Classic abuser daddy coddling. Dad is identified only as SD.
http://www.scottishlegal.com/2015/10/05/baby-shaking-assault-father-successfully-challenges-excessive-sentence/
Baby-shaking assault father successfully challenges ‘excessive’ sentence
A father who left his baby daughter brain-damaged after shaking her and throwing her down on to a couch in a “deliberate and violent assault” has had his seven-and-a-half year prison sentence reduced following an appeal.
The Criminal Appeal Court quashed the sentence and imposed a custodial term of six years and nine months after ruling that the sentencing judge’s starting point of nine years – which was discounted due to the unnamed father’s guilty plea – was “not consistent with what was held to be appropriate in these cases”.
Lord Brodie and Lord Drummond Young heard that the appellant “SD” pled guilty at the trial diet of assaulting his six-week-old daughter to her severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of her life.
The High Court in Glasgow was told that he had become “frustrated” with the baby and “lost control” after she had kept her parents awake during the previous night.
While the sentencing judge accepted that there was “no wickednesss” in his actions, she viewed this as a “deliberate and violent assault” using a degree of force which was “obviously likely to cause serious harm” to a six-week-old baby, who was left with catastrophic, life threatening injuries.
On 31 March 2015 she sentenced the appellant to seven-and-a-half years’ imprisonment – discounted by around 15 per cent from nine years for the “utilitarian benefit” of the guilty plea, albeit that it had been tendered very late.
But the appellant challenged the sentencing judge’s characterisation of what he had done as being “obviously likely to cause serious harm”.
It was submitted that it would not have been apparent to a layman that such serious harm would be caused by the degree of force which had been used in the case.
There was a short period of shaking by a “hands on” father where there was “no history of previous abuse” of the child.
It was a “momentary loss of control” lasting a few seconds on the part of a young man who was a “loving father” and who had not previously served a custodial sentence.
In these circumstances it was argued that a starting point of nine years imprisonment was “clearly excessive”.
The appeal judges accepted that the consequences of the assault were “unintended” by the appellant, but did not accept the submission that the risk of some degree of serious harm to a young baby was not such as to be obvious to a layman.
Delivering the opinion of the court, Lord Brodie said: “On sentencing in a case of assault assessment of the seriousness of the offence will usually involve consideration of two potentially independent factors, the culpability of the offender’s act and the severity of the consequences of that act.
“We say potentially independent because the likelihood of it having adverse consequences is relevant to the judgment as to the culpability of a particular act. In this case, the consequences of the assault on the child were catastrophic.
“The sentencing judge says in her report that it is difficult to conceive of a more vulnerable victim than a six week old baby. We can only agree and we would see that as being clear to any parent, however inexperienced that parent may be.
“We therefore consider that the sentencing judge was correct to approach this case as one which involved a significant degree of culpability as well as a catastrophic result. She was entitled to take the view that only a significant custodial sentence was appropriate.”
However, the judges noted that she was not addressed on the issue of “comparative justice” and said they did not consider that a starting point of nine years was consistent with what was held to be appropriate in these cases.
Lord Brodie added: “In the present case there was evidence that the appellant had shaken the baby and then violently thrown her down onto a couch. Whether or not the throwing of the infant onto the couch exacerbated her injuries, it pointed to an act of real aggression on the part of the appellant. We see that as something which requires to be reflected in the sentence imposed.
“Accordingly, we shall quash the sentence imposed on 31 March 2015 and impose an alternative sentence of six years and nine months. We have arrived at that figure by taking a starting point of eight years imprisonment and discounting that by a similar percentage to that adopted by the sentencing judge.”
October 5, 2015
Showing posts with label developmental disability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label developmental disability. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Dad abuses 4-month-old baby during visitation; pleads guilty to felony child neglect (Barboursville, West Virginia)
Notice that all this took place at the "father's residence," meaning that this was a custody/visitation situation.
Babies do not need contact with non-committed fathers. They don't benefit from this kind of contact in any way, shape, or form. They need consistent loving care with their mothers. Only a dogmatic fathers rights position would say otherwise. And too often we see the results.
Dad is identified as SHAWN GRAVES.
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x45925280/Toddler-improves-ahead-of-fathers-final-punishment
Toddler improves ahead of father's final punishment
Aug. 18, 2015 @ 12:01 AM
By CURTIS JOHNSON
BARBOURSVILLE - DaMarcus Graves could soon be a walking miracle, a little more than a year after his limp body became the focal point of a case involving shaken-baby syndrome.
Medical experts had advised the family that the infant, then 4 1/2 months, may remain deaf and blind and never develop an ability to swallow or make voluntary movement.
"He has surpassed all of that," said Graves' mother, Shay Harper. "When he was first in the hospital we were excited that he moved his toe, and he's doing so much more now."
Mother and son take another step this week. They will appear before Cabell Circuit Judge Paul T. Farrell, where Harper will urge the judge to stick with prison time for the child's father, Shawn Anthony Graves.
The local rap artist, also known as Sg Tha Yunggin, entered a Kennedy plea in June to felony child neglect. Farrell immediately ordered the maximum, 1- to 5-year prison sentence, but will hear a defense argument for leniency Wednesday.
The Kennedy plea allowed for the conviction without Shawn Graves admitting or explaining his role in the crime.
Initial court filings state Shawn Graves, 22, of Huntington, told police early on that he shook his son back and forth without supporting his head. The incident occurred June 21, 2014, at the father's residence in the 1800 block of 12th Avenue, where Harper dropped off the child for supervision.
Emergency crews described the infant's body as limp and lifeless. Medical tests revealed a brain bleed, according to the initial filings.
DaMarcus Graves, now 18 months, lives with limited vision, dramatically improved hearing and swallows about an ounce or two of baby food each day, Harper said. He also can lift his head for longer periods of time, which is considered an accomplishment given his injuries and the placement of a shunt.
Within the past two months, DaMarcus Graves developed the ability to stand with the aid of equipment. Harper said that progress convinces herself and nurses he could be ready for a walker very soon.
"I'm just astounded," she said. "I bought him a Cookie Monster doll. I watched him focus on that doll and he loves the sound of (the doll's) voice. He has started reaching for the doll, and he wasn't reaching before."
Shawn Graves defended himself within hours of the incident in a series of tweets, including one which said, "Facing 2 to 10 years for something I didn't do. Smh."
Defense attorney Dennis Kelley acknowledged the plea agreement, but said Friday their side takes exception with the prosecution's idea of intent and causation. The defense believes something beyond his client's actions caused the child's injuries, including the potential of a pre-existing condition.
"I was always concerned about the timeline," he said. "My client had the child for a short period of time. Obviously the risk set forth with going to trial versus the offer was what my client wanted to do."
Kelley plans to argue for alternative sentencing Wednesday. Possibilities include probation, although he estimates credit for more than a year already behind bars could make his client eligible for parole within six months.
Harper, somewhat frustrated that Shawn Graves was allowed to plead no contest to a less serious offense, said she will urge Farrell to show no leniency.
"Not only for my child and myself," she said in opposing leniency. "That shows the community, the public, these people who harm children can just go back out in the street. That is a danger.
"... I am his voice, that is no justice for him. Nobody knows how he feels, and that is a very short sentence because Shawn Graves feels nothing compared to what my son feels," Harper added.
An April 2015 superseding indictment charged Shawn Graves with felony child abuse. The no contest plea to child neglect, a lesser included offense, resolved the case and reduced the maximum punishment from a 2- to 10-year prison sentence to a 1- to 5-year stint.
Harper recalled accepting the plea agreement with some resistance, after a prosecutor advised she needed to in light of Shawn Graves' willingness to take the lesser conviction.
Babies do not need contact with non-committed fathers. They don't benefit from this kind of contact in any way, shape, or form. They need consistent loving care with their mothers. Only a dogmatic fathers rights position would say otherwise. And too often we see the results.
Dad is identified as SHAWN GRAVES.
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x45925280/Toddler-improves-ahead-of-fathers-final-punishment
Toddler improves ahead of father's final punishment
Aug. 18, 2015 @ 12:01 AM
By CURTIS JOHNSON
BARBOURSVILLE - DaMarcus Graves could soon be a walking miracle, a little more than a year after his limp body became the focal point of a case involving shaken-baby syndrome.
Medical experts had advised the family that the infant, then 4 1/2 months, may remain deaf and blind and never develop an ability to swallow or make voluntary movement.
"He has surpassed all of that," said Graves' mother, Shay Harper. "When he was first in the hospital we were excited that he moved his toe, and he's doing so much more now."
Mother and son take another step this week. They will appear before Cabell Circuit Judge Paul T. Farrell, where Harper will urge the judge to stick with prison time for the child's father, Shawn Anthony Graves.
The local rap artist, also known as Sg Tha Yunggin, entered a Kennedy plea in June to felony child neglect. Farrell immediately ordered the maximum, 1- to 5-year prison sentence, but will hear a defense argument for leniency Wednesday.
The Kennedy plea allowed for the conviction without Shawn Graves admitting or explaining his role in the crime.
Initial court filings state Shawn Graves, 22, of Huntington, told police early on that he shook his son back and forth without supporting his head. The incident occurred June 21, 2014, at the father's residence in the 1800 block of 12th Avenue, where Harper dropped off the child for supervision.
Emergency crews described the infant's body as limp and lifeless. Medical tests revealed a brain bleed, according to the initial filings.
DaMarcus Graves, now 18 months, lives with limited vision, dramatically improved hearing and swallows about an ounce or two of baby food each day, Harper said. He also can lift his head for longer periods of time, which is considered an accomplishment given his injuries and the placement of a shunt.
Within the past two months, DaMarcus Graves developed the ability to stand with the aid of equipment. Harper said that progress convinces herself and nurses he could be ready for a walker very soon.
"I'm just astounded," she said. "I bought him a Cookie Monster doll. I watched him focus on that doll and he loves the sound of (the doll's) voice. He has started reaching for the doll, and he wasn't reaching before."
Shawn Graves defended himself within hours of the incident in a series of tweets, including one which said, "Facing 2 to 10 years for something I didn't do. Smh."
Defense attorney Dennis Kelley acknowledged the plea agreement, but said Friday their side takes exception with the prosecution's idea of intent and causation. The defense believes something beyond his client's actions caused the child's injuries, including the potential of a pre-existing condition.
"I was always concerned about the timeline," he said. "My client had the child for a short period of time. Obviously the risk set forth with going to trial versus the offer was what my client wanted to do."
Kelley plans to argue for alternative sentencing Wednesday. Possibilities include probation, although he estimates credit for more than a year already behind bars could make his client eligible for parole within six months.
Harper, somewhat frustrated that Shawn Graves was allowed to plead no contest to a less serious offense, said she will urge Farrell to show no leniency.
"Not only for my child and myself," she said in opposing leniency. "That shows the community, the public, these people who harm children can just go back out in the street. That is a danger.
"... I am his voice, that is no justice for him. Nobody knows how he feels, and that is a very short sentence because Shawn Graves feels nothing compared to what my son feels," Harper added.
An April 2015 superseding indictment charged Shawn Graves with felony child abuse. The no contest plea to child neglect, a lesser included offense, resolved the case and reduced the maximum punishment from a 2- to 10-year prison sentence to a 1- to 5-year stint.
Harper recalled accepting the plea agreement with some resistance, after a prosecutor advised she needed to in light of Shawn Graves' willingness to take the lesser conviction.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Dad pleads guilty to murder of 7-year-old son; boy put into vegetative state when dad abused him at 3 months (Snow Hill, Maryland)
Another one of those stories that erases the mother. There is no indication here that she abused the baby, and yet she obviously lost custody. There is no mention of her pain or even her existence in all this. It's as if she never existed. This happens so often in the media.
Notice that dad GEMAYEL JARMON might get off with as little as 5 1/2 years in prison for destroying his son's life.
http://www.wmdt.com/news/more-local-news/Berlin-father-behind-bars-for-murder-of-child/33596016
Berlin father behind bars for murder of child
Jobina Fortson, Reporter
POSTED: 07:16 PM EDT Jun 15, 2015
UPDATED: 08:25 PM EDT Jun 15, 2015
SNOW HILL, Md. - 32- year- old Gemayel Jarmon of Berlin is behind bars after pleading guilty to the murder of his seven- year- old son Geoni.
Beau Oglesby, the Worcester County State’s Attorney says, “It is shocking and unimaginable that someone could do something like that to a completely defenseless child.”
This case stems from 2007 when Geoni was just three months old. He was abused by Jarmon.
Oglesby goes on, “The main injury was a fracture to the head that went from the left ear over to the right side of the head. The amount of force necessary to inflict that type of injury is tremendous.”
The injuries left Geoni in what some would describe as a vegetative state. He couldn't speak, walk, or see and was fed through a feeding tube. As a result, Jarmon was sentenced to fifteen years for child abuse and second degree assault. He received an additional six months for a violation of parole. However, through the courts decision he only ended up serving about five and a half years.
Meanwhile, a family adopted Geoni soon after his abuse. We're told he suffered frequent seizures. Last year, as his adoptive sister was rushing him to the hospital, he suffocated and died at the age of seven.
Oglesby continues, “When a person dies as a result of injuries sustained years prior, it is still appropriate certainly in my position, it's appropriate for someone to be prosecuted for those actions.”
In a letter to 47 ABC dated June 6th, Jarmon blames his son's death on the adoptive family. He alleged that they took too long to get Geoni to the hospital.
Oglesby replies, “Any suggestion by Mr. Jarmon or anyone else that someone else bears responsibility for that baby's death is inappropriate, it's not factually correct and it's offensive.”
On the case board in the Worcester County State's Attorney's office, there is a note describing how Geoni's adopted family described him..."he was perfect." Jarmon has been sentenced to 10 years for the murder.
Oglesby goes on, “Could he get out earlier than ten years from now? Certainly. Will he? That's unknown. That will be decided in large part by his behavior in prison.”
The Worcester County State's Attorney tells says Geoni's adoptive family is pleased with this outcome and right now they're just focused on healing.
As for Jarmon, we’re told he was transported to the diagnostics center in Baltimore to be classified. There, officials will decide which division of corrections facility will best suit him. Apparently that decision process can take several weeks.
Notice that dad GEMAYEL JARMON might get off with as little as 5 1/2 years in prison for destroying his son's life.
http://www.wmdt.com/news/more-local-news/Berlin-father-behind-bars-for-murder-of-child/33596016
Berlin father behind bars for murder of child
Jobina Fortson, Reporter
POSTED: 07:16 PM EDT Jun 15, 2015
UPDATED: 08:25 PM EDT Jun 15, 2015
SNOW HILL, Md. - 32- year- old Gemayel Jarmon of Berlin is behind bars after pleading guilty to the murder of his seven- year- old son Geoni.
Beau Oglesby, the Worcester County State’s Attorney says, “It is shocking and unimaginable that someone could do something like that to a completely defenseless child.”
This case stems from 2007 when Geoni was just three months old. He was abused by Jarmon.
Oglesby goes on, “The main injury was a fracture to the head that went from the left ear over to the right side of the head. The amount of force necessary to inflict that type of injury is tremendous.”
The injuries left Geoni in what some would describe as a vegetative state. He couldn't speak, walk, or see and was fed through a feeding tube. As a result, Jarmon was sentenced to fifteen years for child abuse and second degree assault. He received an additional six months for a violation of parole. However, through the courts decision he only ended up serving about five and a half years.
Meanwhile, a family adopted Geoni soon after his abuse. We're told he suffered frequent seizures. Last year, as his adoptive sister was rushing him to the hospital, he suffocated and died at the age of seven.
Oglesby continues, “When a person dies as a result of injuries sustained years prior, it is still appropriate certainly in my position, it's appropriate for someone to be prosecuted for those actions.”
In a letter to 47 ABC dated June 6th, Jarmon blames his son's death on the adoptive family. He alleged that they took too long to get Geoni to the hospital.
Oglesby replies, “Any suggestion by Mr. Jarmon or anyone else that someone else bears responsibility for that baby's death is inappropriate, it's not factually correct and it's offensive.”
On the case board in the Worcester County State's Attorney's office, there is a note describing how Geoni's adopted family described him..."he was perfect." Jarmon has been sentenced to 10 years for the murder.
Oglesby goes on, “Could he get out earlier than ten years from now? Certainly. Will he? That's unknown. That will be decided in large part by his behavior in prison.”
The Worcester County State's Attorney tells says Geoni's adoptive family is pleased with this outcome and right now they're just focused on healing.
As for Jarmon, we’re told he was transported to the diagnostics center in Baltimore to be classified. There, officials will decide which division of corrections facility will best suit him. Apparently that decision process can take several weeks.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Girl dies 15 years after being violently shaken by dad (Tacoma, Washington)
UNNAMED DAD served "about two years" in prison for destroying this girl's life.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Girl-dies-15-years-after-being-violently-shaken-by-father-288504811.html
Girl dies 15 years after being violently shaken by father
By Steve McCarron
Published: Jan 13, 2015 at 11:08 PM PST Last Updated: Jan 14, 2015 at 5:07 AM PST
TACOMA, Wash. -- A Tacoma mother is mourning the loss of her daughter, who died Sunday nearly 15 years after she was violently shaken by her biological father.
Shannon Stiles said her daughter, Baylee, died from complications stemming from the abuse.
At 3 months old, Baylee was rushed to the hospital in January 2000, Stiles said. Doctors determined Baylee suffered severe head trauma and quickly suspected child abuse. Baylee's biological father, who was Stiles' fiance at the time, was arrested several weeks later on the same day Baylee was released from the hospital, she added.
"I was 19-years-old. I had to grow up then," Stiles said. "I had to be a mom of a disabled child. She ate through a feeding tube into her stomach. She never rolled over. She never sat up on her own."
Baylee's father eventually pleaded guilty to second degree child assault and served about two years of his 46-month sentence, court records show.
Baylee would undergo nearly 20 surgeries and spent the next 15 years not being able to walk, talk, or do anything on her own, Stiles said. Baylee's health started to decline rapidly in December 2014. Stiles made the difficult decision to pull her off life support several weeks later.
"They let me climb in bed with her, and I just wrapped myself around her, held her hand, wrapped my knees around her knees, and let her take her last breath. And then I laid in bed with her for an hour until after she passed," Stiles said.
Stiles blames Baylee's biological father for her daughter's death.
"If it wasn't for him hurting her, she would be able to do anything to that she wanted to do," Stiles said. "I'm hoping he has to pay for taking my daughter's life away."
Stiles said she has nightmares about Baylee's final moments.
It's tough for Stiles to be inside her Tacoma home without her angel, she said. But she realizes it was where Baylee was at peace. It was where she was happy, Stiles said.
"I hope people will remember her love of music. Her love of family. Her smile. Her happiness," Stiles said. "Never shake a baby. If you're mad or upset or if a baby is crying and you're frustrated, put it down. A baby has never died from crying."
At this point, Baylee's father isn't facing any new charges because of her death.
Stiles said she hopes to hold a service for Baylee in late January.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Girl-dies-15-years-after-being-violently-shaken-by-father-288504811.html
Girl dies 15 years after being violently shaken by father
By Steve McCarron
Published: Jan 13, 2015 at 11:08 PM PST Last Updated: Jan 14, 2015 at 5:07 AM PST
TACOMA, Wash. -- A Tacoma mother is mourning the loss of her daughter, who died Sunday nearly 15 years after she was violently shaken by her biological father.
Shannon Stiles said her daughter, Baylee, died from complications stemming from the abuse.
At 3 months old, Baylee was rushed to the hospital in January 2000, Stiles said. Doctors determined Baylee suffered severe head trauma and quickly suspected child abuse. Baylee's biological father, who was Stiles' fiance at the time, was arrested several weeks later on the same day Baylee was released from the hospital, she added.
"I was 19-years-old. I had to grow up then," Stiles said. "I had to be a mom of a disabled child. She ate through a feeding tube into her stomach. She never rolled over. She never sat up on her own."
Baylee's father eventually pleaded guilty to second degree child assault and served about two years of his 46-month sentence, court records show.
Baylee would undergo nearly 20 surgeries and spent the next 15 years not being able to walk, talk, or do anything on her own, Stiles said. Baylee's health started to decline rapidly in December 2014. Stiles made the difficult decision to pull her off life support several weeks later.
"They let me climb in bed with her, and I just wrapped myself around her, held her hand, wrapped my knees around her knees, and let her take her last breath. And then I laid in bed with her for an hour until after she passed," Stiles said.
Stiles blames Baylee's biological father for her daughter's death.
"If it wasn't for him hurting her, she would be able to do anything to that she wanted to do," Stiles said. "I'm hoping he has to pay for taking my daughter's life away."
Stiles said she has nightmares about Baylee's final moments.
It's tough for Stiles to be inside her Tacoma home without her angel, she said. But she realizes it was where Baylee was at peace. It was where she was happy, Stiles said.
"I hope people will remember her love of music. Her love of family. Her smile. Her happiness," Stiles said. "Never shake a baby. If you're mad or upset or if a baby is crying and you're frustrated, put it down. A baby has never died from crying."
At this point, Baylee's father isn't facing any new charges because of her death.
Stiles said she hopes to hold a service for Baylee in late January.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Dad viciously beats 4-year-old son during first overnight visitation; prognosis grim for survival (Louisville, Kentucky)
We've posted on this case before. We had noted that there was a curious omission regarding the mother. And now we know why. The dad was, in fact, a single father, and the assault took place during THE FATHER'S FIRST OVERNIGHT VISITATION.
This is what happens with the triumph of fathers rights ideology. Contrary to their lies, mothers are not "gatekeepers" who are "depriving" fathers of their kids. On the contrary, mothers are being brainwashed into thinking they must include violent men in childcare functions. Even when the kids are special needs and under the age of 5. These idiots don't have the nurturing skills or patience to deal with toddlers and babies--especially if these is a developmental disability involved. So they freak out on them, like dad CHRISTOPHER BRUCK "allegedly" did.
http://www.whas11.com/story/news/local/2015/01/05/prognosis-grim-for-ind-child-allegedly-assaulted-by-father/21315343/
Prognosis grim for Ind. child allegedly assaulted by father
Whitney Harding, WHAS11.com 11:58 p.m. EST January 5, 2015
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Smiling, lively and always hungry – that's how Jessica Fields remembers her nephew, four-year-old Hayden.
"He was so happy," she said. "He's a good sweet loving little boy. It breaks my heart. The boy, he loved food. It was so crazy."
Hayden's short life so far hasn't been easy. He was born with a rare genetic disorder called DiGeorge that can result in poor development in several different ways.
"I know he's four and he don't talk," Jessica explained. "He started walking probably about a year ago. He's been through the physical training, you know all the stuff to try and get him improving. He goes to a special needs school…It would've been hard the rest of his life trying to live a normal life. Now he probably won't even say the little words he was saying. He won't be able to walk."
On Saturday night Jessica received a call from her step-sister, Hayden's mother, telling her Hayden was at Kosair Children's Hospital after he had been staying with his father, Christopher Bruck. Jessica said to her knowledge Hayden had not stayed the night alone with his father until this visit.
"[His mother] wanted so bad [sic] for Hayden to have his father in his life and I'm sure she blames herself for this happening," Jessica said.
Hayden's brain was bleeding severely and he had bruises all over his body -- injuries that doctors believed came from child abuse. Indiana State Police (ISP) questioned Bruck about the incident and eventually he was arrested for aggravated battery.
According to the arrest affidavit, Bruck was watching TV and Hayden kept getting up into his father's face and pulling on his hand. Bruck told ISP he lost control and hit Hayden in the forehead causing the boy to fall backwards and hit his head on the carpeted concrete floor. The affidavit states that Bruck said he hit the boy so hard it hurt his hand.
"He could be a vegetable for the rest of his life," Jessica said. "Only half of his brain has blood flow. The other half where he had his surgery has no blood flow…He's not going to be normal ever again. That's all we know -- ever again."
Jessica says she hopes that her nephew can somehow be a miracle child and pull through, but no matter what she wants to see justice.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with Hayden's medical expenses. He is having more tests on Tuesday and the family is hoping for some positive news.
This is what happens with the triumph of fathers rights ideology. Contrary to their lies, mothers are not "gatekeepers" who are "depriving" fathers of their kids. On the contrary, mothers are being brainwashed into thinking they must include violent men in childcare functions. Even when the kids are special needs and under the age of 5. These idiots don't have the nurturing skills or patience to deal with toddlers and babies--especially if these is a developmental disability involved. So they freak out on them, like dad CHRISTOPHER BRUCK "allegedly" did.
http://www.whas11.com/story/news/local/2015/01/05/prognosis-grim-for-ind-child-allegedly-assaulted-by-father/21315343/
Prognosis grim for Ind. child allegedly assaulted by father
Whitney Harding, WHAS11.com 11:58 p.m. EST January 5, 2015
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Smiling, lively and always hungry – that's how Jessica Fields remembers her nephew, four-year-old Hayden.
"He was so happy," she said. "He's a good sweet loving little boy. It breaks my heart. The boy, he loved food. It was so crazy."
Hayden's short life so far hasn't been easy. He was born with a rare genetic disorder called DiGeorge that can result in poor development in several different ways.
"I know he's four and he don't talk," Jessica explained. "He started walking probably about a year ago. He's been through the physical training, you know all the stuff to try and get him improving. He goes to a special needs school…It would've been hard the rest of his life trying to live a normal life. Now he probably won't even say the little words he was saying. He won't be able to walk."
On Saturday night Jessica received a call from her step-sister, Hayden's mother, telling her Hayden was at Kosair Children's Hospital after he had been staying with his father, Christopher Bruck. Jessica said to her knowledge Hayden had not stayed the night alone with his father until this visit.
"[His mother] wanted so bad [sic] for Hayden to have his father in his life and I'm sure she blames herself for this happening," Jessica said.
Hayden's brain was bleeding severely and he had bruises all over his body -- injuries that doctors believed came from child abuse. Indiana State Police (ISP) questioned Bruck about the incident and eventually he was arrested for aggravated battery.
According to the arrest affidavit, Bruck was watching TV and Hayden kept getting up into his father's face and pulling on his hand. Bruck told ISP he lost control and hit Hayden in the forehead causing the boy to fall backwards and hit his head on the carpeted concrete floor. The affidavit states that Bruck said he hit the boy so hard it hurt his hand.
"He could be a vegetable for the rest of his life," Jessica said. "Only half of his brain has blood flow. The other half where he had his surgery has no blood flow…He's not going to be normal ever again. That's all we know -- ever again."
Jessica says she hopes that her nephew can somehow be a miracle child and pull through, but no matter what she wants to see justice.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with Hayden's medical expenses. He is having more tests on Tuesday and the family is hoping for some positive news.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Dad admits he slammed and threw 2-month-old daughter; blames his ADD (Malone, New York)
His ADD made him do it? These guys sure come up with lots of excuses for their violence.
Dad is identified as JAMES J. WHITNEY.
http://www.pressrepublican.com/news/local_news/malone-father-admits-to-child-assault/article_242eddcc-b057-5579-bfe7-76f373447d4e.html
Malone father admits to child assault
Posted: Monday, November 10, 2014 2:42 pm
Denise A. Raymo, Press-Republican
MALONE — A Malone man pleaded guilty Monday to assaulting his infant daughter and will be sentenced in Franklin County Court on Jan. 26.
James J. Whitney, 29, admitted to reckless assault of a child and confessed that, while she was in his care on Dec. 29, 2013, he slammed and threw the baby girl, then 2 months old, so that her head hit a hard surface.
Jaycie Whitney, who celebrated her first birthday on Halloween, reportedly has some developmental issues as a result of her father’s violence.
He could face up to six years in state prison for the violent-felony conviction.
Whitney was deemed competent to stand trial last month during a hearing held before County Court Judge Robert G. Main Jr.
The defense, headed by Public Defender Thomas Soucia, had claimed Whitney could not fully participate in his defense at trial because he has attention-deficit disorder, heightened anxiety levels and trouble understanding the more complicated words police investigators and mental-health experts used when interviewing him.
Prosecution witnesses said Whitney would have likely been under great stress while on trial, but that would not have caused him irreparable mental harm.
Main agreed, saying accommodations could be made to reduce the anticipated stress.
Dad is identified as JAMES J. WHITNEY.
http://www.pressrepublican.com/news/local_news/malone-father-admits-to-child-assault/article_242eddcc-b057-5579-bfe7-76f373447d4e.html
Malone father admits to child assault
Posted: Monday, November 10, 2014 2:42 pm
Denise A. Raymo, Press-Republican
MALONE — A Malone man pleaded guilty Monday to assaulting his infant daughter and will be sentenced in Franklin County Court on Jan. 26.
James J. Whitney, 29, admitted to reckless assault of a child and confessed that, while she was in his care on Dec. 29, 2013, he slammed and threw the baby girl, then 2 months old, so that her head hit a hard surface.
Jaycie Whitney, who celebrated her first birthday on Halloween, reportedly has some developmental issues as a result of her father’s violence.
He could face up to six years in state prison for the violent-felony conviction.
Whitney was deemed competent to stand trial last month during a hearing held before County Court Judge Robert G. Main Jr.
The defense, headed by Public Defender Thomas Soucia, had claimed Whitney could not fully participate in his defense at trial because he has attention-deficit disorder, heightened anxiety levels and trouble understanding the more complicated words police investigators and mental-health experts used when interviewing him.
Prosecution witnesses said Whitney would have likely been under great stress while on trial, but that would not have caused him irreparable mental harm.
Main agreed, saying accommodations could be made to reduce the anticipated stress.
No jail time for dad who INTENTIONALLY shook 3-week-old daughter so violently that it left her with irreversible brain damage (Canberra, Australia)
What unspecified "mental condition" allowed this piece of sh** to get off with no penalty? That the poor little dear was "frustrtated"? This is just the usual BS abuser daddy coddling. UNNAMED DAD.
Shame on Judge Helen Murrell.
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/572833/20141115/shaken-baby-syndrome-cheif-justice.htm#.VGuAhNEtD2s
No Jail Time For Father Who Shook Crying Infant Daughter So Violently That It Caused Her Brain Damage
By Pooja Bhagat | November 15, 2014 2:34 PM EST
In a reported case, the Chief Justice suspended the sentence of a man who intentionally and violently shook his own infant daughter so hard that she suffered from irreversible brain damage and became crippled for life.
The judgment was passed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Helen Murrell and was taken in light of the man's mental condition. The person in question has been determined as mentally impaired, which causes him to become very frustrated and aggressive.
As per ABC News, the incident occurred in December 2010 in Canberra when a three-week-old baby girl was left alone with her father for a couple of hours while the mother went to run some errands. When she returned, she suspected that something was off as the baby looked pale, lying still and cold.
The infant was immediately taken to The Canberra Hospital where she was diagnosed with catastrophic brain injury--much to everyone's shock. Three days later, the baby was air lifted to provide her with better medical facilities at Sydney's Children Hospital.
Several weeks later, the man admitted that he shook the baby twice out of frustration as she had been crying continuously. The infant subsequently suffered from irreversible brain damage and is now crippled for life.
The judge acknowledged the outrageous behaviour of the man and described it as reprehensible. However, she reportedly took a lenient approach keeping in mind his mental condition and vulnerability.
"The conduct of shaking a baby and thereby causing profound injury would normally attract a stern punishment," said the honourable judge. Judge Murrel felt that if the mentally impaired man is sent to jail, he will be likely to get influenced by anti-social elements present there. The judge then fully suspended the man's 13 months and two weeks jail sentence, and ordered him to exhibit good behaviour for two years instead.
The baby suffered from 'shaken-baby syndrome' after her father shook her violently. In small kids, the size of their brains is smaller than the size of their skulls as they it is still developing. This leaves a small gap between the skull and brain. BabyCenter tells that in such scenarios, when a child is shaken back and forth with force, the brain of the child gets bumped against the skull causing bruising, swelling and even bleeding. The normal ways of interaction, playing and jumping the child can never cause such traumatic syndrome.
Shame on Judge Helen Murrell.
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/572833/20141115/shaken-baby-syndrome-cheif-justice.htm#.VGuAhNEtD2s
No Jail Time For Father Who Shook Crying Infant Daughter So Violently That It Caused Her Brain Damage
By Pooja Bhagat | November 15, 2014 2:34 PM EST
In a reported case, the Chief Justice suspended the sentence of a man who intentionally and violently shook his own infant daughter so hard that she suffered from irreversible brain damage and became crippled for life.
The judgment was passed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Helen Murrell and was taken in light of the man's mental condition. The person in question has been determined as mentally impaired, which causes him to become very frustrated and aggressive.
As per ABC News, the incident occurred in December 2010 in Canberra when a three-week-old baby girl was left alone with her father for a couple of hours while the mother went to run some errands. When she returned, she suspected that something was off as the baby looked pale, lying still and cold.
The infant was immediately taken to The Canberra Hospital where she was diagnosed with catastrophic brain injury--much to everyone's shock. Three days later, the baby was air lifted to provide her with better medical facilities at Sydney's Children Hospital.
Several weeks later, the man admitted that he shook the baby twice out of frustration as she had been crying continuously. The infant subsequently suffered from irreversible brain damage and is now crippled for life.
The judge acknowledged the outrageous behaviour of the man and described it as reprehensible. However, she reportedly took a lenient approach keeping in mind his mental condition and vulnerability.
"The conduct of shaking a baby and thereby causing profound injury would normally attract a stern punishment," said the honourable judge. Judge Murrel felt that if the mentally impaired man is sent to jail, he will be likely to get influenced by anti-social elements present there. The judge then fully suspended the man's 13 months and two weeks jail sentence, and ordered him to exhibit good behaviour for two years instead.
The baby suffered from 'shaken-baby syndrome' after her father shook her violently. In small kids, the size of their brains is smaller than the size of their skulls as they it is still developing. This leaves a small gap between the skull and brain. BabyCenter tells that in such scenarios, when a child is shaken back and forth with force, the brain of the child gets bumped against the skull causing bruising, swelling and even bleeding. The normal ways of interaction, playing and jumping the child can never cause such traumatic syndrome.
Video game-playing dad pleads guilty to aggravated assault against 6-month-old daughter (Augusta, Maine)
So this "frustrated" a-hole of a father gets just 7 years in prison for destroying this child's life. Sickening but all to typical.
Dad is identified as KEVIN PEASLEE.
http://www.wcvb.com/news/maine-father-who-shook-baby-gets-7-years-in-prison/29731670
Maine father who shook baby gets 7 years in prison
Girl expected to die prematurely
Published 9:07 PM EST Nov 14, 2014
AUGUSTA, Maine —A Maine man insisted he is not a violent person, as he was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison for shaking his 6-month-old daughter so forcefully it left her brain damaged, a quadriplegic and unable to see or hear.
The baby, now in foster care, must be fed through a tube and is expected to die prematurely.
Kevin Peaslee, 22, told the judge his daughter had been extra fussy that December day because she had received shots the previous day. He was home alone with her and playing a video game, according to court documents.
The Kennebec Journal reported that Peaslee told the judge he "was frustrated that day."
"It was a horrible mistake that I can't change no matter how much I wish I could," Peaslee said. "I'm not a violent person."
The case drew national attention because of a legal battle over the state's attempt to impose a do-not-resuscitate order over the mother's objection. Maine's supreme court dismissed the mother's appeal after the state agreed to abide by her wishes.
Peaslee pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault last month. Under an agreement, two other assault charges were dropped.
Kennebec County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney said Peaslee must report Monday to begin serving his sentence. He will also have to serve three years' probation, she said.
She said she hopes the case will help other parents learn the damage they can do to their children when they act out of anger.
"I hope that it causes other parents, when they feel frustration ... to call for help or place your child in a safe place and leave the room until you cool off," she said.
Dad is identified as KEVIN PEASLEE.
http://www.wcvb.com/news/maine-father-who-shook-baby-gets-7-years-in-prison/29731670
Maine father who shook baby gets 7 years in prison
Girl expected to die prematurely
Published 9:07 PM EST Nov 14, 2014
AUGUSTA, Maine —A Maine man insisted he is not a violent person, as he was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison for shaking his 6-month-old daughter so forcefully it left her brain damaged, a quadriplegic and unable to see or hear.
The baby, now in foster care, must be fed through a tube and is expected to die prematurely.
Kevin Peaslee, 22, told the judge his daughter had been extra fussy that December day because she had received shots the previous day. He was home alone with her and playing a video game, according to court documents.
The Kennebec Journal reported that Peaslee told the judge he "was frustrated that day."
"It was a horrible mistake that I can't change no matter how much I wish I could," Peaslee said. "I'm not a violent person."
The case drew national attention because of a legal battle over the state's attempt to impose a do-not-resuscitate order over the mother's objection. Maine's supreme court dismissed the mother's appeal after the state agreed to abide by her wishes.
Peaslee pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault last month. Under an agreement, two other assault charges were dropped.
Kennebec County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney said Peaslee must report Monday to begin serving his sentence. He will also have to serve three years' probation, she said.
She said she hopes the case will help other parents learn the damage they can do to their children when they act out of anger.
"I hope that it causes other parents, when they feel frustration ... to call for help or place your child in a safe place and leave the room until you cool off," she said.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Violent dad to be sentenced for assault on 4-month-old son; baby now has 30 seizures a day from brain damage (United Kingdom)
Dad is identified as LUKE KERWIN.
http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/VIOLENT-DAD-Luke-Kerwin-Sinfin-awaits-sentence/story-23402106-detail/story.html
VIOLENT DAD: Luke Kerwin, of Sinfin, to be sentenced today for brutal assault on four-month-old Mason
By Derby Telegraph | Posted: October 24, 2014
Luke Kerwin will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court tomorrow
A FATHER who lost his temper and shook his fourth-month-old son so hard he now suffers 30 seizures a day will today be punished for his actions.
Luke Kerwin, of Athol Close, Sinfin, appeared at Derby Crown Court, sitting at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, yesterday.
The 25-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to his son, Mason, by shaking him in April 2012.
Judge Jonathan Gosling heard the facts of the case and Kerwin’s mitigation and adjourned sentencing to the same court today.
http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/VIOLENT-DAD-Luke-Kerwin-Sinfin-awaits-sentence/story-23402106-detail/story.html
VIOLENT DAD: Luke Kerwin, of Sinfin, to be sentenced today for brutal assault on four-month-old Mason
By Derby Telegraph | Posted: October 24, 2014
Luke Kerwin will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court tomorrow
A FATHER who lost his temper and shook his fourth-month-old son so hard he now suffers 30 seizures a day will today be punished for his actions.
Luke Kerwin, of Athol Close, Sinfin, appeared at Derby Crown Court, sitting at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, yesterday.
The 25-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to his son, Mason, by shaking him in April 2012.
Judge Jonathan Gosling heard the facts of the case and Kerwin’s mitigation and adjourned sentencing to the same court today.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Dad charged with beating mentally disabled 4-year-old daughter (Kingsport, Tennessee)
Dad is identified as IVRON Q. ROBERTSON.
http://www.timesnews.net/article/9081681/father-charged-with-abuse-of-mentally-disabled-girl
Father charged with abuse of mentally disabled girl
October 16th, 2014 2:54 pm
by Rain Smith
KINGSPORT — A Kingsport man has been arrested after bruised and swelling wounds were observed on his 4-year-old, mentally disabled daughter — the results of his purported discipline with a belt after she urinated on herself.
An affidavit filed in Kingsport General Sessions Court identified the suspect as Ivron Q. Robertson, 28, 328 Barnett Drive. Court records show Kingsport police were alerted to the alleged abuse on Wednesday by the Department of Children's Services.
The victim reportedly arrived at a Kingsport early learning center "with bruises and welt marks on her legs." Police and a DCS case worker then visited her home on Barnett Drive, where they found Robertson and his wife.
An officer at the scene observed "linear swelling and bruising marks" at the bend of both of the girl's knees as well as her buttocks. Her parents initially denied knowing how the marks came to appear, according to court records, with both stating they had "never whipped" their mentally disabled daughter.
Upon further questioning, Ivron Robertson allegedly admitted that he had caused the lines and impressions on his daughter's skin Monday after she urinated on herself. Robertson allegedly stated the girl "knew better than that," so he disciplined her by whipping her with a belt. He also stated that he had not intended to leave the marks on the mentally disabled girl and "was not trying to abuse (her)."
Officials on scene determined the incident was abusive and placed Robertson under arrest. He was charged with child abuse, a Class E felony considering the victim's age, a charge that's punishable by imprisonment of one to six years and fines.
http://www.timesnews.net/article/9081681/father-charged-with-abuse-of-mentally-disabled-girl
Father charged with abuse of mentally disabled girl
October 16th, 2014 2:54 pm
by Rain Smith
KINGSPORT — A Kingsport man has been arrested after bruised and swelling wounds were observed on his 4-year-old, mentally disabled daughter — the results of his purported discipline with a belt after she urinated on herself.
An affidavit filed in Kingsport General Sessions Court identified the suspect as Ivron Q. Robertson, 28, 328 Barnett Drive. Court records show Kingsport police were alerted to the alleged abuse on Wednesday by the Department of Children's Services.
The victim reportedly arrived at a Kingsport early learning center "with bruises and welt marks on her legs." Police and a DCS case worker then visited her home on Barnett Drive, where they found Robertson and his wife.
An officer at the scene observed "linear swelling and bruising marks" at the bend of both of the girl's knees as well as her buttocks. Her parents initially denied knowing how the marks came to appear, according to court records, with both stating they had "never whipped" their mentally disabled daughter.
Upon further questioning, Ivron Robertson allegedly admitted that he had caused the lines and impressions on his daughter's skin Monday after she urinated on herself. Robertson allegedly stated the girl "knew better than that," so he disciplined her by whipping her with a belt. He also stated that he had not intended to leave the marks on the mentally disabled girl and "was not trying to abuse (her)."
Officials on scene determined the incident was abusive and placed Robertson under arrest. He was charged with child abuse, a Class E felony considering the victim's age, a charge that's punishable by imprisonment of one to six years and fines.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Dad who pleaded no contest to beating 6-month-old son to be sentenced (Taylor, Michigan)
Dad is identified as NICHOLAS SPIRDIONE.
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2014/10/06/news/doc5432fea399deb349821142.txt
Taylor father accused of beating baby to be sentenced Tuesday
Published: Monday, October 06, 2014
By Anne Runkle
The News-Herald
A Taylor father pleaded no contest to five counts against him in connection with the beating of his six-month-old son and faces sentencing Tuesday in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Nicholas Spirdione, 23, father of “Baby Jesse” could receive up to life in prison when he is sentenced by Circuit Judge Gregory Bill.
Spirdione’s son, Jesse, underwent numerous surgeries and spent about a month in the hospital earlier this year after police were called to the home Spirdione shared with the child’s mother in the 6600 block of Pine Street. The infant’s mother, Corie Stahl, told police and paramedics the child was having trouble breathing.
Stahl testified at a court appearance in 23rd District Court in August that she was in the kitchen preparing the infant’s food when Spirdione brought the child to her and she noted that his cry wasn’t normal, he had marks on one side of his head that looked like ink and his eyes weren’t focusing. She said doctors at Children’s Hospital of Michigan told her the child needed emergency surgery if he was going to survive.
Stahl told the court that Jesse, then 10 months, is “perfectly fine,” although he is somewhat behind in his development. He goes for occupational and physical therapy several times per week, she said.
Spirdione was charged with two counts of first-degree child abuse and one count each of torture, assault with intent to do great bodily harm and domestic violence. He pleaded no contest at a pretrial hearing last month, according to the Circuit Court website.
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2014/10/06/news/doc5432fea399deb349821142.txt
Taylor father accused of beating baby to be sentenced Tuesday
Published: Monday, October 06, 2014
By Anne Runkle
The News-Herald
A Taylor father pleaded no contest to five counts against him in connection with the beating of his six-month-old son and faces sentencing Tuesday in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Nicholas Spirdione, 23, father of “Baby Jesse” could receive up to life in prison when he is sentenced by Circuit Judge Gregory Bill.
Spirdione’s son, Jesse, underwent numerous surgeries and spent about a month in the hospital earlier this year after police were called to the home Spirdione shared with the child’s mother in the 6600 block of Pine Street. The infant’s mother, Corie Stahl, told police and paramedics the child was having trouble breathing.
Stahl testified at a court appearance in 23rd District Court in August that she was in the kitchen preparing the infant’s food when Spirdione brought the child to her and she noted that his cry wasn’t normal, he had marks on one side of his head that looked like ink and his eyes weren’t focusing. She said doctors at Children’s Hospital of Michigan told her the child needed emergency surgery if he was going to survive.
Stahl told the court that Jesse, then 10 months, is “perfectly fine,” although he is somewhat behind in his development. He goes for occupational and physical therapy several times per week, she said.
Spirdione was charged with two counts of first-degree child abuse and one count each of torture, assault with intent to do great bodily harm and domestic violence. He pleaded no contest at a pretrial hearing last month, according to the Circuit Court website.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Dad charged with murder in infant daughter's beating 22 years later (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
Not real clear here, but it looks like Dad got out of prison for abusing his daughter, only to father another child with another woman and ABUSE THAT CHILD TOO.
Why was ANTHONY SHANNON LANE allowed around any kids again? Especially given the fact of how severely the daughter was abused (bedridden with multiple health problems including severe neurological issues for 22 years.)
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2014/07/08/rutherford-murfreesboro-child-abuse-death/12388165/
Father charged with daughter's murder 22 years after beating, autopsy show
8:17 p.m. CDT July 8, 2014
MURFREESBORO — A man serving a 25-year sentence for child abuse was charged with first-degree murder after an autopsy revealed the beating he gave his infant daughter led to her death last year, according to a media release.
Anthony Shannon Lane, 41, was convicted of aggravated child abuse in 1992 for attacking and critically injuring his daughter, Amanda Michelle Lane-Woodall, when she was 5 weeks old, according to the release. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and upon his release was charged and convicted of aggravated child abuse of a second child, her half-brother Ryan Lane.
Anthony Shannon Lane, who is serving a 25-year sentence for the second conviction at Hardeman County Correctional Facility, was charged Monday with first-degree murder for Lane-Woodall's death last year, according to the report. An autopsy performed by the state medical examiner's office showed her manner of death was homicide, caused by complications of blunt-force head injury.
Lane-Woodall's case was originally investigated in 1991 by Sheriff's Office Detectives Chuck Thomas and J.D. Driver, resulting in the conviction of Lane and Lane-Woodall's biological mother, Stephanie Pinson, according to the release. Pinson was convicted for accessory after the fact of child abuse. She was sentenced to two years in jail.
Cold Case Detective Sgt. Dan Goodwin and Detective Steve Kohler questioned a number of doctors and other witnesses before presenting the most recent charges against Anthony Shannon Lane to the district attorney's office, according to the release.
Rutherford County foster parent Nancy Woodall-Holmes of La Vergne began caring for Amanda when she was three months old, according to the release.
"She could only do less than a newborn baby," said Nancy Woodall-Holmes said in the release. "She couldn't suck or swallow. She was blind and non-verbal, fed through a tube in the stomach."
Lane-Woodall required daily injections for diabetes, and she also had cerebral palsy, according to the report. She was confined to the same bed for 22 years.
The woman was reunited with her half brother, who was also adopted, during therapy, according to the release, though they were never able to have a conversation.
"She and Ryan had their wheelchairs next to each other, and their hands touched," said Nancy Woodall-Holmes in the release. "It was like they made a connection with each other."
Nancy Woodall-Holmes said in the release that she hopes this case motivates longer sentences for child abusers so they do not have the chance to commit the same crimes again.
Anthony Lane is being held in Rutherford County Adult Detention Center while awaiting a court hearing July 18, according to the release.
Why was ANTHONY SHANNON LANE allowed around any kids again? Especially given the fact of how severely the daughter was abused (bedridden with multiple health problems including severe neurological issues for 22 years.)
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2014/07/08/rutherford-murfreesboro-child-abuse-death/12388165/
Father charged with daughter's murder 22 years after beating, autopsy show
8:17 p.m. CDT July 8, 2014
MURFREESBORO — A man serving a 25-year sentence for child abuse was charged with first-degree murder after an autopsy revealed the beating he gave his infant daughter led to her death last year, according to a media release.
Anthony Shannon Lane, 41, was convicted of aggravated child abuse in 1992 for attacking and critically injuring his daughter, Amanda Michelle Lane-Woodall, when she was 5 weeks old, according to the release. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and upon his release was charged and convicted of aggravated child abuse of a second child, her half-brother Ryan Lane.
Anthony Shannon Lane, who is serving a 25-year sentence for the second conviction at Hardeman County Correctional Facility, was charged Monday with first-degree murder for Lane-Woodall's death last year, according to the report. An autopsy performed by the state medical examiner's office showed her manner of death was homicide, caused by complications of blunt-force head injury.
Lane-Woodall's case was originally investigated in 1991 by Sheriff's Office Detectives Chuck Thomas and J.D. Driver, resulting in the conviction of Lane and Lane-Woodall's biological mother, Stephanie Pinson, according to the release. Pinson was convicted for accessory after the fact of child abuse. She was sentenced to two years in jail.
Cold Case Detective Sgt. Dan Goodwin and Detective Steve Kohler questioned a number of doctors and other witnesses before presenting the most recent charges against Anthony Shannon Lane to the district attorney's office, according to the release.
Rutherford County foster parent Nancy Woodall-Holmes of La Vergne began caring for Amanda when she was three months old, according to the release.
"She could only do less than a newborn baby," said Nancy Woodall-Holmes said in the release. "She couldn't suck or swallow. She was blind and non-verbal, fed through a tube in the stomach."
Lane-Woodall required daily injections for diabetes, and she also had cerebral palsy, according to the report. She was confined to the same bed for 22 years.
The woman was reunited with her half brother, who was also adopted, during therapy, according to the release, though they were never able to have a conversation.
"She and Ryan had their wheelchairs next to each other, and their hands touched," said Nancy Woodall-Holmes in the release. "It was like they made a connection with each other."
Nancy Woodall-Holmes said in the release that she hopes this case motivates longer sentences for child abusers so they do not have the chance to commit the same crimes again.
Anthony Lane is being held in Rutherford County Adult Detention Center while awaiting a court hearing July 18, according to the release.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Dad beats 5-year-old daughter during out-of-state summer visitation; girl now has severe brain injury (Oakdale, Minnesota)
Yet another father who had to have his "rights."
This one is identified as DE"ANTHONY SIMPSON.
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/25899867/betrayed-girl-5-beaten-by-father-suffers-brain-injury
BETRAYED: Girl, 5, beaten by father suffers brain injury
Posted: Jun 29, 2014 9:32 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 29, 2014 9:40 PM EDT
by Paul Blume
The family of a 5-year-old Minnesota girl who suffered a severe brain injury in an apparent act of domestic violence is speaking out in the hopes that others can avoid another senseless tragedy.
Aniyah Simpson's family took to YouTube with a video about their photogenic girl, and the title -- "Betrayed by her own father" -- pretty much says it all.
"She loved to dance, she loved to eat, she loved to mess with everybody," Azaria Spikes said of her daughter. "My baby was a playful baby, and she loved to take pictures."
Spikes holds onto the precious snapshots of her daughter dearly, but a new set of photos have become the family's new reality. The once energetic 5-year-old is now in a vegetative state after suffering a severe brain injuries, and doctors have said there is little chance she will make a recovery and get back to the camera she loved so much.
"It's my only child. I am in the hospital every day. I see the trach -- the hole in her throat, the feeding tube in her stomach," Spikes said. "It's hard."
What is so troubling for Spikes and her loved ones is that the man allegedly responsible for putting Aniyah in the hospital is someone they trusted -- her father, 24-year-old De'Anthony Simpson. He is now charged with first-degree assault.
"I think he should get charged with murder because my baby, she can't do anything," Spikes admitted.
Family members say Aniyah had come from Wisconsin to spend 6 weeks with her father at his home in Oakdale, Minn. On May 15, she was rushed to the emergency room with life-threatening injuries. Initially, her father told doctors that a large television had fallen on the girl, something her mother and uncle just couldn't believe.
"She got bruises on her arm like he grabbed her, she had a scratch on her forehead," Spikes said of her daughter's injuries, telling Fox 9 News it appeared someone had been punching the child.
Titus Spikes, Aniyah's uncle, added that his niece also had a black eye.
"I've never seen a TV leave a person with one black eye," he said.
Now, they want justice -- and they want other parents to know just how much damage a split-second of violence can cause.
"He took her life," Titus Spikes said. "His freedom should be taken away."
For weeks before his arrest, De'Anthony Simpson wept with the family inside Aniyah's room at Gillette Children's Hospital without ever admitting what truly happened. According to reports, he eventually changed his story and admitted to authorities that he threw his daughter against a bed, and she apparently bounced off hard and hit the floor.
"I thought I could be able to trust my daughter's father, but I can't," Azaria Spikes said.
The Spikes family told Fox 9 News they refuse to give up hope and are praying for a miraculous recovery. The family has also established a benefit fund to raise money for Aniyah's medical care. Donations can be made online here: http://www.gofundme.com/aniyahsimpson
This one is identified as DE"ANTHONY SIMPSON.
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/25899867/betrayed-girl-5-beaten-by-father-suffers-brain-injury
BETRAYED: Girl, 5, beaten by father suffers brain injury
Posted: Jun 29, 2014 9:32 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 29, 2014 9:40 PM EDT
by Paul Blume
The family of a 5-year-old Minnesota girl who suffered a severe brain injury in an apparent act of domestic violence is speaking out in the hopes that others can avoid another senseless tragedy.
Aniyah Simpson's family took to YouTube with a video about their photogenic girl, and the title -- "Betrayed by her own father" -- pretty much says it all.
"She loved to dance, she loved to eat, she loved to mess with everybody," Azaria Spikes said of her daughter. "My baby was a playful baby, and she loved to take pictures."
Spikes holds onto the precious snapshots of her daughter dearly, but a new set of photos have become the family's new reality. The once energetic 5-year-old is now in a vegetative state after suffering a severe brain injuries, and doctors have said there is little chance she will make a recovery and get back to the camera she loved so much.
"It's my only child. I am in the hospital every day. I see the trach -- the hole in her throat, the feeding tube in her stomach," Spikes said. "It's hard."
What is so troubling for Spikes and her loved ones is that the man allegedly responsible for putting Aniyah in the hospital is someone they trusted -- her father, 24-year-old De'Anthony Simpson. He is now charged with first-degree assault.
"I think he should get charged with murder because my baby, she can't do anything," Spikes admitted.
Family members say Aniyah had come from Wisconsin to spend 6 weeks with her father at his home in Oakdale, Minn. On May 15, she was rushed to the emergency room with life-threatening injuries. Initially, her father told doctors that a large television had fallen on the girl, something her mother and uncle just couldn't believe.
"She got bruises on her arm like he grabbed her, she had a scratch on her forehead," Spikes said of her daughter's injuries, telling Fox 9 News it appeared someone had been punching the child.
Titus Spikes, Aniyah's uncle, added that his niece also had a black eye.
"I've never seen a TV leave a person with one black eye," he said.
Now, they want justice -- and they want other parents to know just how much damage a split-second of violence can cause.
"He took her life," Titus Spikes said. "His freedom should be taken away."
For weeks before his arrest, De'Anthony Simpson wept with the family inside Aniyah's room at Gillette Children's Hospital without ever admitting what truly happened. According to reports, he eventually changed his story and admitted to authorities that he threw his daughter against a bed, and she apparently bounced off hard and hit the floor.
"I thought I could be able to trust my daughter's father, but I can't," Azaria Spikes said.
The Spikes family told Fox 9 News they refuse to give up hope and are praying for a miraculous recovery. The family has also established a benefit fund to raise money for Aniyah's medical care. Donations can be made online here: http://www.gofundme.com/aniyahsimpson
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Dad charged with abusing infant son; baby now blind and on ventilator (Laurinburg, North Carolina)
Dad is identified as ANDREW MICHAEL OETZEL.
http://robesonian.com/news/news/4549603/Child-faces-hard-future-after-abuse
Child faces hard future after abuse
By Rachel McAuley
1 days 6 hours ago
LAURINBURG — During his first days of life, Charlie Oetzel was like any other normal, healthy baby. He ate, slept and cried. He needed constant attention.
When Audrey Blades noticed that her son had developed a lazy eye and wouldn’t eat, she rushed him to a doctor — and then, for a brain scan.
“The doctor came in and told me had been shaken,” Blades said.
Now, at 4 months old, Charlie requires a ventilator. He is blind and his brain has trouble regulating his body’s temperature.
“It’s life-changing,” Blades said. “Even if he makes a miraculous improvement, my son won’t be the same. His sister won’t be able to play with him the way I played with my brother. We don’t know what he’s going to be capable of — it’s playing the waiting game.”
According to dontshake.org, Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when an infant or small child hits their head or is violently shaken. Symptoms include irritability, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, seizures, and an inability for an infant to lift their head or focus their eyes.
Blades hopes her son’s case will inspire others who suspect child abuse to come forward. In 2011, 106 Scotland County children were abused or neglected, according to ncchild.org
“You could save a baby’s life — like Charlie’s — just by speaking up,” Blades said.
Laurinburg police have charged Charlie’s father with felonious child abuse. Andrew Michael Oetzel, 24, was arrested on Feb. 6 and jailed under a $100,000 bond.
“Be very aware,” Blades said. “Very aware. … If you see anything, hear anything — you don’t have to be directly involved, but don’t just sit back.”
Blades has been told that Charlie had been shaken at least twice, but doesn’t know exactly when. She now wishes she had paid more attention to “the little things,” like hearing Oetzel “raise his voice” at Charlie or talk to him “like he was an adult.”
“He wasn’t soft-spoken with the baby or soothing,” Blades said.
A child with Shaken Baby Syndrome can suffer learning, physical, visual, hearing, behavioral and speech impairments. It can lead to cerebral palsy, a loss of motor activity and muscle control, seizures and death.
“I’m glad he’s home because I had to see him every day (at the hospital),” said Pamela Scott, Charlie’s grandmother. “I get upset sometimes because it never should have happened, but as far as Charlie … I’m glad he’s still here.”
Charlie’s hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates chemicals and hormones, is injured. Scott said she and Blades had to keep Charlie bundled in hats and blankets to keep him warm.
http://robesonian.com/news/news/4549603/Child-faces-hard-future-after-abuse
Child faces hard future after abuse
By Rachel McAuley
1 days 6 hours ago
LAURINBURG — During his first days of life, Charlie Oetzel was like any other normal, healthy baby. He ate, slept and cried. He needed constant attention.
When Audrey Blades noticed that her son had developed a lazy eye and wouldn’t eat, she rushed him to a doctor — and then, for a brain scan.
“The doctor came in and told me had been shaken,” Blades said.
Now, at 4 months old, Charlie requires a ventilator. He is blind and his brain has trouble regulating his body’s temperature.
“It’s life-changing,” Blades said. “Even if he makes a miraculous improvement, my son won’t be the same. His sister won’t be able to play with him the way I played with my brother. We don’t know what he’s going to be capable of — it’s playing the waiting game.”
According to dontshake.org, Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when an infant or small child hits their head or is violently shaken. Symptoms include irritability, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, seizures, and an inability for an infant to lift their head or focus their eyes.
Blades hopes her son’s case will inspire others who suspect child abuse to come forward. In 2011, 106 Scotland County children were abused or neglected, according to ncchild.org
“You could save a baby’s life — like Charlie’s — just by speaking up,” Blades said.
Laurinburg police have charged Charlie’s father with felonious child abuse. Andrew Michael Oetzel, 24, was arrested on Feb. 6 and jailed under a $100,000 bond.
“Be very aware,” Blades said. “Very aware. … If you see anything, hear anything — you don’t have to be directly involved, but don’t just sit back.”
Blades has been told that Charlie had been shaken at least twice, but doesn’t know exactly when. She now wishes she had paid more attention to “the little things,” like hearing Oetzel “raise his voice” at Charlie or talk to him “like he was an adult.”
“He wasn’t soft-spoken with the baby or soothing,” Blades said.
A child with Shaken Baby Syndrome can suffer learning, physical, visual, hearing, behavioral and speech impairments. It can lead to cerebral palsy, a loss of motor activity and muscle control, seizures and death.
“I’m glad he’s home because I had to see him every day (at the hospital),” said Pamela Scott, Charlie’s grandmother. “I get upset sometimes because it never should have happened, but as far as Charlie … I’m glad he’s still here.”
Charlie’s hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates chemicals and hormones, is injured. Scott said she and Blades had to keep Charlie bundled in hats and blankets to keep him warm.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Abuser dad gets early release from prison (Cheektowaga, New York)
Typical abuser daddy coddling. Dad is identified as JEREMY BOLVIN.
http://wivb.com/2014/04/20/abusive-dad-getting-released-early-from-prison/
Abusive dad getting released early from prison
By Emily Guggenmos
Published: Sunday, April 20, 2014, 6:21 pm
CHEEKTOWAGA, NY (WIVB) – A young boy from Kenmore, who was severely beaten as a baby, continues to suffer to this day. Now, the abusive father who caused the pain is about to leave prison a year and a half early. Almost four years after his father violently beat him, Jay-J Bolvin still deals with seizures and developmental delays.
The family of Jay-J is dreading Monday. It’s the day the four-year-old’s father, the man who abused him, is expected to be released from prison. They just found out on Friday through a letter from The Niagara County District Attorney, that Jeremy Bolvin will be released early on parole.
He’s served 2 1/2 years of his 4 year sentence. Bolvin physically abused Jay-J as an infant. He was beaten so badly 11 of his bones were broken and he has a severe seizure disorder. He also has developmental delays, which is something his family says he’ll struggle with forever. Jay-J’s family fought for Jay-J’s law that strengthens penalties for repeat child abusers. They’re upset his father is being released from prison early. “We’re not interested in punishing him, we’re more interested in protecting the public from him,” said Kevin Retzer, Jay-J’s great-uncle. “Anxious, upset, but it actually makes us want to work harder instead of just saying it was all for nothing. That’s not how we feel,” said Chris Retzer, Jay-J’s great-aunt.
Retzer says they’re working with Senator Tim Kennedy. He says Kennedy will be contacting the parole board to see if the decision can be rescinded and to find out how he is being allowed to be released.
http://wivb.com/2014/04/20/abusive-dad-getting-released-early-from-prison/
Abusive dad getting released early from prison
By Emily Guggenmos
Published: Sunday, April 20, 2014, 6:21 pm
CHEEKTOWAGA, NY (WIVB) – A young boy from Kenmore, who was severely beaten as a baby, continues to suffer to this day. Now, the abusive father who caused the pain is about to leave prison a year and a half early. Almost four years after his father violently beat him, Jay-J Bolvin still deals with seizures and developmental delays.
The family of Jay-J is dreading Monday. It’s the day the four-year-old’s father, the man who abused him, is expected to be released from prison. They just found out on Friday through a letter from The Niagara County District Attorney, that Jeremy Bolvin will be released early on parole.
He’s served 2 1/2 years of his 4 year sentence. Bolvin physically abused Jay-J as an infant. He was beaten so badly 11 of his bones were broken and he has a severe seizure disorder. He also has developmental delays, which is something his family says he’ll struggle with forever. Jay-J’s family fought for Jay-J’s law that strengthens penalties for repeat child abusers. They’re upset his father is being released from prison early. “We’re not interested in punishing him, we’re more interested in protecting the public from him,” said Kevin Retzer, Jay-J’s great-uncle. “Anxious, upset, but it actually makes us want to work harder instead of just saying it was all for nothing. That’s not how we feel,” said Chris Retzer, Jay-J’s great-aunt.
Retzer says they’re working with Senator Tim Kennedy. He says Kennedy will be contacting the parole board to see if the decision can be rescinded and to find out how he is being allowed to be released.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Dad to stand trial for murder for 2005 assault of 6-week-old son (San Diego, California)
Hmm. Notice what is missing in this account. We're told that the baby was living "with the defendant" at the time of the assault, when the victim was only 6-weeks old. Then the baby was put up for adoption.
So what happened to the person who gave birth to this baby, commonly known as the mother? Totally erased from the story as if she had never existed. Was BILLY JOE STRINGFIELD a single dad? Why and how? And what happened to Mom?
http://www.10news.com/news/ramona-father-to-stand-trial-in-sons-murder
Father to stand trial in Ramona son's murder
Posted: Apr 18, 2014 Updated: 23 hours ago
SAN DIEGO - The biological father of a Ramona boy who suffered serious brain injuries as an infant and died as a blind and bedridden 6-year-old must stand trial on charges of murder and involuntary manslaughter, a judge ruled today.
Billy Joe Stringfield, also known as Billy Joe Springfield, is accused in the death of Samuel Dahlke. The child died at his adoptive family's home in Ramona in November 2011.
An autopsy determined Samuel died from the aftereffects of a head injury he suffered when he was about 6 weeks old, authorities said.
Stringfield was convicted of misdemeanor child abuse in 2006. The then 23-year-old defendant was sentenced to four years’ probation.
Authorities said Samuel was violently shaken in 2005 while living with the defendant in San Diego's Golden Hill neighborhood. The child's name was changed to Dahlke following his adoption.
Following a preliminary hearing today, Judge Joan Weber found that enough evidence was presented for Stringfield to stand trial. A status conference was set for July 1.
So what happened to the person who gave birth to this baby, commonly known as the mother? Totally erased from the story as if she had never existed. Was BILLY JOE STRINGFIELD a single dad? Why and how? And what happened to Mom?
http://www.10news.com/news/ramona-father-to-stand-trial-in-sons-murder
Father to stand trial in Ramona son's murder
Posted: Apr 18, 2014 Updated: 23 hours ago
SAN DIEGO - The biological father of a Ramona boy who suffered serious brain injuries as an infant and died as a blind and bedridden 6-year-old must stand trial on charges of murder and involuntary manslaughter, a judge ruled today.
Billy Joe Stringfield, also known as Billy Joe Springfield, is accused in the death of Samuel Dahlke. The child died at his adoptive family's home in Ramona in November 2011.
An autopsy determined Samuel died from the aftereffects of a head injury he suffered when he was about 6 weeks old, authorities said.
Stringfield was convicted of misdemeanor child abuse in 2006. The then 23-year-old defendant was sentenced to four years’ probation.
Authorities said Samuel was violently shaken in 2005 while living with the defendant in San Diego's Golden Hill neighborhood. The child's name was changed to Dahlke following his adoption.
Following a preliminary hearing today, Judge Joan Weber found that enough evidence was presented for Stringfield to stand trial. A status conference was set for July 1.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Dad pleads guilty to 9-year-old daughter's death; was originally assaulted at just 2 weeks of age (Rome, New York)
Dad is identified as JOSHUA CASTELLO.
http://www.uticaod.com/article/20140328/NEWS/140329259?refresh=true
Father pleads guilty to shaken daughter's delayed death
The severe brain trauma 2-week-old Lorelei Castello suffered in 2003 never got better, and it was only a matter of time until her father, Joshua Castello of Rome, would have to pay the price for his reckless actions that day.
Rocco LaDuca
Posted Mar. 28, 2014 @ 10:21 am
Updated Mar 28, 2014 at 3:40 PM
UTICA
For more than nine years, young Lorelei Castello could neither walk nor talk, could barely see and lived off a feeding tube – all because she was violently shaken by her father when she was just two weeks old.
The severe brain trauma Lorelei suffered in 2003 never got better, and it was only a matter of time until her father, Joshua Castello of Rome, would have to pay the price for his reckless actions that day.
On Sept. 13, 2012, Lorelei died from a respiratory ailment linked to her shaken baby syndrome. And on Friday, 33-year-old Castello took responsibility for her death by pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter.
“I’m sure he wishes he would have acted differently on that day,” at a time when Castello was young and probably stressed from working a lot, said his public defender, Leland McCormac. “He’s never ever tried to deny it or say the injuries were caused by any other fashion or manner.”
Castello will face no more – and possibly less – than three to nine years in prison when he is sentenced by Oneida County Court Judge Barry M. Donalty on Friday, May 23. Because the long-lasting effect of Lorelei’s injuries was not yet clear at the time she was shaken, Castello previously received only probation in Herkimer County for the 2003 assault.
Now that Lorelei has died, even though Castello’s prison sentence will probably amount to only a few years, his attorney said Castello has already spent more than the past decade haunted by the guilt from his daughter’s suffering.
“He’s endured the most severe punishment that any father could endure – the loss of his own child at his own hands,” McCormac said.
After the proceeding, Lorelei’s mother walked out of the courtroom sobbing, but she declined to comment as she left.
The prosecutor, First Assistant District Attorney Dawn Catera Lupi, then explained how this tragedy is a reminder of what can happen when people disregard how fragile a child can be.
“I think this really is a lesson to a lot of people when care is not taken and people act recklessly toward an infant,” Lupi said. “Your actions toward a very small infant can lead to such a devastating outcome.”
http://www.uticaod.com/article/20140328/NEWS/140329259?refresh=true
Father pleads guilty to shaken daughter's delayed death
The severe brain trauma 2-week-old Lorelei Castello suffered in 2003 never got better, and it was only a matter of time until her father, Joshua Castello of Rome, would have to pay the price for his reckless actions that day.
Rocco LaDuca
Posted Mar. 28, 2014 @ 10:21 am
Updated Mar 28, 2014 at 3:40 PM
UTICA
For more than nine years, young Lorelei Castello could neither walk nor talk, could barely see and lived off a feeding tube – all because she was violently shaken by her father when she was just two weeks old.
The severe brain trauma Lorelei suffered in 2003 never got better, and it was only a matter of time until her father, Joshua Castello of Rome, would have to pay the price for his reckless actions that day.
On Sept. 13, 2012, Lorelei died from a respiratory ailment linked to her shaken baby syndrome. And on Friday, 33-year-old Castello took responsibility for her death by pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter.
“I’m sure he wishes he would have acted differently on that day,” at a time when Castello was young and probably stressed from working a lot, said his public defender, Leland McCormac. “He’s never ever tried to deny it or say the injuries were caused by any other fashion or manner.”
Castello will face no more – and possibly less – than three to nine years in prison when he is sentenced by Oneida County Court Judge Barry M. Donalty on Friday, May 23. Because the long-lasting effect of Lorelei’s injuries was not yet clear at the time she was shaken, Castello previously received only probation in Herkimer County for the 2003 assault.
Now that Lorelei has died, even though Castello’s prison sentence will probably amount to only a few years, his attorney said Castello has already spent more than the past decade haunted by the guilt from his daughter’s suffering.
“He’s endured the most severe punishment that any father could endure – the loss of his own child at his own hands,” McCormac said.
After the proceeding, Lorelei’s mother walked out of the courtroom sobbing, but she declined to comment as she left.
The prosecutor, First Assistant District Attorney Dawn Catera Lupi, then explained how this tragedy is a reminder of what can happen when people disregard how fragile a child can be.
“I think this really is a lesson to a lot of people when care is not taken and people act recklessly toward an infant,” Lupi said. “Your actions toward a very small infant can lead to such a devastating outcome.”
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Dad gets 6 1/2 years in prison for putting infant son in permanent coma (Rockford, Illinois)
As usual, all kinds of excuses and coddling for an abusive father. If a mother had done this to a baby, she would have been demonized as an unfeeling monster.
Dad is identified as MATTHEW MCNABB.
http://www.rrstar.com/article/20140307/NEWS/140309390/?tag=1
Machesney Park dad sentenced in shaken baby case
By Jeff Kolkey
Rockford Register Star
Posted Mar. 7, 2014 @ 3:03 pm Updated Mar 7, 2014 at 4:25 PM
ROCKFORD — Ruling that a violent outburst that left Matthew McNabb’s infant son in a permanent coma was out of character, Judge John Truitt on Friday sentenced him to 6½ years in prison.
A jury on Nov. 25 found McNabb, 36 of Machesney Park, guilty of the aggravated battery of a child. Jurors sided with prosecutors who argued McNabb had shaken then infant Tyler McNabb so violently Jan. 1, 2006, it caused permanent brain damage and left him in a “permanently vegetative state.”
Truitt cited an outpouring of 35 letters from family, friends and acquaintances that described McNabb as gentle, loving and helpful. But he noted that the testimony of a nurse who provides some of Tyler’s home health care as most persuasive.
Her testimony supported what was in those letters and in court testimony, Truitt said. She described how McNabb cared for the now 8-year-old boy and said it was a “miracle” that Tyler had never had to be re-admitted into the hospital given his injuries.
“This was out of character,” Truitt said. “Everything I’ve heard and read indicates the actions that led to these injuries was a momentary lapse of judgment.”
Truitt also cited McNabb’s lack of significant criminal history in his decision.
The sentence is just six months more than the minimum required for the Class X felony conviction. He must serve at least 85 percent of the 6½-year sentence under truth-in-sentencing guide lines. McNabb must serve three years of parole following his release.
The sentence was handed down after a day of emotional testimony. McNabb’s Assistant Public Defender Edward Light said the testimony and letters were the heart wrenching culmination of a tragic case.
“This case will haunt me forever,” Light said. “It was an absolute horrendous verdict.”
Assistant State’s Attorney Wendy Larson had argued at trial that Tyler’s retinal and brain bleeding, the swelling of the brain and permanent brain damage were evidence of shaken baby syndrome.
Jurors apparently believed her arguments and the doctors who testified on behalf of prosecutors despite a defense expert who attempted to argue that Tyler’s injuries weren’t necessarily caused by abuse.
Larson said the testimony of friends and family was the result of manipulation and called it “blowing smoke.”
Tyler should be in the third grade now. He should be learning to pitch a baseball. He should be learning to kick a soccer ball. Instead, he breathes only with the help of machine and is forever confined to a bed and wheelchair and a permanent sleep.
“No one is here to speak for Tyler, so I have to,” Larson said, adding that McNabb should be held accountable.
Family members, including McNabb’s wife, Keely, and 16-year-old stepson, Skyler, testified.
Skyler said McNabb has always treated him like a son and that he is a kind and patient father figure and role model.
Keely testified that McNabb provides excellent care for Tyler McNabb and their other two children. McNabb was tearful for much of the testimony that at times was emotional as they described the loss they will feel while McNabb serves time in prison.
McNabb put his face in his hands and wept when Keely said that her father, who she said suffers from dementia, would likely be placed in a nursing home without McNabb there to assist the family.
She also testified that it is extremely difficult for her to find work because of the care that Tyler requires even with home nurses helping.
McNabb expressed his appreciation for the support of family during the eight years he has fought child abuse charges. He continued to say he is innocent.
“I’ve been many things in my life, but child abuser is not one of them,” McNabb said.
Dad is identified as MATTHEW MCNABB.
http://www.rrstar.com/article/20140307/NEWS/140309390/?tag=1
Machesney Park dad sentenced in shaken baby case
By Jeff Kolkey
Rockford Register Star
Posted Mar. 7, 2014 @ 3:03 pm Updated Mar 7, 2014 at 4:25 PM
ROCKFORD — Ruling that a violent outburst that left Matthew McNabb’s infant son in a permanent coma was out of character, Judge John Truitt on Friday sentenced him to 6½ years in prison.
A jury on Nov. 25 found McNabb, 36 of Machesney Park, guilty of the aggravated battery of a child. Jurors sided with prosecutors who argued McNabb had shaken then infant Tyler McNabb so violently Jan. 1, 2006, it caused permanent brain damage and left him in a “permanently vegetative state.”
Truitt cited an outpouring of 35 letters from family, friends and acquaintances that described McNabb as gentle, loving and helpful. But he noted that the testimony of a nurse who provides some of Tyler’s home health care as most persuasive.
Her testimony supported what was in those letters and in court testimony, Truitt said. She described how McNabb cared for the now 8-year-old boy and said it was a “miracle” that Tyler had never had to be re-admitted into the hospital given his injuries.
“This was out of character,” Truitt said. “Everything I’ve heard and read indicates the actions that led to these injuries was a momentary lapse of judgment.”
Truitt also cited McNabb’s lack of significant criminal history in his decision.
The sentence is just six months more than the minimum required for the Class X felony conviction. He must serve at least 85 percent of the 6½-year sentence under truth-in-sentencing guide lines. McNabb must serve three years of parole following his release.
The sentence was handed down after a day of emotional testimony. McNabb’s Assistant Public Defender Edward Light said the testimony and letters were the heart wrenching culmination of a tragic case.
“This case will haunt me forever,” Light said. “It was an absolute horrendous verdict.”
Assistant State’s Attorney Wendy Larson had argued at trial that Tyler’s retinal and brain bleeding, the swelling of the brain and permanent brain damage were evidence of shaken baby syndrome.
Jurors apparently believed her arguments and the doctors who testified on behalf of prosecutors despite a defense expert who attempted to argue that Tyler’s injuries weren’t necessarily caused by abuse.
Larson said the testimony of friends and family was the result of manipulation and called it “blowing smoke.”
Tyler should be in the third grade now. He should be learning to pitch a baseball. He should be learning to kick a soccer ball. Instead, he breathes only with the help of machine and is forever confined to a bed and wheelchair and a permanent sleep.
“No one is here to speak for Tyler, so I have to,” Larson said, adding that McNabb should be held accountable.
Family members, including McNabb’s wife, Keely, and 16-year-old stepson, Skyler, testified.
Skyler said McNabb has always treated him like a son and that he is a kind and patient father figure and role model.
Keely testified that McNabb provides excellent care for Tyler McNabb and their other two children. McNabb was tearful for much of the testimony that at times was emotional as they described the loss they will feel while McNabb serves time in prison.
McNabb put his face in his hands and wept when Keely said that her father, who she said suffers from dementia, would likely be placed in a nursing home without McNabb there to assist the family.
She also testified that it is extremely difficult for her to find work because of the care that Tyler requires even with home nurses helping.
McNabb expressed his appreciation for the support of family during the eight years he has fought child abuse charges. He continued to say he is innocent.
“I’ve been many things in my life, but child abuser is not one of them,” McNabb said.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
DHS employees fired after 15-year-old boy dies in home of custodial father (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
UNNAMED DAD was obviously custodial, and it is also apparent that the mother did not live in the home. No word on what happened to the mother at all, or why she was erased from this story.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Okla-agency-to-fire-2-over-15-year-old-s-death-5222013.php
Okla. agency to fire 2 over 15-year-old's death
By JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS, Associated Press
Updated 2:41 pm, Monday, February 10, 2014
TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma's Department of Human Services said Monday two employees will be fired for mishandling a case involving a disabled 15-year-old boy who died of pneumonia last year after suffering alleged neglect and abuse at his father's home.
The state agency also said an internal investigation has prompted the agency to beef up how it improves child protection — particularly when DHS becomes involved in cases with children who have mental and developmental disabilities.
The embattled agency was restructured beginning in 2012 after several high-profile cases in which children died while in state custody.
Quinten Wood died Jan. 4 of acute pneumonia in 2013. His sister, Valerie Wood-Harber of Fayetteville, Ark., said she started calling DHS in mid-December 2012 after her other brother, Cameron Wood, then 14, told her he was in charge of bathing, clothing, cooking for and looking after Quinten at their father's home.
Wood-Harber said she made 22 calls to DHS that were never returned. She took her brother's cause to Gov. Mary Fallin last month, saying children with disabilities needed "stronger advocates in the Capitol."
"All of Quinten's siblings — Mary, Cameron, Joshua, and I — are so grateful to know that his life and the horrific circumstances that led to his death have inspired change in this broken system, and will hopefully prevent what happened to him from happening to another child — that's exactly what Quinten would want.," Wood-Harber said in a statement Monday.
A message seeking comment left at a phone number listed for the father in Oklahoma was not immediately returned. No charges have been brought in Quinten's death.
"Ms. Wood-Harber deserves full credit and our appreciation for pushing the system —our agency, law enforcement, the school and health care officials — to investigate the circumstances that led to Quinten's death," DHS Director Ed Lake said in a statement.
"Ms. Wood-Harber refused to let her brother's death be accepted as something unpreventable that occurred as a result of his disability," he said.
Despite the death, Lake said the agency has confidence in its child-welfare workforce.
"Child protection is anxious work. Our workers are making life and death decisions every day under tremendous pressure never to err. Given the nature of our work, the fragility of the families we serve, and daunting caseloads, we know that tragedies may occur despite our best efforts," he said.
Gov. Fallin said in a statement Monday that she was "absolutely heartbroken when a child's life is cut short," like Quinten's was.
"I am glad the Department of Human Services, under the leadership of Director Ed Lake, has treated this case as a priority. It is absolutely appropriate to dismiss any DHS personnel who were not following protocol," Fallin said in the statement.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Okla-agency-to-fire-2-over-15-year-old-s-death-5222013.php
Okla. agency to fire 2 over 15-year-old's death
By JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS, Associated Press
Updated 2:41 pm, Monday, February 10, 2014
TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma's Department of Human Services said Monday two employees will be fired for mishandling a case involving a disabled 15-year-old boy who died of pneumonia last year after suffering alleged neglect and abuse at his father's home.
The state agency also said an internal investigation has prompted the agency to beef up how it improves child protection — particularly when DHS becomes involved in cases with children who have mental and developmental disabilities.
The embattled agency was restructured beginning in 2012 after several high-profile cases in which children died while in state custody.
Quinten Wood died Jan. 4 of acute pneumonia in 2013. His sister, Valerie Wood-Harber of Fayetteville, Ark., said she started calling DHS in mid-December 2012 after her other brother, Cameron Wood, then 14, told her he was in charge of bathing, clothing, cooking for and looking after Quinten at their father's home.
Wood-Harber said she made 22 calls to DHS that were never returned. She took her brother's cause to Gov. Mary Fallin last month, saying children with disabilities needed "stronger advocates in the Capitol."
"All of Quinten's siblings — Mary, Cameron, Joshua, and I — are so grateful to know that his life and the horrific circumstances that led to his death have inspired change in this broken system, and will hopefully prevent what happened to him from happening to another child — that's exactly what Quinten would want.," Wood-Harber said in a statement Monday.
A message seeking comment left at a phone number listed for the father in Oklahoma was not immediately returned. No charges have been brought in Quinten's death.
"Ms. Wood-Harber deserves full credit and our appreciation for pushing the system —our agency, law enforcement, the school and health care officials — to investigate the circumstances that led to Quinten's death," DHS Director Ed Lake said in a statement.
"Ms. Wood-Harber refused to let her brother's death be accepted as something unpreventable that occurred as a result of his disability," he said.
Despite the death, Lake said the agency has confidence in its child-welfare workforce.
"Child protection is anxious work. Our workers are making life and death decisions every day under tremendous pressure never to err. Given the nature of our work, the fragility of the families we serve, and daunting caseloads, we know that tragedies may occur despite our best efforts," he said.
Gov. Fallin said in a statement Monday that she was "absolutely heartbroken when a child's life is cut short," like Quinten's was.
"I am glad the Department of Human Services, under the leadership of Director Ed Lake, has treated this case as a priority. It is absolutely appropriate to dismiss any DHS personnel who were not following protocol," Fallin said in the statement.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Drunk dad with history of DV admits to severely injuring 5-week-old daughter (Johns Creek, Georgia)
If Dad beats his partner, you can be sure than he will have no problems beating the baby. Scum is scum. Now it appears this baby has permanent developmental disabilities.
Dad is identified as GREGORY ODELL BARNETT.
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/father-admits-critically-injuring-infant-while-dru/nbbW8/
Posted: 9:11 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2013
Father admits critically injuring infant while drunk
By Alexis Stevens The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Johns Creek father was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday after admitting he abused his 5-week-old daughter.
Gregory Odell Barnett pleaded guilty to child abuse charges in the January attack that left the child with brain damage, Channel 2 Action News reported. But Barnett was too drunk at the time to remember what he did to the girl, his attorney told the courtroom.
Barnett was arrested in January after the baby’s mother returned home to find the child suffering from severe swelling to her head, police previously said. The baby’s mother, Courtney Johnson, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution after the arrest that her boyfriend had been violent with her in the past, but she never thought he would harm their child.
The couple had a fight on Jan. 12 and Johnson said she left the home for about 20 minutes, leaving her newborn with Barnett. When she returned, she found the baby lying face down on a pillow and crying, suffering from severe swelling to her head, according to police.
“The baby’s rear, left and right side of her head looked deformed due to the massive amount of swelling,” the police report stated.
The child was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and Barnett was arrested.
In court Monday, Johnson said the baby was left with severe brain damage and is developmentally delayed.
“I know in the back of my mind, she might not ever sit up,” Johnson said. “My daughter may never crawl, she may never walk, never feed herself. Might never say the word mama.”
In addition to prison time, Barnett was also sentenced to 10 years probation.
Dad is identified as GREGORY ODELL BARNETT.
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/father-admits-critically-injuring-infant-while-dru/nbbW8/
Posted: 9:11 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2013
Father admits critically injuring infant while drunk
By Alexis Stevens The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Johns Creek father was sentenced to 10 years in prison Monday after admitting he abused his 5-week-old daughter.
Gregory Odell Barnett pleaded guilty to child abuse charges in the January attack that left the child with brain damage, Channel 2 Action News reported. But Barnett was too drunk at the time to remember what he did to the girl, his attorney told the courtroom.
Barnett was arrested in January after the baby’s mother returned home to find the child suffering from severe swelling to her head, police previously said. The baby’s mother, Courtney Johnson, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution after the arrest that her boyfriend had been violent with her in the past, but she never thought he would harm their child.
The couple had a fight on Jan. 12 and Johnson said she left the home for about 20 minutes, leaving her newborn with Barnett. When she returned, she found the baby lying face down on a pillow and crying, suffering from severe swelling to her head, according to police.
“The baby’s rear, left and right side of her head looked deformed due to the massive amount of swelling,” the police report stated.
The child was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and Barnett was arrested.
In court Monday, Johnson said the baby was left with severe brain damage and is developmentally delayed.
“I know in the back of my mind, she might not ever sit up,” Johnson said. “My daughter may never crawl, she may never walk, never feed herself. Might never say the word mama.”
In addition to prison time, Barnett was also sentenced to 10 years probation.
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