge Brooks Goldsmith rejected Johnson’s request of a 5-year sentence with probation and he went with the prosecution’s recommendation of a 15-+year sentence.
Foster and his wife have an older child, who has been placed in foster care. Foster was originally charged with homicide by child abuse.
Foster made few signs of emotion during the court hearing and told Goldsmith that the stress and mental health issues got to him.
“It should not have happened,” Foster said. “I should never have ended my (mental health) treatment. I feel guilt and burden for an accident that I can never live down and I think about it every day.”
Dad is identified as CHRISTOPHER FOSTER.
http://www.independentmail.com/news/father-pleads-guilty-in-death-of-child_85443626
Father pleads guilty in death of child
By: Mike Ellis Posted: 3:37 PM, Oct 2, 2014 Updated: 2 mins ago
Christopher Foster admitted to crushing his 8-month-old son to death in a moment of stress and frustration.
He was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child neglect charges Thursday.
Foster told investigators shortly after his son died, on June 8, 2012, that he had been feeding Leon Davis Foster and the child became wedged in a chair. Foster showed little emotion in a pair of interviews right after and two days after his son’s death, Assistant Solicitor Catherine Huey said.
Eight months after Leon died, however, Foster teared up in a follow-up interview.
“He confessed and said the child would not stop crying so he held the child to his chest until the child stopped breathing,” Huey said.
Foster held Leon in a way that the infant could not breathe, she said.
Foster’s wife had gone to get a bouncy chair from her in-law’s home and when she came back, she called 911. Leon was pronounced dead at AnMed Health Medical Center.
A forensic pathologist determined at the time that the death was an accident. The same pathologist, Dr. Brett Woodard, later ruled the death a homicide in light of Foster’s confession.
Huey said both an accident and an intentional act had the same medical signs.
Defense attorney Jennifer Johnson said Foster had several mental issues as well as extensive financial and family problems that contributed to his frustration.
“It was a terrible, horrible thing that he did,” Johnson said. “I know he wishes every day he could take it back.”
Foster enlisted in the Navy after graduating from T.L. Hanna High School and married his high school sweetheart, who soon became diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Johnson said. Foster also had his own mental health issues in the military after having a breakdown due to family and job pressures, she said.
“It was too much too soon,” Johnson said. “He made a choice in what I will call a moment of panic.” Foster and his family were living in a room of a home on Edgefield Drive, with 13 people in the small house belonging to his wife’s parents.
Foster also had bounced from job to job, losing work twice after wrecking cars and being underemployed at other jobs. He was not involved in drugs or alcohol, Johnson said.
Judge Brooks Goldsmith rejected Johnson’s request of a 5-year sentence with probation and he went with the prosecution’s recommendation of a 15-+year sentence.
Foster and his wife have an older child, who has been placed in foster care. Foster was originally charged with homicide by child abuse.
Foster made few signs of emotion during the court hearing and told Goldsmith that the stress and mental health issues got to him.
“It should not have happened,” Foster said. “I should never have ended my (mental health) treatment. I feel guilt and burden for an accident that I can never live down and I think about it every day.”
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Dad charged with attempted murder in poisoning of 4-month-old daughter (Queensland, Australia)
I understand that Daddy has his family enablers--these guys always have the suck-ups on their side. But even the disability advocates are behind this little sh** who tortured this baby with powerful drugs? Disgusting. UNNAMED DAD.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/teen-dad-accused-of-poisoning-his-fourmonthold-daughter-20130829-2ssd9.html
Teen dad accused of poisoning his four-month-old daughter
August 29, 2013 - 1:25PM
A Queensland father poisoned his baby daughter with anti-psychotic drugs and forced her to swallow a 10 cent coin, police allege.
The 19-year-old unemployed man, who cannot be named, has been charged with attempted murder and was granted bail in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Police said his partner woke late on August 13 to find the couple’s four-month-old daughter struggling to breathe.
She had turned blue and was ‘‘pale and floppy’’ with a temperature of just 34 degrees, according to an affidavit tendered in court.
The infant was taken to hospital from the family’s Morayfield house, north of Brisbane, just after midnight.
Hospital staff noted she had a high heart rate and would scream in bouts.
A urine test found the antipsychotic pericyazine and the attention deficit disorder drug methylphenidate.
The father was on both drugs and suffered attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
In hospital the infant vomited up a 10 cent piece, which doctors said she could not have ingested accidentally because she lacked the motor skills.
A day earlier the father had asked his partner and her parents what would happen if the child swallowed a coin and was told she would die.
He had an argument with his partner the night of the incident and had been the last to feed the baby around 11.30pm, according to the affidavit.
Police opposed bail, saying the man had a propensity for violence and was a risk to himself and others.
Legal Aid lawyer Rhianna Batt said he had mental health issues but no significant criminal history that indicated a risk.
She said he had the support of his mother, two sisters and disability advocates, who were all in court.
Magistrate Judy Daley said she was comforted by the man’s support network and did not believe he was a flight risk.
She granted bail on the condition he have no contact with his daughter or partner and that he would stay away from the Morayfield address.
The man has also been charged with use of a controlled drug, possession and stealing.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/teen-dad-accused-of-poisoning-his-fourmonthold-daughter-20130829-2ssd9.html
Teen dad accused of poisoning his four-month-old daughter
August 29, 2013 - 1:25PM
A Queensland father poisoned his baby daughter with anti-psychotic drugs and forced her to swallow a 10 cent coin, police allege.
The 19-year-old unemployed man, who cannot be named, has been charged with attempted murder and was granted bail in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Police said his partner woke late on August 13 to find the couple’s four-month-old daughter struggling to breathe.
She had turned blue and was ‘‘pale and floppy’’ with a temperature of just 34 degrees, according to an affidavit tendered in court.
The infant was taken to hospital from the family’s Morayfield house, north of Brisbane, just after midnight.
Hospital staff noted she had a high heart rate and would scream in bouts.
A urine test found the antipsychotic pericyazine and the attention deficit disorder drug methylphenidate.
The father was on both drugs and suffered attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
In hospital the infant vomited up a 10 cent piece, which doctors said she could not have ingested accidentally because she lacked the motor skills.
A day earlier the father had asked his partner and her parents what would happen if the child swallowed a coin and was told she would die.
He had an argument with his partner the night of the incident and had been the last to feed the baby around 11.30pm, according to the affidavit.
Police opposed bail, saying the man had a propensity for violence and was a risk to himself and others.
Legal Aid lawyer Rhianna Batt said he had mental health issues but no significant criminal history that indicated a risk.
She said he had the support of his mother, two sisters and disability advocates, who were all in court.
Magistrate Judy Daley said she was comforted by the man’s support network and did not believe he was a flight risk.
She granted bail on the condition he have no contact with his daughter or partner and that he would stay away from the Morayfield address.
The man has also been charged with use of a controlled drug, possession and stealing.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Dad convicted in beating death of 2-year-old son; gets life in prison (St. Louis, Missouri)
The killer dad is identified as AARON LUCY.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-man-who-beat-toddler-son-to-death-gets/article_d2e14b3a-4f92-58c8-bbe6-48f0ad01ca09.html
St. Louis man who beat toddler son to death gets life in prison
April 18, 2013 11:00 am • By Joel Currier
St. Louis man convicted of beating 2-year-old son to death
Jury says Aaron Lucy, 32, committed first-degree murder in assault that left bruises and scrapes on nearly every surface of the boy's body.
ST. LOUIS • A St. Louis man convicted of brutally beating his 2-year-old son to death was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Aaron Lucy, 32, was sentenced by St. Louis Circuit Judge Robin Vannoy. In January, a jury found Lucy guilty of first-degree murder and four felony counts of child abuse, evidence tampering and armed criminal action in the death of his son, Kyle Lucy.
Prosecutors said Lucy beat Kyle to death the afternoon or evening of Dec. 26, 2010, when the two were alone together for several hours at Lucy’s apartment in the 6900 block of Chippewa Street. Other family members were at a Christmas play.
Authorities said Lucy left bruises and scrapes on almost every part of the toddler’s body and caused two skull fractures and a fatal brain injury. Blood was found throughout the apartment, including on the back of a picture frame and a broken drawer that, along with an overturned television, had been thrown across the floor.
“What Aaron took from us has been devastating,” the boy’s mother, Amanda Newman, 30, of St. Louis County, said in court Thursday. “I don’t look at people the same way as I did before. I don’t look at people and wonder what they can offer me and my life. I now look at people and wonder what they will take from me or how they (will) hurt me. The world got a little darker that day.”
Lucy made no statements during Thursday’s sentencing. He appeared in court wearing an orange city jail uniform and still sporting a mustache, but with a much shorter haircut and without the pink hair dye noticeable in his jail booking photo.
Aaron Lucy’s mother, Gloria Lucy, told the court she believes her son is not “a monster.” She said he had received psychiatric treatment since middle school and suffered from bipolar disorder. She said a mental hospital would be a more effective sentence than prison.
“My son loved his kids dearly,” Gloria Lucy said. “He never mistreated Kyle. The way Kyle died wasn’t abuse, in my opinion. It was rage. I don’t know what happened that night. I really don’t.”
Newman says she, too, still doesn’t know why Aaron Lucy killed Kyle, and says the only time she saw him lose his temper was when he was intoxicated. She said she thought he had stopped drinking alcohol at least a year earlier, but she wonders whether he was drunk the night Kyle died.
Newman said she was satisfied with the life sentence because she believes it will keep Lucy away from their daughter, Abby, who is now 7. Newman said Abby now understands it was her father who ended Kyle’s life, but Newman shields her from the horror of how the boy died.
“When she gets older, she has every right to know every detail,” she said.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/st-louis-man-who-beat-toddler-son-to-death-gets/article_d2e14b3a-4f92-58c8-bbe6-48f0ad01ca09.html
St. Louis man who beat toddler son to death gets life in prison
April 18, 2013 11:00 am • By Joel Currier
St. Louis man convicted of beating 2-year-old son to death
Jury says Aaron Lucy, 32, committed first-degree murder in assault that left bruises and scrapes on nearly every surface of the boy's body.
ST. LOUIS • A St. Louis man convicted of brutally beating his 2-year-old son to death was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Aaron Lucy, 32, was sentenced by St. Louis Circuit Judge Robin Vannoy. In January, a jury found Lucy guilty of first-degree murder and four felony counts of child abuse, evidence tampering and armed criminal action in the death of his son, Kyle Lucy.
Prosecutors said Lucy beat Kyle to death the afternoon or evening of Dec. 26, 2010, when the two were alone together for several hours at Lucy’s apartment in the 6900 block of Chippewa Street. Other family members were at a Christmas play.
Authorities said Lucy left bruises and scrapes on almost every part of the toddler’s body and caused two skull fractures and a fatal brain injury. Blood was found throughout the apartment, including on the back of a picture frame and a broken drawer that, along with an overturned television, had been thrown across the floor.
“What Aaron took from us has been devastating,” the boy’s mother, Amanda Newman, 30, of St. Louis County, said in court Thursday. “I don’t look at people the same way as I did before. I don’t look at people and wonder what they can offer me and my life. I now look at people and wonder what they will take from me or how they (will) hurt me. The world got a little darker that day.”
Lucy made no statements during Thursday’s sentencing. He appeared in court wearing an orange city jail uniform and still sporting a mustache, but with a much shorter haircut and without the pink hair dye noticeable in his jail booking photo.
Aaron Lucy’s mother, Gloria Lucy, told the court she believes her son is not “a monster.” She said he had received psychiatric treatment since middle school and suffered from bipolar disorder. She said a mental hospital would be a more effective sentence than prison.
“My son loved his kids dearly,” Gloria Lucy said. “He never mistreated Kyle. The way Kyle died wasn’t abuse, in my opinion. It was rage. I don’t know what happened that night. I really don’t.”
Newman says she, too, still doesn’t know why Aaron Lucy killed Kyle, and says the only time she saw him lose his temper was when he was intoxicated. She said she thought he had stopped drinking alcohol at least a year earlier, but she wonders whether he was drunk the night Kyle died.
Newman said she was satisfied with the life sentence because she believes it will keep Lucy away from their daughter, Abby, who is now 7. Newman said Abby now understands it was her father who ended Kyle’s life, but Newman shields her from the horror of how the boy died.
“When she gets older, she has every right to know every detail,” she said.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Teen boy found chained in basement of custodial dad is now gaining weight, recovering (Clay County, Missouri)
This is the first mention I have seen of the non-custodial mom, who obviously had been stripped of her visitation rights. This is a typical abuser move. After all, if Mom isn't allowed to visit the kids, she can't report any abuse, right?
Still no word here on how this abusive custodial father gained custody, and who enabled that decision.
Dad is identified as DAVID MARTIN.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2290275/Bipolar-teen-chained-fathers-basement-gained-50lbs-thriving-just-month-rescue.html#.UTofxkHxyuI.facebook
Bipolar teen found chained up in father's basement has gained 50lbs and is thriving just one month after rescue
By Daily Mail Reporter PUBLISHED:10:57 EST, 8 March 2013| UPDATED:11:55 EST, 8 March 2013
A 17-year-old Missouri boy who was found chained to a pole in his parents' basement four weeks ago weighing just over 100lbs is doing much better these days.
The teenager boasted to a Clay County judge Thursday that he has put on 50lbs, planned to play football and was taking guitar lessons.
The bipolar 17-year-old, whose name is not been revealed due to his age, was discovered February 4 curled in a fetal position and handcuffed to a steel pole inside a Kansas City home after a neighbor contacted social services.
The boy's father, David Martin, 42, and 41-year-old stepmother, Pamela Martin, were arrested and charged with felony restraint and child abuse.
During the hearing this week, the boy's biological mother said that she would like to take her son home, but the judge ordered that he remain in foster care pending a home study to determine if the woman's residence is suitable for the boy to live in, the Kansas City Starreported..
According to her lawyer, the teen's birthmother was unaware of what was happening to her son at her ex-husband's townhouse and would have sought custody had she known.
David Martin, who continues to be held on $50,000 bond along with his second wife, appeared at the hearing Thursday but did not speak.
Meanwhile, the teen at the center of the case told Judge Elizabeth Davis that he is doing well, adding that nowadays he tips the scales at 151lbs.
The high school sophomore went on to say that he is doing weight running and hopes to join the wrestling team and the football team as a running back.
The boy is expected to be back in court May 30 for his next progress report.
Following his rescue in early February, the boy told investigators he had been kept in the basement since his father pulled him out of school in September. Court documents say the boy's weight had dropped from 130lbs to 103lbs.
According to court documents, the Martins told police that the victim is bi-polar and also suffers from attention deficit disorder.
The teen's father said the family could no longer afford to buy medications for the 17-year-old and had run out of options to keep a handle on the boy. Police have not released the names of anyone involved in the case. The teen was placed in the custody of child services. The adults were also living in the home at the time.
Mr Martin added that they had tied him to the pole in order to keep him from running away, and that the restraint only lasted for three weeks.
According to a police report, an officer and social worker arrived in the family's home last week after getting a tip from neighbor Crystal Anderson.
The Kansas City Star reported that while they were inside the residence in the 400 block of North Wheeling Avenue, Mrs Martin told the officer her son was asleep in his basement bedroom.
When they entered the basement, they heard someone cry out: 'I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything.'
Officer Jonathan Stone wrote in the report: 'I then observed a thin frail looking male getting out of the fetal position on the concrete floor around a steel support pole.
'The teen was handcuffed to the pole and looked very thin for his height, with a sunken face and eyes that "had a look of desperation."'
He was curled in a fetal position on the cold concrete floor dressed in dirty jeans, a dirty shirt and socks. He continually asked authorities for his jacket and shoes and appeared cold.
After police freed the shivering boy from the manacles and helped him calm down, he said he had been kept in the basement since September, when his father removed him from school.
He said he was initially 'just locked in the basement, but was not fed much.'
The child was allowed to shower once in four weeks, had been denied the use of bathroom for 10-hour stretches and had sores on both his wrists from the handcuffs, according to court documents.
The 17-year-old told police that in October, he managed to get out of the basement and get food, which angered his father, who tried handcuffing both his hands to a bed frame in a 'cross position, but his arms were not long enough.' When police entered the basement of the home, they heard someone cry out: 'I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything'
The teen said he managed to take apart the bed in November and used a bed rail to break open the door, but he didn't manage to find anything edible.
The boy told police that this time, David Martin removed the bed from the basement and handcuffed him to the pole.
He told police that his father would wake him each day at 4am to use the bathroom and give him a packet of dried oatmeal.
In the afternoon, he would again be allowed to use the bathroom and would get a packet of Ramen noodles to eat.
Later, he would get two bologna sandwiches and a glass of water before being locked up for the night.
Another adult in the home told police that the teen was 'locked downstairs because in December they let him upstairs and he ate almost an entire bowl of fruit at one time.'
Pamela Martin told police her stepson was allowed to eat dinner with the family and returned to the basement at bedtime.
The woman also said she didn't remove the handcuffs because the teen was 'verbally abusive and would try to kick her.'
Authorities took the teen to a local hospital for treatment. He was immediately placed into the custody of the Clay County Children’s Division. A two-year-old grandson in the home is also in state custody.
Since being sprung from his makeshift jail, the 17-year-old boy has sent a series of messages to the neighbor who led police the the basement where he was being kept.
The boy, whom neighbors have described as childlike, shared with Crystal Anderson how excited he is to be back in school and spoke of dreams to play football, KSNreported.
One message read: 'Thank you for save [sic] me from starving,' the teen wrote in gratitude.
Still no word here on how this abusive custodial father gained custody, and who enabled that decision.
Dad is identified as DAVID MARTIN.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2290275/Bipolar-teen-chained-fathers-basement-gained-50lbs-thriving-just-month-rescue.html#.UTofxkHxyuI.facebook
Bipolar teen found chained up in father's basement has gained 50lbs and is thriving just one month after rescue
By Daily Mail Reporter PUBLISHED:10:57 EST, 8 March 2013| UPDATED:11:55 EST, 8 March 2013
A 17-year-old Missouri boy who was found chained to a pole in his parents' basement four weeks ago weighing just over 100lbs is doing much better these days.
The teenager boasted to a Clay County judge Thursday that he has put on 50lbs, planned to play football and was taking guitar lessons.
The bipolar 17-year-old, whose name is not been revealed due to his age, was discovered February 4 curled in a fetal position and handcuffed to a steel pole inside a Kansas City home after a neighbor contacted social services.
The boy's father, David Martin, 42, and 41-year-old stepmother, Pamela Martin, were arrested and charged with felony restraint and child abuse.
During the hearing this week, the boy's biological mother said that she would like to take her son home, but the judge ordered that he remain in foster care pending a home study to determine if the woman's residence is suitable for the boy to live in, the Kansas City Starreported..
According to her lawyer, the teen's birthmother was unaware of what was happening to her son at her ex-husband's townhouse and would have sought custody had she known.
David Martin, who continues to be held on $50,000 bond along with his second wife, appeared at the hearing Thursday but did not speak.
Meanwhile, the teen at the center of the case told Judge Elizabeth Davis that he is doing well, adding that nowadays he tips the scales at 151lbs.
The high school sophomore went on to say that he is doing weight running and hopes to join the wrestling team and the football team as a running back.
The boy is expected to be back in court May 30 for his next progress report.
Following his rescue in early February, the boy told investigators he had been kept in the basement since his father pulled him out of school in September. Court documents say the boy's weight had dropped from 130lbs to 103lbs.
According to court documents, the Martins told police that the victim is bi-polar and also suffers from attention deficit disorder.
The teen's father said the family could no longer afford to buy medications for the 17-year-old and had run out of options to keep a handle on the boy. Police have not released the names of anyone involved in the case. The teen was placed in the custody of child services. The adults were also living in the home at the time.
Mr Martin added that they had tied him to the pole in order to keep him from running away, and that the restraint only lasted for three weeks.
According to a police report, an officer and social worker arrived in the family's home last week after getting a tip from neighbor Crystal Anderson.
The Kansas City Star reported that while they were inside the residence in the 400 block of North Wheeling Avenue, Mrs Martin told the officer her son was asleep in his basement bedroom.
When they entered the basement, they heard someone cry out: 'I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything.'
Officer Jonathan Stone wrote in the report: 'I then observed a thin frail looking male getting out of the fetal position on the concrete floor around a steel support pole.
'The teen was handcuffed to the pole and looked very thin for his height, with a sunken face and eyes that "had a look of desperation."'
He was curled in a fetal position on the cold concrete floor dressed in dirty jeans, a dirty shirt and socks. He continually asked authorities for his jacket and shoes and appeared cold.
After police freed the shivering boy from the manacles and helped him calm down, he said he had been kept in the basement since September, when his father removed him from school.
He said he was initially 'just locked in the basement, but was not fed much.'
The child was allowed to shower once in four weeks, had been denied the use of bathroom for 10-hour stretches and had sores on both his wrists from the handcuffs, according to court documents.
The 17-year-old told police that in October, he managed to get out of the basement and get food, which angered his father, who tried handcuffing both his hands to a bed frame in a 'cross position, but his arms were not long enough.' When police entered the basement of the home, they heard someone cry out: 'I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything'
The teen said he managed to take apart the bed in November and used a bed rail to break open the door, but he didn't manage to find anything edible.
The boy told police that this time, David Martin removed the bed from the basement and handcuffed him to the pole.
He told police that his father would wake him each day at 4am to use the bathroom and give him a packet of dried oatmeal.
In the afternoon, he would again be allowed to use the bathroom and would get a packet of Ramen noodles to eat.
Later, he would get two bologna sandwiches and a glass of water before being locked up for the night.
Another adult in the home told police that the teen was 'locked downstairs because in December they let him upstairs and he ate almost an entire bowl of fruit at one time.'
Pamela Martin told police her stepson was allowed to eat dinner with the family and returned to the basement at bedtime.
The woman also said she didn't remove the handcuffs because the teen was 'verbally abusive and would try to kick her.'
Authorities took the teen to a local hospital for treatment. He was immediately placed into the custody of the Clay County Children’s Division. A two-year-old grandson in the home is also in state custody.
Since being sprung from his makeshift jail, the 17-year-old boy has sent a series of messages to the neighbor who led police the the basement where he was being kept.
The boy, whom neighbors have described as childlike, shared with Crystal Anderson how excited he is to be back in school and spoke of dreams to play football, KSNreported.
One message read: 'Thank you for save [sic] me from starving,' the teen wrote in gratitude.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Dad rams truck through mom's front window, shoots her; kids escape by jumping through window (Kent, Washington)
More freaking Daddy Drama...but at least this nitwit didn't kill anybody but himself in the end.
Once again, we see how abusers really are...and how all the standard fathers rights lies are just that.
FR Lie #1: Women can get orders of protection like candy.
False. This particular mother was DENIED an order of protection despite a past history of domestic violence and scary and melodramatic "goodbye" text messages being sent to the kids.
FR Lie #2: Daddies are "deprived" of their children by mean mommies and the evil courts.
False. This piece of sh** didn't even show up at the child custody hearings and reputedly wanted to have nothing to do with the kids.
So we see what happened next. How dad DION FISHER rammed his truck through the front window of the mother's home. How this bozo went stomping through the house, looking for his ex-wife, firing shots with his handgun. He finally managed to hit her (luckily the shot was only to her hand).
Two of the three terrified kids in the home jumped out a window and ran to a neighbor's for help. Another terrified kid hid and called the police.
Kids need this???
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2254235/Man-rams-pickup-truck-ex-wifes-house-shoots-kills-himself.html
Jilted husband rams pick-up truck into ex-wife's home, then shoots her in front of their terrified children before killing himself
Dion Fisher drove his Dodge into the front of the Kent, Washington home before firing off shots with a handgun
Two children who lived in the house escaped while one called the police Mr Fisher's truck was found 50 miles away near his body
Mr Fisher's ex-wife has requested and been denied a domestic violence protection order against him She was shot in the hand
By VICTORIA WELLMAN
PUBLISHED: 10:27 EST, 28 December 2012 | UPDATED: 12:24 EST, 28 December 2012
A Washington man who drove a truck into the front of his ex-wife's home and shot her in the hand before speeding off, is thought by police to have then shot himself to death on a roadside 50 miles away.
The violent string of events began when Dion E. Fisher arrived at the Kent home where his ex-wife and three of their four children, ages 10 to 18, lived at around 3.30am on Thursday and rammed his vehicle straight through the front window.
Two of the three fled the property while one hid and dialled for help as their father strode through the house firing shots with a handgun looking for his ex-wife.
Mr Fisher shot his ex-wife once in the hand and then took off in his truck leading police on a chase through Maple Valley before managing to get away.
As the wounded mother recovered in hospital on Friday and the presumed body of Mr Fisher was found near his vehicle in Index, a picture emerged of a troubled man who had threatened his family before.
The Fishers divorced in 2009 but as recently as a month ago Mr Fisher's ex-wife submitted a request for a domestic violence protection order against him in which she called Mr Fisher bi-polar and claimed he abused drugs and alcohol.
She also said that he had been sending his children 'goodbye' texts which led her to fear for their safety.
But the request was dismissed by a judge who claimed there was a lack of evidence to show that Mr Fisher was a threat.
Sgt. Cindi West told local reporters how two of they had managed to escaped the terrifying scene by jumping out the window.
In Snohomish County, a medical examiner has yet to confirm the identity of the body though the license plate of the black Dakota Dodge found in Index matches Mr Fisher's and King County police are working under the assumption it is Mr Fisher.
One of his daughters, Brooke, posted an angry comment late Thursday on her Facebook page saying: 'I resent my father so much for we he put us all through this morning. But ... rest in peace dad . I wish everything was different.'
Once again, we see how abusers really are...and how all the standard fathers rights lies are just that.
FR Lie #1: Women can get orders of protection like candy.
False. This particular mother was DENIED an order of protection despite a past history of domestic violence and scary and melodramatic "goodbye" text messages being sent to the kids.
FR Lie #2: Daddies are "deprived" of their children by mean mommies and the evil courts.
False. This piece of sh** didn't even show up at the child custody hearings and reputedly wanted to have nothing to do with the kids.
So we see what happened next. How dad DION FISHER rammed his truck through the front window of the mother's home. How this bozo went stomping through the house, looking for his ex-wife, firing shots with his handgun. He finally managed to hit her (luckily the shot was only to her hand).
Two of the three terrified kids in the home jumped out a window and ran to a neighbor's for help. Another terrified kid hid and called the police.
Kids need this???
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2254235/Man-rams-pickup-truck-ex-wifes-house-shoots-kills-himself.html
Jilted husband rams pick-up truck into ex-wife's home, then shoots her in front of their terrified children before killing himself
Dion Fisher drove his Dodge into the front of the Kent, Washington home before firing off shots with a handgun
Two children who lived in the house escaped while one called the police Mr Fisher's truck was found 50 miles away near his body
Mr Fisher's ex-wife has requested and been denied a domestic violence protection order against him She was shot in the hand
By VICTORIA WELLMAN
PUBLISHED: 10:27 EST, 28 December 2012 | UPDATED: 12:24 EST, 28 December 2012
A Washington man who drove a truck into the front of his ex-wife's home and shot her in the hand before speeding off, is thought by police to have then shot himself to death on a roadside 50 miles away.
The violent string of events began when Dion E. Fisher arrived at the Kent home where his ex-wife and three of their four children, ages 10 to 18, lived at around 3.30am on Thursday and rammed his vehicle straight through the front window.
Two of the three fled the property while one hid and dialled for help as their father strode through the house firing shots with a handgun looking for his ex-wife.
Mr Fisher shot his ex-wife once in the hand and then took off in his truck leading police on a chase through Maple Valley before managing to get away.
As the wounded mother recovered in hospital on Friday and the presumed body of Mr Fisher was found near his vehicle in Index, a picture emerged of a troubled man who had threatened his family before.
The Fishers divorced in 2009 but as recently as a month ago Mr Fisher's ex-wife submitted a request for a domestic violence protection order against him in which she called Mr Fisher bi-polar and claimed he abused drugs and alcohol.
She also said that he had been sending his children 'goodbye' texts which led her to fear for their safety.
But the request was dismissed by a judge who claimed there was a lack of evidence to show that Mr Fisher was a threat.
At a more recent custody hearing, the Fishers' neighbor recalls that Mr Fisher never even showed up.
'He said he didn't want nothing to do with them,' said Carole Vandel. 'She was trying to do the best she could, but he didn't want any part of it.'
The same neighbor was awoken by knocking on her door early on Thursday morning as the two children begged her for help.
Sgt. Cindi West told local reporters how two of they had managed to escaped the terrifying scene by jumping out the window.
In Snohomish County, a medical examiner has yet to confirm the identity of the body though the license plate of the black Dakota Dodge found in Index matches Mr Fisher's and King County police are working under the assumption it is Mr Fisher.
One of his daughters, Brooke, posted an angry comment late Thursday on her Facebook page saying: 'I resent my father so much for we he put us all through this morning. But ... rest in peace dad . I wish everything was different.'
Saturday, September 15, 2012
"Primary caregiver" dad gets probation for inflicting life-threatening brain injuries on infant son (Scottsbluff, Nebraska)
Dad is identified as NATHAN PACE. Notice how he was appointed to be the "primary caregiver" while Mom worked. Presumably because his mental health issues (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) made it difficult for him to hold a job. So we figure that this guy was then capable of handling the stress involved in caring for twin infants?
It's too bad that real mothering in our culture is so devalued and dismissed--as if any unemployed idiot can do it. And I'm not convinced that Dad's mental illnesses had a lot to do with this assault on his infant son. Plenty of "primary caretaker" dads with no apparent mental illness do the same thing, simply because they're "frustrated."
http://www.starherald.com/news/local_news/scottsbluff-man-sentenced-to-probation-in-child-abuse-case/article_88604ed4-fedf-11e1-8acc-001a4bcf887a.html
Scottsbluff man sentenced to probation in child abuse case
Posted: Saturday, September 15, 2012 3:15 am
By MAUNETTE LOEKS Staff Reporter
A Scottsbluff man accused of shaking his baby and causing serious injury has received a sentence of probation.
Scotts Bluff County Judge Randall Lippstreu sentenced Nathan Pace, 34, of Scottsbluff, to five years of intensive probation. In his sentencing, Lippstreu said the probation sentence will allow the state to monitor Pace for a longer period of time than a jail sentence.
In August, Pace had agreed to a plea agreement in his case. Pace had been charged in February after his infant son suffered serious injuries while in his father’s care. Pace agreed to plead no contest to an amended charge of intentionally committing child abuse without causing injury, a Class IIIA felony charge. Prosecutors dropped a charge of child abuse resulting in injury, a Class II felony, that called for more stringent sentencing.
During sentencing, Scotts Bluff County Attorney Doug Warner acknowledged authorities are unsure of what Pace did that led to his son suffering brain injuries and fractured clavicle, but it is believed the boy had been severely shaken. In February 2011, he said doctors believed the injuries were life-threatening. With serious medical intervention, including surgery, the boy has recovered.
There is no reason that justifies using force on a child and no reasonable explanation for shaking a baby, causing serious injury, Warner said.
“No matter what the circumstances are, no matter what the stressors are, there is no legitimate reason to shake a baby,” Warner said, asking for the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 5 years in prison on the charge.
Scotts Bluff Public Defender Bernard Stratker cited Pace’s history of serious mental illness in asking the judge to sentence him to probation.
At age 30, he said, Pace had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Relatives have indicated that Pace has had no history of injuring others, but were more concerned about him injuring himself. Pace has been hospitalized in the past, including for suicide attempts.
At the time of the baby’s hospitalization, Pace was caregiver for his two infant twins while his wife worked. It was a lot to ask of the man, Straetker said.
“This has hurt him as well,” he said. “He has suffered as well.”
Straetker said his client “is not the typical person who comes through here.” He has had no criminal history and assessment tests showed him at low-risk to re-offend.
Pace also addressed the court, tearfully expressing his regret for injuring his son and saying that he wished he could turn back time.
“I know my actions hurt others, not just Brenner,” he said.
He even said he had been grateful for the time he has spent in jail. During his time in jail, he said, he has become closer to God and to himself.
In sentencing Pace to probation, Lippstreu said Pace would be eligible for jail time within two years, because of good time. He said he believed that a probation sentence would allow the state to monitor Pace for a longer time than a jail sentence.
“The court’s role is not just to impose a sentence, or of jail time, but to ensure the safety of the children, he said.
He said he felt the probation sentence would ensure the safety of the children for a longer time. As part of Pace’s probation sentence, Lippstreu imposed a special condition — Pace will not be allowed to spend time with his children unsupervised. He must be monitored at all times, Lippstreu said.
It's too bad that real mothering in our culture is so devalued and dismissed--as if any unemployed idiot can do it. And I'm not convinced that Dad's mental illnesses had a lot to do with this assault on his infant son. Plenty of "primary caretaker" dads with no apparent mental illness do the same thing, simply because they're "frustrated."
http://www.starherald.com/news/local_news/scottsbluff-man-sentenced-to-probation-in-child-abuse-case/article_88604ed4-fedf-11e1-8acc-001a4bcf887a.html
Scottsbluff man sentenced to probation in child abuse case
Posted: Saturday, September 15, 2012 3:15 am
By MAUNETTE LOEKS Staff Reporter
A Scottsbluff man accused of shaking his baby and causing serious injury has received a sentence of probation.
Scotts Bluff County Judge Randall Lippstreu sentenced Nathan Pace, 34, of Scottsbluff, to five years of intensive probation. In his sentencing, Lippstreu said the probation sentence will allow the state to monitor Pace for a longer period of time than a jail sentence.
In August, Pace had agreed to a plea agreement in his case. Pace had been charged in February after his infant son suffered serious injuries while in his father’s care. Pace agreed to plead no contest to an amended charge of intentionally committing child abuse without causing injury, a Class IIIA felony charge. Prosecutors dropped a charge of child abuse resulting in injury, a Class II felony, that called for more stringent sentencing.
During sentencing, Scotts Bluff County Attorney Doug Warner acknowledged authorities are unsure of what Pace did that led to his son suffering brain injuries and fractured clavicle, but it is believed the boy had been severely shaken. In February 2011, he said doctors believed the injuries were life-threatening. With serious medical intervention, including surgery, the boy has recovered.
There is no reason that justifies using force on a child and no reasonable explanation for shaking a baby, causing serious injury, Warner said.
“No matter what the circumstances are, no matter what the stressors are, there is no legitimate reason to shake a baby,” Warner said, asking for the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 5 years in prison on the charge.
Scotts Bluff Public Defender Bernard Stratker cited Pace’s history of serious mental illness in asking the judge to sentence him to probation.
At age 30, he said, Pace had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Relatives have indicated that Pace has had no history of injuring others, but were more concerned about him injuring himself. Pace has been hospitalized in the past, including for suicide attempts.
At the time of the baby’s hospitalization, Pace was caregiver for his two infant twins while his wife worked. It was a lot to ask of the man, Straetker said.
“This has hurt him as well,” he said. “He has suffered as well.”
Straetker said his client “is not the typical person who comes through here.” He has had no criminal history and assessment tests showed him at low-risk to re-offend.
Pace also addressed the court, tearfully expressing his regret for injuring his son and saying that he wished he could turn back time.
“I know my actions hurt others, not just Brenner,” he said.
He even said he had been grateful for the time he has spent in jail. During his time in jail, he said, he has become closer to God and to himself.
In sentencing Pace to probation, Lippstreu said Pace would be eligible for jail time within two years, because of good time. He said he believed that a probation sentence would allow the state to monitor Pace for a longer time than a jail sentence.
“The court’s role is not just to impose a sentence, or of jail time, but to ensure the safety of the children, he said.
He said he felt the probation sentence would ensure the safety of the children for a longer time. As part of Pace’s probation sentence, Lippstreu imposed a special condition — Pace will not be allowed to spend time with his children unsupervised. He must be monitored at all times, Lippstreu said.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Dad sent to prison for death of 13-day-old son (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
Notice all the subtle ways this is made out to not be Daddy's fault. He was bipolar! (Even though he was apparently mentally intact enough to change the baby's clothes after assaulting him.) It was really Mom's fault for leaving the baby in his care! It's everybody's fault but the fault of dad GLENN ROSS SR.
http://www.fox17online.com/news/kalamazoo/fox17-shaken-baby-sentencing-20120813,0,2438718.story
Kalamazoo Father Sentenced in Infant Child Death
Glenn Ross will spend next 25 to 50 years behind bars
FOX 17 News 3:17 p.m. EDT, August 13, 2012
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— It was an emotional day court for two families in Kalamazoo, after a father was sentenced for killing his own newborn son.
Judge Pamela Lightvoet asked, "Mr. Ross, anything you want to tell the court before sentencing sir?”
Glenn Ross Sr. replied, “I'm sorry." Soon after, the judge gave him a sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison. Ross, 22, is convicted of killing his 13-day old son.
He admitted to police that he shook his son, Glenn Ross, Jr., while home alone with the baby at his parent’s house in the 800 block of Burrell Avenue, in February.
Police said the infant was found unresponsive and later died from his injuries. Ross later underwent psychiatric evaluation.
His family said Ross dealt with past mental issues, including bipolar disorder. When we spoke to Ross's mother earlier this year, she said the baby's mother should have known not to leave him alone with the infant because of his past issues.
The prosecution said Ross had enough sense to change the baby's clothes after shaking him, so he deserved a steeper penalty from the judge.
In court, both families involved were overcome with emotion. The child's grandmother tried to express the grief both families feel for this tragic loss.
"Our days and nights are long and very empty, but we have each other to comfort and to heal with,” Moore said.
“You will be alone to live what you have done. Alone, empty. I would hope that someday that you would be remorseful, even sincerely sorry for what you have done to Bridget's baby Glenn," she added.
Shortly after, Ross received his sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison. As deputies took him out of the courtroom, Ross's mother shouted to him "I love you!" Ross shouted back, “I love you too."
Ross's mother said this was his second child with Bridget Moore, the infant’s mother. The couple gave the first child up for adoption because they felt they weren't ready for parenthood.
http://www.fox17online.com/news/kalamazoo/fox17-shaken-baby-sentencing-20120813,0,2438718.story
Kalamazoo Father Sentenced in Infant Child Death
Glenn Ross will spend next 25 to 50 years behind bars
FOX 17 News 3:17 p.m. EDT, August 13, 2012
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— It was an emotional day court for two families in Kalamazoo, after a father was sentenced for killing his own newborn son.
Judge Pamela Lightvoet asked, "Mr. Ross, anything you want to tell the court before sentencing sir?”
Glenn Ross Sr. replied, “I'm sorry." Soon after, the judge gave him a sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison. Ross, 22, is convicted of killing his 13-day old son.
He admitted to police that he shook his son, Glenn Ross, Jr., while home alone with the baby at his parent’s house in the 800 block of Burrell Avenue, in February.
Police said the infant was found unresponsive and later died from his injuries. Ross later underwent psychiatric evaluation.
His family said Ross dealt with past mental issues, including bipolar disorder. When we spoke to Ross's mother earlier this year, she said the baby's mother should have known not to leave him alone with the infant because of his past issues.
The prosecution said Ross had enough sense to change the baby's clothes after shaking him, so he deserved a steeper penalty from the judge.
In court, both families involved were overcome with emotion. The child's grandmother tried to express the grief both families feel for this tragic loss.
"Our days and nights are long and very empty, but we have each other to comfort and to heal with,” Moore said.
“You will be alone to live what you have done. Alone, empty. I would hope that someday that you would be remorseful, even sincerely sorry for what you have done to Bridget's baby Glenn," she added.
Shortly after, Ross received his sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison. As deputies took him out of the courtroom, Ross's mother shouted to him "I love you!" Ross shouted back, “I love you too."
Ross's mother said this was his second child with Bridget Moore, the infant’s mother. The couple gave the first child up for adoption because they felt they weren't ready for parenthood.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Dad convicted of shooting 3-year-old son with BB gun during his visitation time; dad pleads he's "bipolar" (Hagerstown, Maryland)
Question: why does a father who has a history of drug issues, of reckless endangerment (throwing objects at moving cars), and who calls HIMSELF "bipolar" and "angry" and in need of meds get custody/vistiation rights with two young children? Who thought this was a good idea?
Notice that nitwit dad JOHN WILLIAM WILFONG told the boy lie to the mother, and tell her he had shot himself. And Daddy refused to take the boy to the hospital, despite the mother's request.
Actually, the doctors found two embedded BB pellets--one in the boy's chin and one behind an ear--and a welt that suggested he had been shot at at least 3 TIMES.
When are we going to stop placing children with violent nutcases?
http://articles.herald-mail.com/2012-06-26/news/32429193_1_bb-gun-drug-charge-drug-sentence
Father gets one-year jail sentence for shooting son, 3, with a BB gun
June 26, 2012|By DON AINES | dona@herald-mail.com
HAGERSTOWN — A man who shot his 3-year-old son in the face and head with a BB gun was sentenced to one year in jail after he pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree child abuse in Washington County Circuit Court.
John William Wilfong Jr., 24, of 507 W. Washington St., Apt. 4, Hagerstown, had also been charged with first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and neglect of a child, but those charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Wilson said.
Wilfong’s children were visiting him on Dec. 23, 2011, when he called his estranged wife and told her their son had shot himself in the face with a BB gun, Wilson told Judge M. Kenneth Long Jr.
His wife told Wilfong to take the child to the hospital, but he did not, and she reported the incident to Child Protective Services, Wilson said, reading from the statement of facts.
The boy was later found to have one BB embedded in his chin and another behind his ear, Wilson said. There was also a welt that indicated the boy might have been hit a third time, he said.
The boy told investigators with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Child Advocacy Center that his father had shot him, he said.
Wilson told Long the prosecution would not object to a sentence concurrent with one Wilfong is serving for distribution of marijuana.
Wilfong is serving 18 months in the Washington County Detention Center on the drug charge, court records said.
Wilfong’s criminal record includes a 2009 conviction for reckless endangerment for throwing objects at moving vehicles, Wilson told Long.
“I need medicine ... because I’m angry. Bipolar,” Wilfong told Long when asked if was ever under the care of a psychiatrist.
“You positively, absolutely have to learn to use better judgment,” Long told Wilfong. “You’re very fortunate, and your son is very fortunate that something more serious did not happen.”
Long sentenced Wilfong to eight years in prison, suspending all but one year to be served concurrent to his drug sentence.
Notice that nitwit dad JOHN WILLIAM WILFONG told the boy lie to the mother, and tell her he had shot himself. And Daddy refused to take the boy to the hospital, despite the mother's request.
Actually, the doctors found two embedded BB pellets--one in the boy's chin and one behind an ear--and a welt that suggested he had been shot at at least 3 TIMES.
When are we going to stop placing children with violent nutcases?
http://articles.herald-mail.com/2012-06-26/news/32429193_1_bb-gun-drug-charge-drug-sentence
Father gets one-year jail sentence for shooting son, 3, with a BB gun
June 26, 2012|By DON AINES | dona@herald-mail.com
HAGERSTOWN — A man who shot his 3-year-old son in the face and head with a BB gun was sentenced to one year in jail after he pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree child abuse in Washington County Circuit Court.
John William Wilfong Jr., 24, of 507 W. Washington St., Apt. 4, Hagerstown, had also been charged with first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and neglect of a child, but those charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, Assistant State’s Attorney Brett Wilson said.
Wilfong’s children were visiting him on Dec. 23, 2011, when he called his estranged wife and told her their son had shot himself in the face with a BB gun, Wilson told Judge M. Kenneth Long Jr.
His wife told Wilfong to take the child to the hospital, but he did not, and she reported the incident to Child Protective Services, Wilson said, reading from the statement of facts.
The boy was later found to have one BB embedded in his chin and another behind his ear, Wilson said. There was also a welt that indicated the boy might have been hit a third time, he said.
The boy told investigators with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Child Advocacy Center that his father had shot him, he said.
Wilson told Long the prosecution would not object to a sentence concurrent with one Wilfong is serving for distribution of marijuana.
Wilfong is serving 18 months in the Washington County Detention Center on the drug charge, court records said.
Wilfong’s criminal record includes a 2009 conviction for reckless endangerment for throwing objects at moving vehicles, Wilson told Long.
“I need medicine ... because I’m angry. Bipolar,” Wilfong told Long when asked if was ever under the care of a psychiatrist.
“You positively, absolutely have to learn to use better judgment,” Long told Wilfong. “You’re very fortunate, and your son is very fortunate that something more serious did not happen.”
Long sentenced Wilfong to eight years in prison, suspending all but one year to be served concurrent to his drug sentence.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Dad opens fire and kills 10-year-old daughter, her mother inside restaurant; other daughter in critical condition (Cleveland, Ohio)
Like many violent abusers, dad KEVIN ALLEN insisted on absolute control over his family, meaning his wife was not "allowed" to leave. So rather than allow a divorce, he opened fire on his two daughters and their mother. The mother and one daughter were killed, another daughter is in critical condition.
Dad has an extensive criminal history that includes domestic violence and threats--not only in this marriage but in earlier relationships.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/14/ohio-girl-in-critical-condition-after-dad-kills-family-shoots-her-inside/
Ohio girl in critical condition after dad kills family, shoots her inside a Cracker Barrel restaurant
Dad has an extensive criminal history that includes domestic violence and threats--not only in this marriage but in earlier relationships.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/14/ohio-girl-in-critical-condition-after-dad-kills-family-shoots-her-inside/
Ohio girl in critical condition after dad kills family, shoots her inside a Cracker Barrel restaurant
Published April 14, 2012
FoxNews.com
The 10-year-old daughter who survived a shooting Thursday night inside a crowded Cracker Barrel by her father that killed her sister and mother remains in critical condition in a Cleveland hospital.
Kevin Allen came into the restaurant in suburban Brooklyn with a shotgun and, witnesses said, "selectively" fired on his family. The shooting created panic and confusion in the restaurant, and a manager helped get people out through a rear door, a witness said.
"He didn’t say not one word," a witness told Fox8.com. "He came in and pointed, and we could just see the fire come out of the barrel and we all just ran."
In addition to the death of Katherina Allen, 42, and Kerri Allen, 10, the couple's other 10-year-old daughter, Kayla, was wounded and in critical condition. According to police records, Thursday was Kerri Allen's birthday.
Three minutes before the shooting, his wife called police saying she had just told her husband she wanted to end the relationship, Fox8.com reported. He left the restaurant and was circling the parking lot, she told police. She also told police she feared he might become violent.
Police records dating back nearly 20 years painted a picture of Kevin Allen, married at least three times, as a violent man with a history of threatening wives and others. Just two days earlier, Katherina told police in their hometown of Strongsville that she had left her husband and taken their daughters after "an incident" on Easter and was afraid to go home to collect their belongings.
Katherina Allen "stated that she has not been getting along with her husband and decided to take the kids and stay with a friend," according to the Tuesday police report.
"Initially she wanted to pick up some items from the house, but decided not to because it would make him mad if police responded," the report said, adding that Katherina wanted to document "verbal altercations" the couple had been having.
"I'm having some spouse problems," Katherina Allen tells the dispatcher in the 911 call.
The dispatcher then asks her if Kevin Allen owns any weapons or is armed. She says her husband had told her he'd gotten rid of a shotgun, but she had seen him with shotgun shells. She also told the dispatcher that Kevin Allen was calling one of her daughters in the restaurant.
At the end of the call, Allen says, "He's here and the police are here, too. I have to ..." She then stops speaking.
The dispatcher says: "Wait in the lobby for the officers. Do not go outside. Let them talk to him, OK? Ma'am?" The call then ends in a jumble of noise.
Officers heard gunshots when they arrived and saw Allen, 51, of Strongsville, leaving the restaurant with a gun. Police Chief Scott Mielke said officers shot him when he refused to surrender. He died at the scene.
Katherina Allen died from shotgun wounds to her head and body, and Kerri Allen died of a shotgun wound to the abdomen, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner.
David Allen, who identified himself as Kevin Allen's brother, on Friday answered a number listed for Kevin Allen's mother and said the family had no comment.
In February, Columbia Gas Co. requested a police escort to Kevin Allen's house, explaining he had not paid his bill "and has stated he will shoot anyone who attempts to turn his gas off," according to a Feb. 22 Strongsville police report. The report said the company eventually worked things out with Allen.
In June 1995, police in Kirtland -- about 20 miles east of Cleveland -- arrested Kevin Allen after responding to reports of a violent argument between him and his girlfriend, Janice Koerlin. The argument was the same day that Allen received a divorce from his wife, the report said.
Koerlin told police at a previous house that Allen "had violent episodes and had smashed household items."
Three months later, Allen was arrested again after Koerlin -- now his wife -- said he tried to suffocate her with a pillow. The Sept. 14, 1995, report said Kevin Allen was a "manic depressive under medication."
Police reports say Kevin Allen also was arrested for burglary and theft in 2008.
Documents filed by Kevin and Katherina Allen in federal bankruptcy court in Cleveland last year indicate they owed $60,000 to various creditors, including a $20,000 hospital bill. Other creditors included several credit card companies and two other hospitals. The filing was closed March 28.
Records also show that Kevin Allen filed for bankruptcy in 1991 and 2004, and that Katherina Allen filed for bankruptcy in 2000.
Other court records show Kevin Allen has an adult daughter from the previous marriage that ended in 1995.
Someone inside the restaurant, Robert Lovelace, told WKYC-TV that the shooting scene was chaotic.
"We all ran," Lovelace said. He said people in the restaurant didn't know what was happening. "We just told them, `Look, let's get out of here,"' he said.
The manager helped move people to safety through a rear door, the company said.
The restaurant will remain closed until the investigation is completed, Cracker Barrel spokeswoman Julie K. Davis said in an email from corporate offices in Lebanon, Tenn.
"This appears to be the result of a domestic dispute between two guests and no Cracker Barrel employees were involved," she said.
"He didn’t say not one word," a witness told Fox8.com. "He came in and pointed, and we could just see the fire come out of the barrel and we all just ran."
In addition to the death of Katherina Allen, 42, and Kerri Allen, 10, the couple's other 10-year-old daughter, Kayla, was wounded and in critical condition. According to police records, Thursday was Kerri Allen's birthday.
Three minutes before the shooting, his wife called police saying she had just told her husband she wanted to end the relationship, Fox8.com reported. He left the restaurant and was circling the parking lot, she told police. She also told police she feared he might become violent.
Police records dating back nearly 20 years painted a picture of Kevin Allen, married at least three times, as a violent man with a history of threatening wives and others. Just two days earlier, Katherina told police in their hometown of Strongsville that she had left her husband and taken their daughters after "an incident" on Easter and was afraid to go home to collect their belongings.
Katherina Allen "stated that she has not been getting along with her husband and decided to take the kids and stay with a friend," according to the Tuesday police report.
"Initially she wanted to pick up some items from the house, but decided not to because it would make him mad if police responded," the report said, adding that Katherina wanted to document "verbal altercations" the couple had been having.
"I'm having some spouse problems," Katherina Allen tells the dispatcher in the 911 call.
The dispatcher then asks her if Kevin Allen owns any weapons or is armed. She says her husband had told her he'd gotten rid of a shotgun, but she had seen him with shotgun shells. She also told the dispatcher that Kevin Allen was calling one of her daughters in the restaurant.
At the end of the call, Allen says, "He's here and the police are here, too. I have to ..." She then stops speaking.
The dispatcher says: "Wait in the lobby for the officers. Do not go outside. Let them talk to him, OK? Ma'am?" The call then ends in a jumble of noise.
Officers heard gunshots when they arrived and saw Allen, 51, of Strongsville, leaving the restaurant with a gun. Police Chief Scott Mielke said officers shot him when he refused to surrender. He died at the scene.
Katherina Allen died from shotgun wounds to her head and body, and Kerri Allen died of a shotgun wound to the abdomen, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner.
David Allen, who identified himself as Kevin Allen's brother, on Friday answered a number listed for Kevin Allen's mother and said the family had no comment.
In February, Columbia Gas Co. requested a police escort to Kevin Allen's house, explaining he had not paid his bill "and has stated he will shoot anyone who attempts to turn his gas off," according to a Feb. 22 Strongsville police report. The report said the company eventually worked things out with Allen.
In June 1995, police in Kirtland -- about 20 miles east of Cleveland -- arrested Kevin Allen after responding to reports of a violent argument between him and his girlfriend, Janice Koerlin. The argument was the same day that Allen received a divorce from his wife, the report said.
Koerlin told police at a previous house that Allen "had violent episodes and had smashed household items."
Three months later, Allen was arrested again after Koerlin -- now his wife -- said he tried to suffocate her with a pillow. The Sept. 14, 1995, report said Kevin Allen was a "manic depressive under medication."
Police reports say Kevin Allen also was arrested for burglary and theft in 2008.
Documents filed by Kevin and Katherina Allen in federal bankruptcy court in Cleveland last year indicate they owed $60,000 to various creditors, including a $20,000 hospital bill. Other creditors included several credit card companies and two other hospitals. The filing was closed March 28.
Records also show that Kevin Allen filed for bankruptcy in 1991 and 2004, and that Katherina Allen filed for bankruptcy in 2000.
Other court records show Kevin Allen has an adult daughter from the previous marriage that ended in 1995.
Someone inside the restaurant, Robert Lovelace, told WKYC-TV that the shooting scene was chaotic.
"We all ran," Lovelace said. He said people in the restaurant didn't know what was happening. "We just told them, `Look, let's get out of here,"' he said.
The manager helped move people to safety through a rear door, the company said.
The restaurant will remain closed until the investigation is completed, Cracker Barrel spokeswoman Julie K. Davis said in an email from corporate offices in Lebanon, Tenn.
"This appears to be the result of a domestic dispute between two guests and no Cracker Barrel employees were involved," she said.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Police: Dad broke baby's arm, ribs for crying while Daddy was trying to play xbox (Salem, Massachusetts)
This whole thing with daddies and their video games is totally out of control. It's like this stuff is crack, especially for the young male mind. Notice that dad JASON MCLAUGHLIN is also charged with assaulting a police officer.
Notice that all it took was for mom to leave the crying baby alone with Daddy while she took a shower. Daddy is blaming a boatload of psychiatric disorders for his actions.
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x611948296/Police-Dad-broke-infants-arm-ribs
April 10, 2012
Police: Dad broke infant's arm, ribs Salem: Baby was crying while father tried to play Xbox
By Julie Manganis Staff writer
The Salem News Tue Apr 10, 2012, 04:00 AM EDT
SALEM — A 23-year-old Salem father tried to kill himself in a police holding cell after confessing Friday to breaking his infant daughter's arm and ribs in two separate incidents of abuse, police said.
Jason McLaughlin is being held without bail, charged with two counts of assault and battery on a child causing serious bodily injury, as well as a charge of assault and battery on a police officer, one of the Salem patrolmen who tried to remove McLaughlin's clothing after he attempted to use a shirt to commit suicide Friday night, police said.
McLaughlin's 3-month-old daughter was rushed to North Shore Children's Hospital on Friday morning with a broken arm.
McLaughlin, of 1000 Loring Ave., Apt. B53, initially told both the child's mother, who turned 18 last month, and police that he had dozed off while holding the baby and she fell to the floor.
But when questioned further by Salem police Capt. Thomas Griffin and Detective Jack Doyle on Friday afternoon, McLaughlin "burst into tears" and told the investigators, "I did it. I pulled her from her swing, and I felt her arm snap. I broke her arm, but I didn't mean to hurt her. She wouldn't stop crying," according to police.
McLaughlin told investigators that he had arrived home from work around 6 a.m. after an overnight shift at Stop & Shop in Lynn and began playing Xbox while watching the baby, while his girlfriend took a shower.
McLaughlin told police that he tried to quiet the baby by giving her a pacifier, but that she spit it out twice.
That's when he lashed out, grabbing her left arm around the elbow and pulling her from the swing. McLaughlin told police he could feel and hear the baby's arm snap and then saw her arm turn white.
He called the baby's mother out of the shower and told her the story about falling asleep while cradling the child in his arms.
While the child was being treated, doctors looking at X-rays found two broken ribs that were in the process of healing, injuries for which the baby had not received treatment.
McLaughlin admitted that he had squeezed the baby during a prior incident when he became frustrated, though he did not recall the date of that incident, police said. McLaughlin told police that he doesn't handle sleep deprivation well and that he's been diagnosed with and takes medication for bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and "explosive anger."
Later, while in police custody, Lt. Scott Englehardt noticed McLaughlin attempting to tie his shirt around his neck. As other officers attempted to remove his clothing to prevent him from trying to harm himself again, McLaughlin struggled, hitting Patrolman Edward Pierce, who was not injured, according to police.
Prosecutor Jane Prince suggested in a motion that McLaughlin's own admission that he's unable to control his rage indicates that he poses a danger if released.
Judge Robert Brennan ordered McLaughlin held without bail pending a hearing on April 17 to determine dangerousness.
The Department of Children and Families is also investigating.
This is the second time since last fall that a North Shore father has been charged with abusing a child while playing an Xbox game. In October, Richard Elias, 22, of Peabody allegedly confessed to shaking and head-butting his infant daughter because she was crying while he was drinking beer and playing Xbox. The case against Elias is still pending.
Notice that all it took was for mom to leave the crying baby alone with Daddy while she took a shower. Daddy is blaming a boatload of psychiatric disorders for his actions.
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x611948296/Police-Dad-broke-infants-arm-ribs
April 10, 2012
Police: Dad broke infant's arm, ribs Salem: Baby was crying while father tried to play Xbox
By Julie Manganis Staff writer
The Salem News Tue Apr 10, 2012, 04:00 AM EDT
SALEM — A 23-year-old Salem father tried to kill himself in a police holding cell after confessing Friday to breaking his infant daughter's arm and ribs in two separate incidents of abuse, police said.
Jason McLaughlin is being held without bail, charged with two counts of assault and battery on a child causing serious bodily injury, as well as a charge of assault and battery on a police officer, one of the Salem patrolmen who tried to remove McLaughlin's clothing after he attempted to use a shirt to commit suicide Friday night, police said.
McLaughlin's 3-month-old daughter was rushed to North Shore Children's Hospital on Friday morning with a broken arm.
McLaughlin, of 1000 Loring Ave., Apt. B53, initially told both the child's mother, who turned 18 last month, and police that he had dozed off while holding the baby and she fell to the floor.
But when questioned further by Salem police Capt. Thomas Griffin and Detective Jack Doyle on Friday afternoon, McLaughlin "burst into tears" and told the investigators, "I did it. I pulled her from her swing, and I felt her arm snap. I broke her arm, but I didn't mean to hurt her. She wouldn't stop crying," according to police.
McLaughlin told investigators that he had arrived home from work around 6 a.m. after an overnight shift at Stop & Shop in Lynn and began playing Xbox while watching the baby, while his girlfriend took a shower.
McLaughlin told police that he tried to quiet the baby by giving her a pacifier, but that she spit it out twice.
That's when he lashed out, grabbing her left arm around the elbow and pulling her from the swing. McLaughlin told police he could feel and hear the baby's arm snap and then saw her arm turn white.
He called the baby's mother out of the shower and told her the story about falling asleep while cradling the child in his arms.
While the child was being treated, doctors looking at X-rays found two broken ribs that were in the process of healing, injuries for which the baby had not received treatment.
McLaughlin admitted that he had squeezed the baby during a prior incident when he became frustrated, though he did not recall the date of that incident, police said. McLaughlin told police that he doesn't handle sleep deprivation well and that he's been diagnosed with and takes medication for bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and "explosive anger."
Later, while in police custody, Lt. Scott Englehardt noticed McLaughlin attempting to tie his shirt around his neck. As other officers attempted to remove his clothing to prevent him from trying to harm himself again, McLaughlin struggled, hitting Patrolman Edward Pierce, who was not injured, according to police.
Prosecutor Jane Prince suggested in a motion that McLaughlin's own admission that he's unable to control his rage indicates that he poses a danger if released.
Judge Robert Brennan ordered McLaughlin held without bail pending a hearing on April 17 to determine dangerousness.
The Department of Children and Families is also investigating.
This is the second time since last fall that a North Shore father has been charged with abusing a child while playing an Xbox game. In October, Richard Elias, 22, of Peabody allegedly confessed to shaking and head-butting his infant daughter because she was crying while he was drinking beer and playing Xbox. The case against Elias is still pending.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Dad chokes, sexually abuses 4-year-old daughter during supervised visitation; idiotic caseworker was "reaching over to answer phone" and missed it (Miami, Florida)
This is why I lose patience with the social workers and the whole supervised visitation/child protection industry. It's all bullsh**.
You know, I could play major league baseball too. I could stand out in the outfield during all those games. Just don't count on me to catch the fly ball when it comes my way.
Same with these people. The proof of your competence is that you are paying attention and react accordingly when the proverbial ball is flying your way. This freaking idiotic caseworker was "reaching for the phone" when the father "allegedly" started choking his daughter, the one he is accused of molesting before. The daughter also said that he sexually abused her. But the caseworker missed the whole thing.
Once again, we have a daddy, in this case RAFAEL LEAO, that's been utterly coddled by the authorities at every step of the way. I suspect that he formerly had sole custody, since there is ZERO mention of a mother in this story. And I can't believe we're using "bipolar disorder" as an excuse for attempted murder, assault, or sexual abuse. More crap.
It is utterly disgusting that this poor child has had to be exposed to all this trauma, just so this molester daddy could have his "father's rights." And what happened to this child's mother???
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/05/2677342/girl-said-dad-choked-her-during.html
Posted on Monday, 03.05.12
Girl said dad choked her during supervised visit
By Carol Marbin Miller The Miami Herald
During a visit supervised by a social worker, a Miami-Dade man was accused of choking his 4-year-old daughter. He already had lost custody of the girl amid molestation allegations.
A social worker for a North Miami-Dade foster-care group was overseeing a visit between a 4-year-old girl and her father, who had been stripped of custody following molestation allegations, when she heard a startling cry: “He’s choking me!”
The incident, which occurred on Feb. 15, was the second time 30-year-old Rafael Leao had been alleged to have touched his daughter in an “inappropriate” way, according to testimony.Still, a Miami judge ordered that Leao be granted more visits — though under “therapeutic” conditions — when foster care administrators did not object.
The Department of Children & Families’ regional administrator, Esther Jacobo, said the agency has asked Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Maria Sampedro-Iglesia to reconsider her decision to allow continued visits. Sampedro-Iglesia will hold a hearing on that request Tuesday.
In meantime, Jacobo said, Leao has had no contact with his daughter since the Feb. 15 incident.
Citing judicial ethics, Sampedro-Iglesia declined to discuss the case with a reporter. However, a spokeswoman for the judicial circuit, Eunice Sigler, said therapeutic visits are overseen by professionals with at least a master’s degree, who have authority to intervene when parents mistreat their children. Witnesses at supervised visits do not have that power.
Leao’s daughter was removed from his custody following serious sexual abuse allegations. But child welfare administrators, and the judge, allowed him to visit with the girl under the supervision of a caseworker from the Center for Family and Child Enrichment, or CFCE, while Leao completed a series of tasks designed to improve his parenting skills, such as counseling, medication management and parenting classes.
At a hearing before Sampedro-Iglesia on Feb. 16, a DCF attorney, Barbara Galvez, said the agency’s abuse hotline received a report the day before that Leao had choked and touched his daughter in an improper manner at the CFCE office building during a visit. Galvez said the agency also is concerned that he has stopped taking his psychiatric medications, even though the judge had ordered that he comply with the directions of his psychiatrist and other mental health workers.
At the hearing, CFCE case manager Kenya Tookes testified that she was overseeing the visitation at her office cubicle when she reached over to answer a phone. “I reached over for my phone when [the girl] began to say ‘My father is choking me!’” Tookes testified.
“The child was rubbing her neck, and it was red,” Tookes added.
And there were others in the room: A colleague of Tookes’ testified by telephone that she also heard the little girl scream. “I heard the child screaming ‘He’s choking me,’” said the colleague, Norma Babani “I looked right away, and at that point he grabbed her from the seat and was kind of hugging her and giving her kisses.”
“When I saw the child, her neck was red,” she added.
After police were called, the little girl said that her father also had touched her in the area of her genitals, over her pants.
“I don’t understand how you could be supervising the visit, and you didn’t see the incident happen,” Sampedro-Iglesia said to Tookes.
“I really don’t know that the incident really happened,” the caseworker replied, who said she did not witness the alleged choking.
Under cross examination by Leao’s attorney, Kassandra Murphy, Babani, the colleague who testified by phone, acknowledged she did not witness Leao choking the girl. Murphy suggested it would be unfair to strip Leao of contact with his daughter when there was no proof he mistreated her.
“I think the red marks are undisputed,” Sampedro-Iglesia replied.
But Tookes then presented an alternate explanation: The youngster, she said, “has eczema, and tends to scratch and gets very red.”
Under questioning by the judge, Tookes acknowledged the father had behaved improperly during a previous supervised visitation in December. During the visit, “the father sat in a chair with his legs open, and I observed the child put her hands in her pants,” Tookes said.
Tookes has since been fired from CFCE, Jacobo said.
DCF administrators had other concerns, as well. Under questioning, Leao acknowledged he is being treated for bipolar disorder, but insisted he no longer needs to take medication for the ailment. “I don’t take psychiatric medication,” Leao said. “I’m no longer taking bipolar medication. There’s no need for that.”
When asked if it was his doctor’s decision to discontinue the mental health drugs, Leao replied: “The idea was mine.”
The case, which will be back before the judge again Tuesday, raises troubling questions in the wake of a similar dispute that ended tragically last month.
On Feb. 9, William DeJesus savagely stabbed his entire family and fatally shot a Canadian part-time resident, a year after DCF administrators reunited him with his two small sons. The agency had verified allegations that DeJesus and his wife had repeatedly molested the two boys, and that DeJesus had been violent toward his wife for years. One of the reports stated that DeJesus had grabbed both his sons’ crotches during a supervised visit. Though both a therapist and a court-appointed guardian observed the visit, their concerns were deemed unfounded.
Nine-year-old Jeshiah DeJesus perished in the attack; his 7-year-old brother was hospitalized with a knife blade impaled in his head before surgeons could remove it, and the boy is recovering in foster care. DeJesus’ wife, Deanna Beauchamp, was charged late last week with aggravated manslaughter and child neglect in connection with the blood bath.
DeJesus stabbed himself to death after the attack.
You know, I could play major league baseball too. I could stand out in the outfield during all those games. Just don't count on me to catch the fly ball when it comes my way.
Same with these people. The proof of your competence is that you are paying attention and react accordingly when the proverbial ball is flying your way. This freaking idiotic caseworker was "reaching for the phone" when the father "allegedly" started choking his daughter, the one he is accused of molesting before. The daughter also said that he sexually abused her. But the caseworker missed the whole thing.
Once again, we have a daddy, in this case RAFAEL LEAO, that's been utterly coddled by the authorities at every step of the way. I suspect that he formerly had sole custody, since there is ZERO mention of a mother in this story. And I can't believe we're using "bipolar disorder" as an excuse for attempted murder, assault, or sexual abuse. More crap.
It is utterly disgusting that this poor child has had to be exposed to all this trauma, just so this molester daddy could have his "father's rights." And what happened to this child's mother???
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/05/2677342/girl-said-dad-choked-her-during.html
Posted on Monday, 03.05.12
Girl said dad choked her during supervised visit
By Carol Marbin Miller The Miami Herald
During a visit supervised by a social worker, a Miami-Dade man was accused of choking his 4-year-old daughter. He already had lost custody of the girl amid molestation allegations.
A social worker for a North Miami-Dade foster-care group was overseeing a visit between a 4-year-old girl and her father, who had been stripped of custody following molestation allegations, when she heard a startling cry: “He’s choking me!”
The incident, which occurred on Feb. 15, was the second time 30-year-old Rafael Leao had been alleged to have touched his daughter in an “inappropriate” way, according to testimony.Still, a Miami judge ordered that Leao be granted more visits — though under “therapeutic” conditions — when foster care administrators did not object.
The Department of Children & Families’ regional administrator, Esther Jacobo, said the agency has asked Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Maria Sampedro-Iglesia to reconsider her decision to allow continued visits. Sampedro-Iglesia will hold a hearing on that request Tuesday.
In meantime, Jacobo said, Leao has had no contact with his daughter since the Feb. 15 incident.
Citing judicial ethics, Sampedro-Iglesia declined to discuss the case with a reporter. However, a spokeswoman for the judicial circuit, Eunice Sigler, said therapeutic visits are overseen by professionals with at least a master’s degree, who have authority to intervene when parents mistreat their children. Witnesses at supervised visits do not have that power.
Leao’s daughter was removed from his custody following serious sexual abuse allegations. But child welfare administrators, and the judge, allowed him to visit with the girl under the supervision of a caseworker from the Center for Family and Child Enrichment, or CFCE, while Leao completed a series of tasks designed to improve his parenting skills, such as counseling, medication management and parenting classes.
At a hearing before Sampedro-Iglesia on Feb. 16, a DCF attorney, Barbara Galvez, said the agency’s abuse hotline received a report the day before that Leao had choked and touched his daughter in an improper manner at the CFCE office building during a visit. Galvez said the agency also is concerned that he has stopped taking his psychiatric medications, even though the judge had ordered that he comply with the directions of his psychiatrist and other mental health workers.
At the hearing, CFCE case manager Kenya Tookes testified that she was overseeing the visitation at her office cubicle when she reached over to answer a phone. “I reached over for my phone when [the girl] began to say ‘My father is choking me!’” Tookes testified.
“The child was rubbing her neck, and it was red,” Tookes added.
And there were others in the room: A colleague of Tookes’ testified by telephone that she also heard the little girl scream. “I heard the child screaming ‘He’s choking me,’” said the colleague, Norma Babani “I looked right away, and at that point he grabbed her from the seat and was kind of hugging her and giving her kisses.”
“When I saw the child, her neck was red,” she added.
After police were called, the little girl said that her father also had touched her in the area of her genitals, over her pants.
“I don’t understand how you could be supervising the visit, and you didn’t see the incident happen,” Sampedro-Iglesia said to Tookes.
“I really don’t know that the incident really happened,” the caseworker replied, who said she did not witness the alleged choking.
Under cross examination by Leao’s attorney, Kassandra Murphy, Babani, the colleague who testified by phone, acknowledged she did not witness Leao choking the girl. Murphy suggested it would be unfair to strip Leao of contact with his daughter when there was no proof he mistreated her.
“I think the red marks are undisputed,” Sampedro-Iglesia replied.
But Tookes then presented an alternate explanation: The youngster, she said, “has eczema, and tends to scratch and gets very red.”
Under questioning by the judge, Tookes acknowledged the father had behaved improperly during a previous supervised visitation in December. During the visit, “the father sat in a chair with his legs open, and I observed the child put her hands in her pants,” Tookes said.
Tookes has since been fired from CFCE, Jacobo said.
DCF administrators had other concerns, as well. Under questioning, Leao acknowledged he is being treated for bipolar disorder, but insisted he no longer needs to take medication for the ailment. “I don’t take psychiatric medication,” Leao said. “I’m no longer taking bipolar medication. There’s no need for that.”
When asked if it was his doctor’s decision to discontinue the mental health drugs, Leao replied: “The idea was mine.”
The case, which will be back before the judge again Tuesday, raises troubling questions in the wake of a similar dispute that ended tragically last month.
On Feb. 9, William DeJesus savagely stabbed his entire family and fatally shot a Canadian part-time resident, a year after DCF administrators reunited him with his two small sons. The agency had verified allegations that DeJesus and his wife had repeatedly molested the two boys, and that DeJesus had been violent toward his wife for years. One of the reports stated that DeJesus had grabbed both his sons’ crotches during a supervised visit. Though both a therapist and a court-appointed guardian observed the visit, their concerns were deemed unfounded.
Nine-year-old Jeshiah DeJesus perished in the attack; his 7-year-old brother was hospitalized with a knife blade impaled in his head before surgeons could remove it, and the boy is recovering in foster care. DeJesus’ wife, Deanna Beauchamp, was charged late last week with aggravated manslaughter and child neglect in connection with the blood bath.
DeJesus stabbed himself to death after the attack.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Dad gets three life terms for murders of twin 7-year-old sons and their mother (Palm Beach, Florida)
Notice all the excuses offered. Daddy NEAL JACOBSON "snapped" because he was (allegedly) bipolar or on anti-depressants. Bull crap.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime/neal-jacobson-sentenced-to-3neal-jacobson-sentenced-to-3-life-terms-with-2202749.html
Neal Jacobson sentenced to 3 life terms, with no parole, for shooting, killing wife and twin sons
By Daphne Duret Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Updated: 3:22 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2012
Posted: 12:12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2012
WEST PALM BEACH — Former Wellington mortgage broker Neal Jacobson has been sentenced this afternoon to three life terms, to be served consecutively, for the murders of his wife and twin sons two years ago.
Prosecutors had originally sought the death penalty against Jacobson, 51, but reached a deal with Jacobson's attorneys sparing him that possible sentence.
Jacobson, who appeared before Circuit Judge Stephen Rapp this afternoon, was charged with three counts of first degree murder with a firearm.
Palm Beach Public Defender Carey Haughwout filed a notice with Rapp last week saying there was an agreement in place between her office and prosecutors.
Jacobson, a failed mortgage broker struggling with debt and depression, shot his family on Jan. 24, 2010, the day his twin 7-year-old twin boys, Eric and Joshua, were to celebrate their birthday. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder with a firearm.
Jacobson at the time of his arrest told investigators that he "just snapped."
Prosecutors had planned to seek the death penalty against Jacobson. Jacobson's defense team in August revealed they planned to pursue an insanity defense, attributing Jacobson's actions to the anti-depressent drugs he was on at the time of the killing.
One of defense's planned witnesses had the case gone to trial was Dr. Peter Breggin, who has testified on behalf of numerous accused killers who were taking high-powered drugs. He was expected to testify that "psychotropic medications prescribed to Mr. Jacobson ... pivotally contributed to Mr. Jacobson's state of mind at the time of the crime," assistant public defender Elizabeth Ramsey wrote in court papers.
Another psychologist was expected to testify that Jacobson is bipolar.
Assistant State Attorney Andrew Slater is the lead prosecutor in the case. Palm Beach County State Attorney Michael McAuliffe had planned to be the second chair in the case, but he is leaving the office next month before the end of his first term for a job in the private sector.
A trial in Jacobson's case had previously been scheduled for December, but attorneys in the case asked for a delay. A status hearing had been scheduled for last Friday but was canceled after the attorneys reached the agreement.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime/neal-jacobson-sentenced-to-3neal-jacobson-sentenced-to-3-life-terms-with-2202749.html
Neal Jacobson sentenced to 3 life terms, with no parole, for shooting, killing wife and twin sons
By Daphne Duret Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Updated: 3:22 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2012
Posted: 12:12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2012
WEST PALM BEACH — Former Wellington mortgage broker Neal Jacobson has been sentenced this afternoon to three life terms, to be served consecutively, for the murders of his wife and twin sons two years ago.
Prosecutors had originally sought the death penalty against Jacobson, 51, but reached a deal with Jacobson's attorneys sparing him that possible sentence.
Jacobson, who appeared before Circuit Judge Stephen Rapp this afternoon, was charged with three counts of first degree murder with a firearm.
Palm Beach Public Defender Carey Haughwout filed a notice with Rapp last week saying there was an agreement in place between her office and prosecutors.
Jacobson, a failed mortgage broker struggling with debt and depression, shot his family on Jan. 24, 2010, the day his twin 7-year-old twin boys, Eric and Joshua, were to celebrate their birthday. He is charged with three counts of first-degree murder with a firearm.
Jacobson at the time of his arrest told investigators that he "just snapped."
Prosecutors had planned to seek the death penalty against Jacobson. Jacobson's defense team in August revealed they planned to pursue an insanity defense, attributing Jacobson's actions to the anti-depressent drugs he was on at the time of the killing.
One of defense's planned witnesses had the case gone to trial was Dr. Peter Breggin, who has testified on behalf of numerous accused killers who were taking high-powered drugs. He was expected to testify that "psychotropic medications prescribed to Mr. Jacobson ... pivotally contributed to Mr. Jacobson's state of mind at the time of the crime," assistant public defender Elizabeth Ramsey wrote in court papers.
Another psychologist was expected to testify that Jacobson is bipolar.
Assistant State Attorney Andrew Slater is the lead prosecutor in the case. Palm Beach County State Attorney Michael McAuliffe had planned to be the second chair in the case, but he is leaving the office next month before the end of his first term for a job in the private sector.
A trial in Jacobson's case had previously been scheduled for December, but attorneys in the case asked for a delay. A status hearing had been scheduled for last Friday but was canceled after the attorneys reached the agreement.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
"Frustrated" dad charged with killing 2-week-old son (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
We all want to be nice and politically correct and all. But we have to stop feeling sorry for subfunctional men with all the labels ("special needs," ADHD, bi-polar) and hope that somehow--with no evidence to speak of--they'll make good fathers. Or that it's safe to leave a newborn infant with these "short-tempered" or easily "frustrated" types. It's not even clear here that dad GLENN ROSS was employed--or even employable at anything but the most minimal paying tasks. And now he's been arrested for assaulting and killing his newborn son.
http://www.wwmt.com/news/infant-1402068-young-kalamazoo.html
UPDATED: Young father accused of fatally shaking his infant son
February 22, 2012 10:04 PM
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A Kalamazoo mother is grieving the loss of her infant son and her boyfriend is in jail, accused of killing the child.
The child died shortly after 9:00 pm Wednesday night.
Bridgette Moore says her long-time boyfriend and father of the child, 22-year-old Glenn Ross, shook the two-week-old child on Tuesday.
Kalamazoo Public Safety officials received a 911 call shortly after 12 noon, for a report of the baby not breathing in the 800 block of Burrell Avenue. Detectives immediately made contact with the residents and initiated life saving efforts to the 13-day-old infant until rescue arrived.
The infant had been in intensive care, but passed away on Wednesday night.
Newschannel 3 was just about to meet with Moore to talk about the heart-rending situation when we learned she had been called in to the PICU once again.
The infant was pronounced dead just after 9:00 pm. The father, Glenn Ross has been arrested on child abuse charges. Newschannel 3 spoke to Ross' parents about the situation on Wednesday night.
It all started at Glenn Ross' parents home on Burrell Street in Kalamazoo on Tuesday morning.
“Glenn was left alone with the baby,” said Glenn's mother Rebecca Ross.
Rebecca says Glenn was in special needs classes all through school.
“He actually does have some limitations mentally?” asked Newschannel 3's Jared Werksma.
“Yes and he's under psychiatric care,” said Rebecca.
“Why is that?”
“For his bi-polar and his ADHD among other things,” said Rebecca.
Rebecca says her son has trouble in certain situations, gets frustrated easily and has a short temper. She says that's one reason her son and Moore didn't keep their first child.
“Why did they give the first child up for adoption?” asked Jared Werksma.
“They weren't ready to settle down,” said Rebecca. “With this one Glenn found out it was a boy and he wanted his son.”
However, Rebecca says on Tuesday morning, fatherhood overwhelmed Glenn.
“He got frustrated and shook the baby,” said Rebecca.
Rebecca says Glenn knew something was wrong with his son afterward, but wasn't sure what. So he lay the baby down in its crib.
Rebecca says when the child's mother showed up and heard what happened, she called for an ambulance, and police.
“Do you think there's any part of your son that did this intentionally?” asked Newschannel 3's Jared Werksma.
“Oh hell no, hell no,” said Rebecca.
“Is there anything else you want to say about your son or this situation?”
“He's a good boy,” said Rebecca.
Glenn Ross is currently being held in the Kalamazoo County Jail on child abuse charges. He has not been arraigned. Sources tell Newschannel 3 that officials were waiting to see if the child died so they could charge him appropriately.
Ross is expected to be arraigned on Thursday morning. Newschannel 3 will keep an eye on this case and keep you updated.
http://www.wwmt.com/news/infant-1402068-young-kalamazoo.html
UPDATED: Young father accused of fatally shaking his infant son
February 22, 2012 10:04 PM
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A Kalamazoo mother is grieving the loss of her infant son and her boyfriend is in jail, accused of killing the child.
The child died shortly after 9:00 pm Wednesday night.
Bridgette Moore says her long-time boyfriend and father of the child, 22-year-old Glenn Ross, shook the two-week-old child on Tuesday.
Kalamazoo Public Safety officials received a 911 call shortly after 12 noon, for a report of the baby not breathing in the 800 block of Burrell Avenue. Detectives immediately made contact with the residents and initiated life saving efforts to the 13-day-old infant until rescue arrived.
The infant had been in intensive care, but passed away on Wednesday night.
Newschannel 3 was just about to meet with Moore to talk about the heart-rending situation when we learned she had been called in to the PICU once again.
The infant was pronounced dead just after 9:00 pm. The father, Glenn Ross has been arrested on child abuse charges. Newschannel 3 spoke to Ross' parents about the situation on Wednesday night.
It all started at Glenn Ross' parents home on Burrell Street in Kalamazoo on Tuesday morning.
“Glenn was left alone with the baby,” said Glenn's mother Rebecca Ross.
Rebecca says Glenn was in special needs classes all through school.
“He actually does have some limitations mentally?” asked Newschannel 3's Jared Werksma.
“Yes and he's under psychiatric care,” said Rebecca.
“Why is that?”
“For his bi-polar and his ADHD among other things,” said Rebecca.
Rebecca says her son has trouble in certain situations, gets frustrated easily and has a short temper. She says that's one reason her son and Moore didn't keep their first child.
“Why did they give the first child up for adoption?” asked Jared Werksma.
“They weren't ready to settle down,” said Rebecca. “With this one Glenn found out it was a boy and he wanted his son.”
However, Rebecca says on Tuesday morning, fatherhood overwhelmed Glenn.
“He got frustrated and shook the baby,” said Rebecca.
Rebecca says Glenn knew something was wrong with his son afterward, but wasn't sure what. So he lay the baby down in its crib.
Rebecca says when the child's mother showed up and heard what happened, she called for an ambulance, and police.
“Do you think there's any part of your son that did this intentionally?” asked Newschannel 3's Jared Werksma.
“Oh hell no, hell no,” said Rebecca.
“Is there anything else you want to say about your son or this situation?”
“He's a good boy,” said Rebecca.
Glenn Ross is currently being held in the Kalamazoo County Jail on child abuse charges. He has not been arraigned. Sources tell Newschannel 3 that officials were waiting to see if the child died so they could charge him appropriately.
Ross is expected to be arraigned on Thursday morning. Newschannel 3 will keep an eye on this case and keep you updated.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Dad, miffed over not getting full custody, confesses to murder of ex-wife, 7 others (Orange County, California)
This case neatly debunks every fathers rights myth there is. SCOTT DEKRAAI had joint custody. After he and his ex-wife went back to court, they continued to let this homicidal freak have joint custody. Well, that wasn't enough. Daddy was still Not Happy. He wanted full control. And if lots of people had to die, well, they were just collateral damage in his ultimate Daddy Drama.
It was a pity this guy had ANY child access, as this is obviously a cold-blooded, methodical killer--regardless of his "depression" issues.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/suspect-argued-wife-salon-shootings-14867272
Suspect Confesses to Police He Shot up Hair Salon
By AMY TAXIN Associated Press
SANTA ANA, Calif. November 2, 2011 (AP)
A disgruntled father charged with murdering his ex-wife and seven others confessed to police that he shot up a Seal Beach hair salon after arguing over custody of his 8-year-old son, court papers show.
Shortly after his arrest, shooting suspect Scott Dekraai told an investigator he argued with his ex-wife Michelle Fournier by phone the morning of Oct. 12, then took three handguns with extra magazines and ammunition and donned a bulletproof vest and drove to a nearby beach where he got out and pondered shooting her, according to a statement in support of a search warrant filed in Orange County Superior Court.
Dekraai then drove to Salon Meritage and shot Fournier and a woman who had testified against him in the custody dispute. When the salon owner rushed at him with scissors, Dekraai told the investigator he shot him, too, then fired at others he saw as "collateral damage," according to the statement written by Detective Andrew Stowers.
Dekraai was arrested a short time later driving a white pickup truck with three magazines of ammunition in his left leg cargo pocket, the court papers said.
"I know what I did," he told the arresting officer, according to the statement which had previously been sealed and was made public this week.
The statement offers a first glimpse at the shooting from the perspective of Dekraai, who is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 29 on eight counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Prosecutors say Dekraai shot eight people inside the salon, killing seven of them, then went outside and shot to death a man who was sitting in his car in the parking lot.
Dekraai told Seal Beach investigator Gary Krogman he thought the man was an off duty or undercover police officer who was reaching for a weapon when he shot him, according to the statement by Stowers, who is a police officer in the nearby city of Westminster.
Authorities say Dekraai went on the rampage to seek revenge against Fournier, a stylist at the salon.
In recent months, Dekraai had been trying to gain more control over his son's affairs and have his school changed, but a court-appointed psychologist had recently weighed in on the dispute and recommended the former couple's shared custody arrangement remain the same, said Fournier's attorney, John Cate.
Dekraai, a former tugboat operator who was badly injured in a 2007 accident, told the psychologist he had previously been diagnosed as bipolar, Cate said.
After the shooting, police officers spoke with Dekraai's current wife at his home in Huntington Beach, who said she kept a journal documenting the dispute between her husband and Fournier. Dekraai told Krogman his son sometimes came home with bruises, and he had photographed them, according to Stowers' statement.
Authorities sought the warrant to search Dekraai's Huntington Beach home and his 2005 Toyota Tundra. Seven firearms were seized from his garage and three handguns were recovered from the pickup truck he was driving when he was arrested, the court papers show.
Authorities also seized computers and papers and photographs contained in a large envelope entitled "Michelle Settlement Proposal 10/12/2011."
Dekraai's son has been in the care of Fournier's adult daughter from a previous marriage since the shooting, according to family court filings. She is seeking guardianship of the boy.
It was a pity this guy had ANY child access, as this is obviously a cold-blooded, methodical killer--regardless of his "depression" issues.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/suspect-argued-wife-salon-shootings-14867272
Suspect Confesses to Police He Shot up Hair Salon
By AMY TAXIN Associated Press
SANTA ANA, Calif. November 2, 2011 (AP)
A disgruntled father charged with murdering his ex-wife and seven others confessed to police that he shot up a Seal Beach hair salon after arguing over custody of his 8-year-old son, court papers show.
Shortly after his arrest, shooting suspect Scott Dekraai told an investigator he argued with his ex-wife Michelle Fournier by phone the morning of Oct. 12, then took three handguns with extra magazines and ammunition and donned a bulletproof vest and drove to a nearby beach where he got out and pondered shooting her, according to a statement in support of a search warrant filed in Orange County Superior Court.
Dekraai then drove to Salon Meritage and shot Fournier and a woman who had testified against him in the custody dispute. When the salon owner rushed at him with scissors, Dekraai told the investigator he shot him, too, then fired at others he saw as "collateral damage," according to the statement written by Detective Andrew Stowers.
Dekraai was arrested a short time later driving a white pickup truck with three magazines of ammunition in his left leg cargo pocket, the court papers said.
"I know what I did," he told the arresting officer, according to the statement which had previously been sealed and was made public this week.
The statement offers a first glimpse at the shooting from the perspective of Dekraai, who is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 29 on eight counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Prosecutors say Dekraai shot eight people inside the salon, killing seven of them, then went outside and shot to death a man who was sitting in his car in the parking lot.
Dekraai told Seal Beach investigator Gary Krogman he thought the man was an off duty or undercover police officer who was reaching for a weapon when he shot him, according to the statement by Stowers, who is a police officer in the nearby city of Westminster.
Authorities say Dekraai went on the rampage to seek revenge against Fournier, a stylist at the salon.
In recent months, Dekraai had been trying to gain more control over his son's affairs and have his school changed, but a court-appointed psychologist had recently weighed in on the dispute and recommended the former couple's shared custody arrangement remain the same, said Fournier's attorney, John Cate.
Dekraai, a former tugboat operator who was badly injured in a 2007 accident, told the psychologist he had previously been diagnosed as bipolar, Cate said.
After the shooting, police officers spoke with Dekraai's current wife at his home in Huntington Beach, who said she kept a journal documenting the dispute between her husband and Fournier. Dekraai told Krogman his son sometimes came home with bruises, and he had photographed them, according to Stowers' statement.
Authorities sought the warrant to search Dekraai's Huntington Beach home and his 2005 Toyota Tundra. Seven firearms were seized from his garage and three handguns were recovered from the pickup truck he was driving when he was arrested, the court papers show.
Authorities also seized computers and papers and photographs contained in a large envelope entitled "Michelle Settlement Proposal 10/12/2011."
Dekraai's son has been in the care of Fournier's adult daughter from a previous marriage since the shooting, according to family court filings. She is seeking guardianship of the boy.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Dad charged with 1st-degree murder in shooting death of 8-year-old daughter (Pueblo, Colorado)
Dad JOHN WESLEY FRENCH claims he can't remember a thing about how his 8-year-old daughter was shot in the head while he was home alone with her. But he can recall that "something bad" happened to her. Riiiggghhht.
We've posted on this case before, but it's still not clear who had custody of this child. There has been no mention of a mother thus far.
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT.
http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/murder-case-to-go-forward-judge-rules/article_8678e61a-daa7-11e0-8bfb-001cc4c03286.html
Murder case to go forward, judge rules
Dad suspected in daughter's shooting death.
Posted: Friday, September 9, 2011 12:00 am
By JEFF TUCKER
A Pueblo district judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence to try a Pueblo man for killing his 8-year-old daughter.
John Wesley French, 33, is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death for the April 10 shooting of his daughter Desirea French.
Public Defender Suzanne Reynolds argued that her client should be bound over for trial on second-degree murder, because prosecutors had failed to prove French acted with deliberation when his daughter was killed.
Detectives were called to the French's trailer in the Oakwood Estates trailer park after French's father came home from work and discovered his granddaughter's body in the living room of the home and his son laying on a bed with two head wounds.
Detectives with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office told the court that they found six bullet holes in the trailer.
Reynolds said that the bullet holes made it appear that the shooting was random rather than premeditated and that by all accounts, French was considered a good and doting father by everyone who knew him.
But District Judge Jill Mattoon ruled that there was evidence to suggest Desirea French was killed by a gunshot from close range.
Detectives told the court that John French had a wound to his right hand doctors believed was caused by a bullet.
Doctors also told detectives they removed long strands of brown hair from the wound and there was a burn pattern on the side of the girl's head, allegedly from the gunshot.
Mattoon said that was enough to suggest both intent and deliberation.
Detective JC Williams told the court Thursday that he conducted a number of interviews with French, who said he never could remember clearly what happened.
French knew he shot himself twice in the head and knew something bad happened to his daughter, but never said he remembered shooting her.
Williams told the court French did suggest it couldn't have been anybody else since they were the only ones in the home that day.
Under cross-examination by Public Defender Albert Singleton, Williams confirmed that French said he was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder, but wasn't on any medication for the illnesses.
French will be back in court in November.
We've posted on this case before, but it's still not clear who had custody of this child. There has been no mention of a mother thus far.
INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT.
http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/murder-case-to-go-forward-judge-rules/article_8678e61a-daa7-11e0-8bfb-001cc4c03286.html
Murder case to go forward, judge rules
Dad suspected in daughter's shooting death.
Posted: Friday, September 9, 2011 12:00 am
By JEFF TUCKER
A Pueblo district judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence to try a Pueblo man for killing his 8-year-old daughter.
John Wesley French, 33, is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death for the April 10 shooting of his daughter Desirea French.
Public Defender Suzanne Reynolds argued that her client should be bound over for trial on second-degree murder, because prosecutors had failed to prove French acted with deliberation when his daughter was killed.
Detectives were called to the French's trailer in the Oakwood Estates trailer park after French's father came home from work and discovered his granddaughter's body in the living room of the home and his son laying on a bed with two head wounds.
Detectives with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office told the court that they found six bullet holes in the trailer.
Reynolds said that the bullet holes made it appear that the shooting was random rather than premeditated and that by all accounts, French was considered a good and doting father by everyone who knew him.
But District Judge Jill Mattoon ruled that there was evidence to suggest Desirea French was killed by a gunshot from close range.
Detectives told the court that John French had a wound to his right hand doctors believed was caused by a bullet.
Doctors also told detectives they removed long strands of brown hair from the wound and there was a burn pattern on the side of the girl's head, allegedly from the gunshot.
Mattoon said that was enough to suggest both intent and deliberation.
Detective JC Williams told the court Thursday that he conducted a number of interviews with French, who said he never could remember clearly what happened.
French knew he shot himself twice in the head and knew something bad happened to his daughter, but never said he remembered shooting her.
Williams told the court French did suggest it couldn't have been anybody else since they were the only ones in the home that day.
Under cross-examination by Public Defender Albert Singleton, Williams confirmed that French said he was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder, but wasn't on any medication for the illnesses.
French will be back in court in November.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Prison for dad, struggles for baby (Omaha, Nebraska)
Dad KELSEY CANDLER will be spending 15-20 years in prison--basically for destroying any life his son might have had. Notice that Mom has had her parental rights terminated too, though her responsibility in all this is not clarified--other than having bad taste in men.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20110504/NEWS97/705049926
Prison for dad, struggles for babyBy Todd Cooper
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Antonio Candler turned 1 year old the other day, but that may be one of the few firsts the child experiences.
The profoundly disabled boy likely will have no first step, his foster mother told a judge in a letter Tuesday. No first baseball game. No first day of school. No first solid food.
Little Antonio is being fed through a tube. Medical personnel have been focused on ensuring he can swallow his saliva without choking.
Such is the damage his father wrought when Kelsey Candler, 22, shook the healthy 2-month-old baby in June at their Omaha home, fracturing the boy’s skull and causing retinal hemorrhaging.
Noting the child’s catastrophic injuries, Douglas County District Judge Greg Schatz on Tuesday sentenced Kelsey Candler to 15 to 20 years in prison. Candler had pleaded guilty to child abuse and faced up to 20 years.
“This is an absolutely horrific set of facts,” said Candler’s attorney, Chad Brown. “It’s unbelievably sad, in more ways than one.”
Brown said Kelsey Candler was raised in a fine family by parents who had adopted him as a young child out of his native Honduras. However, he developed a mental illness and eventually was diagnosed as bipolar, Brown said.
The Fremont High School graduate alternated between taking his medication and self-medicating with marijuana, his lawyer said.
Then came June 10.
Candler became upset when Antonio began screaming. He put a bottle on the shelf and grabbed Antonio. He first claimed that he dropped Antonio, then tried to shake him awake.
However, doctors determined that Antonio had fractures to both the front and back of his head, indicating that his head likely had been bashed into some solid object, prosecutor Jim Masteller said.
During the court case, a Nebraska Regional Center doctor evaluated Kelsey Candler and confirmed that he was bipolar. However, the psychiatrist concluded that Candler was capable of discerning right from wrong at the time he shook the baby, Judge Schatz noted.
Both Candler and the child’s mother, Angela McGowan, have relinquished their parental rights.
The judge’s voice broke as he spoke of reading the foster mother’s letter detailing Antonio’s condition.
“It’s a terribly sad case,” Masteller said. “I don’t know that he’s going to progress. The (doctors) expect him to be infant-like for the rest of his life.”
http://www.omaha.com/article/20110504/NEWS97/705049926
Prison for dad, struggles for babyBy Todd Cooper
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Antonio Candler turned 1 year old the other day, but that may be one of the few firsts the child experiences.
The profoundly disabled boy likely will have no first step, his foster mother told a judge in a letter Tuesday. No first baseball game. No first day of school. No first solid food.
Little Antonio is being fed through a tube. Medical personnel have been focused on ensuring he can swallow his saliva without choking.
Such is the damage his father wrought when Kelsey Candler, 22, shook the healthy 2-month-old baby in June at their Omaha home, fracturing the boy’s skull and causing retinal hemorrhaging.
Noting the child’s catastrophic injuries, Douglas County District Judge Greg Schatz on Tuesday sentenced Kelsey Candler to 15 to 20 years in prison. Candler had pleaded guilty to child abuse and faced up to 20 years.
“This is an absolutely horrific set of facts,” said Candler’s attorney, Chad Brown. “It’s unbelievably sad, in more ways than one.”
Brown said Kelsey Candler was raised in a fine family by parents who had adopted him as a young child out of his native Honduras. However, he developed a mental illness and eventually was diagnosed as bipolar, Brown said.
The Fremont High School graduate alternated between taking his medication and self-medicating with marijuana, his lawyer said.
Then came June 10.
Candler became upset when Antonio began screaming. He put a bottle on the shelf and grabbed Antonio. He first claimed that he dropped Antonio, then tried to shake him awake.
However, doctors determined that Antonio had fractures to both the front and back of his head, indicating that his head likely had been bashed into some solid object, prosecutor Jim Masteller said.
During the court case, a Nebraska Regional Center doctor evaluated Kelsey Candler and confirmed that he was bipolar. However, the psychiatrist concluded that Candler was capable of discerning right from wrong at the time he shook the baby, Judge Schatz noted.
Both Candler and the child’s mother, Angela McGowan, have relinquished their parental rights.
The judge’s voice broke as he spoke of reading the foster mother’s letter detailing Antonio’s condition.
“It’s a terribly sad case,” Masteller said. “I don’t know that he’s going to progress. The (doctors) expect him to be infant-like for the rest of his life.”
Dad admits killing 8-week-old daughter (Easton, Pennsylvania)
Dad JOSEPH A. URQUIA has pleaded guilty to beating to death his 8-week-old daughter. Seems that Daddy--who had a history of child abuse--punched her in the head because he was frustrated with her crying.
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-easton-baby-murder-child-abuse-20110505,0,4343764.story
Easton man admits to killing baby daughter
By Riley Yates, OF THE MORNING CALL
11:59 a.m. EDT, May 5, 2011
The first photograph showed a beautiful baby girl, healthy and smiling.
The second, taken two weeks later, showed her dead in a morgue, her mouth open and bruising across much of the left side of her face.
On Thursday, the girl's father, Joseph A. Urquia, pleaded guilty to beating her to death on Dec. 19 at their Easton home, admitting he punched her "at least twice" in the head because she wouldn't stop crying.
Urquia, who has a history of child abuse, faces a maximum of 20 to 40 years in prison for the third-degree murder of 8-week-old Joselynn Urquia.
"He held her in his right hand and punched her twice with his left hand. At least twice," Northampton County First Deputy District Attorney Terence Houck recounted, before later handing a series of photographs of the girl to Judge Paula Roscioli.
According to court records filed by police, Urquia at first claimed he had dropped Joselynn in their N. Seventh Street apartment, but later admitted striking her in the head because he was "frustrated and angry" because he couldn't console her.
The baby became "lifeless and unresponsive" after the blows, Urquia told investigators. Joselynn died two days later after being taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest with serious head injuries.
The plea was made at Urquia's arraignment, the earliest possible time. The girl's mother, Brenda de la Cruz, sat in the jury box with drawn face, dabbing her eyes and leaning to hear a Spanish interpreter.
Under the plea agreement, Urquia waived any appeals, except over the sentence he receives. It came as prosecutors could have sought a first-degree murder conviction and the death penalty, and as Urquia's defense argued he was an unequipped parent who "just lost it."
"You did not intend to kill Joselynn?" defense lawyer Gary Asteak asked Urquia.
"Never," Urquia said.
Third-degree murder is a killing done with "malice," a legal term that means Urquia acted with a willful disregard for the risk of death his actions created.
"You are admitting that you in fact struck your infant child on numerous occasions, which caused her death?" Roscioli asked Urquia.
"Yes, your honor," said Urquia, who spoke in a clear voice, with puffy eyes but no outward display of emotion.
Urquia faces sentencing on June 9, and Roscioli ordered him to undergo psychological and drug and alcohol evaluations.
Afterward, Houck said the plea was appropriate given the facts of the case. Houck will be asking for Urquia to get the maximum sentence allowed.
"This was a situation where he assaulted this child in the course of a very few short minutes or seconds," Houck said. "It was not something that the defendant planned out, but in the same respect, he did it with great anger and with great force."
Houck added: "He did it without regard at all to the value of Joselynn's life."
Asteak called the murder a "tragedy of epic proportions."
"He's a 21-year-old who is holding down a full-time job, going to school, two infants on his hands and he just snapped," Asteak said. "A crying child on this Sunday morning just caused him to do the unthinkable."
Urquia, who is bipolar, was on probation at the time for abusing his and de la Cruz's older daughter.
In 2009, he admitted to spanking that girl, who was 3 months old at the time, so hard it caused a large bruise across her buttocks. He pleaded guilty to simple assault, a misdemeanor.
At Thursday's proceeding, Roscioli noted that Urquia lied to doctors who treated Joselynn, claiming she had fallen and not been struck. Roscioli asked Houck whether it would have made a difference if he had been truthful.
"No one on Earth" can answer that definitively, Houck said.
"I can only tell you that no good can come from a [medical] history that isn't true," he said.
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-easton-baby-murder-child-abuse-20110505,0,4343764.story
Easton man admits to killing baby daughter
By Riley Yates, OF THE MORNING CALL
11:59 a.m. EDT, May 5, 2011
The first photograph showed a beautiful baby girl, healthy and smiling.
The second, taken two weeks later, showed her dead in a morgue, her mouth open and bruising across much of the left side of her face.
On Thursday, the girl's father, Joseph A. Urquia, pleaded guilty to beating her to death on Dec. 19 at their Easton home, admitting he punched her "at least twice" in the head because she wouldn't stop crying.
Urquia, who has a history of child abuse, faces a maximum of 20 to 40 years in prison for the third-degree murder of 8-week-old Joselynn Urquia.
"He held her in his right hand and punched her twice with his left hand. At least twice," Northampton County First Deputy District Attorney Terence Houck recounted, before later handing a series of photographs of the girl to Judge Paula Roscioli.
According to court records filed by police, Urquia at first claimed he had dropped Joselynn in their N. Seventh Street apartment, but later admitted striking her in the head because he was "frustrated and angry" because he couldn't console her.
The baby became "lifeless and unresponsive" after the blows, Urquia told investigators. Joselynn died two days later after being taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest with serious head injuries.
The plea was made at Urquia's arraignment, the earliest possible time. The girl's mother, Brenda de la Cruz, sat in the jury box with drawn face, dabbing her eyes and leaning to hear a Spanish interpreter.
Under the plea agreement, Urquia waived any appeals, except over the sentence he receives. It came as prosecutors could have sought a first-degree murder conviction and the death penalty, and as Urquia's defense argued he was an unequipped parent who "just lost it."
"You did not intend to kill Joselynn?" defense lawyer Gary Asteak asked Urquia.
"Never," Urquia said.
Third-degree murder is a killing done with "malice," a legal term that means Urquia acted with a willful disregard for the risk of death his actions created.
"You are admitting that you in fact struck your infant child on numerous occasions, which caused her death?" Roscioli asked Urquia.
"Yes, your honor," said Urquia, who spoke in a clear voice, with puffy eyes but no outward display of emotion.
Urquia faces sentencing on June 9, and Roscioli ordered him to undergo psychological and drug and alcohol evaluations.
Afterward, Houck said the plea was appropriate given the facts of the case. Houck will be asking for Urquia to get the maximum sentence allowed.
"This was a situation where he assaulted this child in the course of a very few short minutes or seconds," Houck said. "It was not something that the defendant planned out, but in the same respect, he did it with great anger and with great force."
Houck added: "He did it without regard at all to the value of Joselynn's life."
Asteak called the murder a "tragedy of epic proportions."
"He's a 21-year-old who is holding down a full-time job, going to school, two infants on his hands and he just snapped," Asteak said. "A crying child on this Sunday morning just caused him to do the unthinkable."
Urquia, who is bipolar, was on probation at the time for abusing his and de la Cruz's older daughter.
In 2009, he admitted to spanking that girl, who was 3 months old at the time, so hard it caused a large bruise across her buttocks. He pleaded guilty to simple assault, a misdemeanor.
At Thursday's proceeding, Roscioli noted that Urquia lied to doctors who treated Joselynn, claiming she had fallen and not been struck. Roscioli asked Houck whether it would have made a difference if he had been truthful.
"No one on Earth" can answer that definitively, Houck said.
"I can only tell you that no good can come from a [medical] history that isn't true," he said.
Historic U.S. Supreme Court Case, re Sacks vs. Sacks (Florida)
May 5, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONFERENCE May 6th, 2011 at 12 Noon
Location:
US Supreme Court
One First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20543
Sidewalk in front of the US Supreme Court
HISTORIC US SUPREME COURT CASE
Child Advocates and Legal Scholars are anxiously awaiting the filing of a Petition for Writ of Certiorari on May 6, 2011 at 12 noon at the US Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. in the Sacks v. Sacks case.
This truly will be an Historic Day at the US Supreme Court, for America’s children and their “Protective Parents”, as this landmark case is being hand delivered by a Florida Mother and exposes a national crisis all over the US.
The Sacks v. Sacks case is the perfect opportunity for the US Supreme Court to thoroughly explore and address the issue of Battered Mothers and child abuse, and their documented evidence of “protective parents” losing custody and the failure of family courts and Child Protective Services to thoroughly investigate and handle Domestic Violence, child sexual/and or child physical abuse cases properly, therefore resulting in a verdict, contrary to the “bests interests of the child(ren)”.
Kathleen Russell, from the Center for Judicial Excellence, in the California Progress Report, on 10/19/09 “When Family Courts Get It Wrong”, says “When a parent harms his or her own child, family courts are supposed to step in and safeguard the victim. Can you imagine what a tragedy it would be if courts awarded custody to the wrong parent Actually according to one conservative estimate, more than 58, 000 children a year are court ordered by family courts into unsupervised visitation contact with physically or sexually abusive parents following a divorce in the U.S. The fact that this type of scandal is taking place in the American justice system defies the imagination. Not since the Roman Catholic Church pedophile scandal has the US seen this type of institutional harm inflicted on innocent children.” (www.centerforjudicalexcelllence.org)
The National Organization for Women, NOW and the NOW Ad Hoc Law Committee are addressing this issue and in their Spring 2011, “and explore what can happen to a protective mother and her children when she does nothing more than to protect her children”, as quoted on page 36 of the Petition for Certiorari.
The Petitioner, in the US Supreme Court case, Linda Marie Sacks, has been chosen as the “Poster Mother” of the Family Court Crisis, is interviewed for the article.(www.now.org) Click on the Family Law Spring Newsletter.
On April 21, 2011, in the BMCCVI Digest Number 2011, reports that Eileen King representing Justice for Children participated in the Office of Violence Against Women Roundtable Discussion that took place at George Washington University Law School. The Roundtable was organized by Rita Smith, the Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Prof. Joan Meier, Director of the Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project (DVLEAP) at GWU Law School. OVW will post a report about the Roundtable on their website in the near future. (www.justiceforchildren.org) and (www.dvleap.org)
As noted by Barry Goldstein, Esq. The Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) is part of the US Justice Department that provides grants for programs to reduce and prevent domestic violence. They recently sponsored a forum for their staff and other professionals in various parts of the government to learn about the crisis in the custody court system.
“It was a discussion based upon current scientific research and actual experiences that courts are routinely making catastrophic mistakes in failing to protect children and domestic violence survivors. Linda Marie Sacks, a Florida Mother, truly the “All American Mom”, has only seen her children at the Family Tree House Visitation Center for 82 hours in the last 4 years and 2 months, is challenging the “Best Interests of The Children” Statute 61.13, as Domestic Violence, child sexual and physical abuse must be considered in a judge’s decision determining the “Best Interests of the Children”. In the Pro se Cert Petition, Sacks raises the constitutional implications of a fit parent to the care, custody, of her children, and without a finding of unfitness by clear and convincing evidence, established by the US Supreme Court ruling in Santosky v. Kramer, U.S. 745, 769-770 (1982).
Her daughters said in April 2007, “Mommy fight for us and do something every day to get us back and don’t ever stop”. Their Mother not only kept her promise to them, but now is a national spokesperson on the child custody crisis, and is speaking up for her children, and all of America’s children affected by the failure of our justice system to protect our most innocent children from sexual and physical abuse. She is a formidable legal opponent, as she has been self taught, going to “Internet Law School” to continue her legal challenge after spending $140,000 to undo an unjust custody decision. The Fifth District Court of Appeals REVERSED and REMANDED the issue of child custody back to the lower court for a violation of the Petitioners constitutional rights to due process, in 08/08. This rare reversal provided no relief as the lower court of Judge Shawn L. Briese refused to abide by the Appeals court and refused to protect the children and said one child lied about being sexually abused.
In an article by John Weiss, from Post-Bulletin, Rochester, MN , “Do children lie about sexual abuse? Not Usually.” Children do lie, but seldom about being abused. “All human beings can and do lie, but it’s hard for kids to do it about sex”, said Victor Vieth, the director of the national Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University. “They can’t lie about something they have no knowledge of” he said, and children don’t learn about oral sex from Sesame Street.
Dr. Deborah Day of Psychological Affiliates, the court ordered custody evaluator said the minor child at 8 years old had pediatric bipolar and that negates any child sexual abuse, and then thwarted the DCF investigation. The court record clearly showed that the child DID NOT have bipolar, but the trial court still refused to protect the children, which is typical from cases all over the US.
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