Despite all the horrors this woman has lived through, Dad just couldn't let her live out the rest of her life in peace, could he? And look, he has "supporters." So typical of the usual response to male violence.
Dad is identified as HAYDAR HAYDAR.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/motheroffour-salwa-haydar-stabbed-to-death-husband-refused-bail-20150331-1mbj5p.html
Mother-of-four Salwa Haydar stabbed to death, husband refused bail
Date March 31, 2015 - 1:20PM
Emma Partridge
A man has been charged with stabbing his wife to death and injuring his teenage daughter during a violent domestic incident at a southern Sydney home on Monday night.
Haydar Haydar, 58, faced court on Tuesday morning after the mother of his four children, Salwa Haydar, 45, died from a number of stab wounds in their Bexley home.
The couple's 18-year-old daughter, Ola, is believed to have called triple-0 about 6.45pm to say that her mother had been stabbed and was unconscious.
The teenager was later taken to St George Hospital suffering serious injuries to her hand, police said.
Mr Haydar did not apply for bail in Kogarah Local Court on Tuesday and it was formally refused. He briefly looked to a group of supporters in court, who left in tears after police led him away.
Devastated relatives from Mrs Haydar's village in Lebanon congregated at the end of Valda Street on Monday night, watching on as police and forensic officers taped off the red brick villa where the couple lived.
"She was from our village and she was a cousin to me," one man told Fairfax Media.
"She was a nice woman, a hard worker," he said.
Mr Haydar handed himself in to Kogarah police station on Monday night where he was later charged with murder and intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Relatives say the couple had only recently moved into the quiet cul-de-sac which backs onto Bardwell Valley Parklands.
In 2007 Mrs Haydar spoke to Fairfax Media about the day her mother Layla was killed by a missile attack as she tried to escape her village in Lebanon.
At the time she said her husband, Mr Haydar, was watching the news and learned that a convoy, of which her family was part, had been attacked.
"It was as if it was just yesterday," she said. "It is still very hard on everyone. The people there are still suffering."
In July 2006, several vehicles left the village of Aitaroun, one of the most bombed areas in south-east Lebanon, near the Israeli border.
She said at the time her brother saw the first two cars ahead of them get attacked and realised their lives were in danger.
"They ran for safety in a small field," she said. "A missile fell and killed my mum and injured my sister-in-law and niece."
The family returned to the car and rushed the injured to Najm hospital, on the southern edge of Tyre.
A year later, Mrs Haydar said her family was still struggling to come to terms with the devastation.
Salwa's sister-in-law underwent a number of operations for an injured arm while her niece will need plastic surgery.
Magistrate Christine Haskett adjourned Mr Haydar's case until April 9 at Central Local Court.
Killler Dads and Custody Lists
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Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Dad charged in torture-murder of 1-year-old son (Brisbane, Australia)
Dad is identified as SHANE PURSSELL AKEHURST.
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/03/30/08/16/father-in-court-over-toddler-son-s-murder
12:26pm March 30, 2015
Murder accused dad excused from court
A Queensland father accused of killing his toddler son has been excused from appearing in court.
Shane Purssell Akehurst, 33, had a grievous bodily harm charge upgraded to murder on Saturday after his son Corby died in hospital.
It's alleged Akehurst assaulted Corby repeatedly over the past four months.
The toddler, who had not yet turned two, was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries from Kin Kin, near Gympie, on Wednesday, but died on Friday night.
Akehurst was originally charged with grievous bodily harm and four counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
He's now charged with murder, torture and five counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
Akehurst, who is in custody, was excused from appearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court when his case was mentioned on Monday.
His lawyer requested the matter be adjourned until May 4.
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/03/30/08/16/father-in-court-over-toddler-son-s-murder
12:26pm March 30, 2015
Murder accused dad excused from court
A Queensland father accused of killing his toddler son has been excused from appearing in court.
Shane Purssell Akehurst, 33, had a grievous bodily harm charge upgraded to murder on Saturday after his son Corby died in hospital.
It's alleged Akehurst assaulted Corby repeatedly over the past four months.
The toddler, who had not yet turned two, was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries from Kin Kin, near Gympie, on Wednesday, but died on Friday night.
Akehurst was originally charged with grievous bodily harm and four counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
He's now charged with murder, torture and five counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
Akehurst, who is in custody, was excused from appearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court when his case was mentioned on Monday.
His lawyer requested the matter be adjourned until May 4.
Dad charged with felony child abuse against 1-month-old baby (Denver, Colorado)
Dad is identified as JORDAN HOAGLAND. No mention of a mother in the home.
http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/Father-Arrested-Accused-of-Child-Abuse-297928661.html
Father Arrested, Accused of Child Abuse
Posted: Sun 10:05 AM, Mar 29, 2015
A man is facing felony child abuse charges after his one-month-old baby had to be flown to a hospital in Denver because of injuries to the infant's face and head.
Springs police say they responded to a 911 call on the 1000 block of S. Chelton Road at about 12:45 p.m. Saturday.
The baby was first taken to a local hospital, but was then flown to Denver where the infant is listed in stable condition, according to police.
Jordan Hoagland, 22, is charged with felony child abuse.
http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/Father-Arrested-Accused-of-Child-Abuse-297928661.html
Father Arrested, Accused of Child Abuse
Posted: Sun 10:05 AM, Mar 29, 2015
A man is facing felony child abuse charges after his one-month-old baby had to be flown to a hospital in Denver because of injuries to the infant's face and head.
Springs police say they responded to a 911 call on the 1000 block of S. Chelton Road at about 12:45 p.m. Saturday.
The baby was first taken to a local hospital, but was then flown to Denver where the infant is listed in stable condition, according to police.
Jordan Hoagland, 22, is charged with felony child abuse.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Dad accused of assaulting 2-year-old son; boy not expected to survive (Brisbane, Australia)
UNNAMED DAD
Update: It is confirmed here that the little boy has died.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-27/queensland-toddlers-dad-could-face-murder-charge/6355016
Toddler's dad could face murder charge as relatives gather at Brisbane hospital
Updated Fri at 6:22am
A 33-year-old man from Queensland's Sunshine Coast accused of assaulting his own toddler could have the charge upgraded to murder.
Relatives are gathering at Brisbane's Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, where the two-year-old is not expected to survive an alleged assault by his father.
Detective Acting Inspector Phil Hurst said charges of grievous bodily harm and assault against the man from Kin Kin, near Gympie, could be upgraded.
"We'll consider what charges would be appropriate and one of the ones we will consider is definitely a murder charge," Detective Inspector Hurst said.
The boy was airlifted to hospital from Kin Kin on Thursday afternoon.
Detective Inspector Hurst said he was allegedly assaulted a number of times over the past four months, culminating in an incident at his family home on Wednesday.
Police have spoken with the toddler's mother, but Detective Inspector Hurst would not comment on whether she would face charges.
"The investigation is ongoing and we're considering a number of factors," he said.
The father appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday morning.
He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody, with his case to return to court on May 4.
The child's siblings are with extended family.
"The family are rallying together to support them," Detective Inspector Hurst said.
It is the second alleged case of horrific child abuse in Queensland in the past week.
An 18-month-old boy died in Townsville Hospital on Thursday from unspecified injuries he suffered in a separate assault, allegedly at the hands of a 29-year-old man.
That man was remanded in custody when he appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court on Friday charged with murder.
Update: It is confirmed here that the little boy has died.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-27/queensland-toddlers-dad-could-face-murder-charge/6355016
Toddler's dad could face murder charge as relatives gather at Brisbane hospital
Updated Fri at 6:22am
A 33-year-old man from Queensland's Sunshine Coast accused of assaulting his own toddler could have the charge upgraded to murder.
Relatives are gathering at Brisbane's Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, where the two-year-old is not expected to survive an alleged assault by his father.
Detective Acting Inspector Phil Hurst said charges of grievous bodily harm and assault against the man from Kin Kin, near Gympie, could be upgraded.
"We'll consider what charges would be appropriate and one of the ones we will consider is definitely a murder charge," Detective Inspector Hurst said.
The boy was airlifted to hospital from Kin Kin on Thursday afternoon.
Detective Inspector Hurst said he was allegedly assaulted a number of times over the past four months, culminating in an incident at his family home on Wednesday.
Police have spoken with the toddler's mother, but Detective Inspector Hurst would not comment on whether she would face charges.
"The investigation is ongoing and we're considering a number of factors," he said.
The father appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday morning.
He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody, with his case to return to court on May 4.
The child's siblings are with extended family.
"The family are rallying together to support them," Detective Inspector Hurst said.
It is the second alleged case of horrific child abuse in Queensland in the past week.
An 18-month-old boy died in Townsville Hospital on Thursday from unspecified injuries he suffered in a separate assault, allegedly at the hands of a 29-year-old man.
That man was remanded in custody when he appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court on Friday charged with murder.
Former custodial dad, step charged with abuse, torture of 13-year-old son; why does dad still have "shared custody" rights? (Detroit, Michigan)
I have never seen a coherent explanation as to why dad CHARLIE BOTHUELL IV gained custody at all. Mom is obviously a fit parent, since she now has custody again. So who let torture daddy have custody to begin with?
http://www.wxyz.com/news/region/detroit/father-stepmother-face-key-hearing-on-torture-abuse-charges-in-charlie-bothuell-case
Father, stepmother face key hearing on torture & abuse charges in Charlie Bothuell case Posted: 9:50 AM, Mar 27, 2015 Updated: 6:21 PM, Mar 27, 2015
DETROIT (AP) - Proceedings have begun to find out if prosecutors have enough evidence to push Charlie Bothuell IV and his wife Monique Dillard-Bothuell to trial on charges of Child Abuse (Second Degree) and Torture.
The two are accused of abusing Mr. Bothuell's now 13-year-old son, also named Charlie. #"He told the medical providers that he was hit with a pipe by his dad," Dr. Dena Nazer of Children's Hospital testified Friday during a preliminary examination for the couple.
The Bothuells reported little Charlie missing last summer, but police found the boy in the couple's basement eleven days later.
Investigators say it appeared the boy had been hidden behind a lot of junk in the basement.
His father, Charlie Bothuell IV, said he was shocked and didn't know the boy's whereabouts.
Bothuell and Monique Dillard-Bothuell are accused of forcing him to stay in the basement, denying him food and demanding that he follow a twice-a-day regimen of 100 push-ups, 200 sit-ups and thousands of revolutions on an elliptical machine.
The hearing to determine whether the case goes to trial will resume on April 14. And, at some point, little Charlie is expected to testify during the preliminary examination.
The couple denies any abuse. Charlie now lives with his biological mother who shared custody with his father.
Mr. Bothuell has been ordered to stay away from his son. He later agreed to terminate his paternal rights.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/region/detroit/father-stepmother-face-key-hearing-on-torture-abuse-charges-in-charlie-bothuell-case
Father, stepmother face key hearing on torture & abuse charges in Charlie Bothuell case Posted: 9:50 AM, Mar 27, 2015 Updated: 6:21 PM, Mar 27, 2015
DETROIT (AP) - Proceedings have begun to find out if prosecutors have enough evidence to push Charlie Bothuell IV and his wife Monique Dillard-Bothuell to trial on charges of Child Abuse (Second Degree) and Torture.
The two are accused of abusing Mr. Bothuell's now 13-year-old son, also named Charlie. #"He told the medical providers that he was hit with a pipe by his dad," Dr. Dena Nazer of Children's Hospital testified Friday during a preliminary examination for the couple.
The Bothuells reported little Charlie missing last summer, but police found the boy in the couple's basement eleven days later.
Investigators say it appeared the boy had been hidden behind a lot of junk in the basement.
His father, Charlie Bothuell IV, said he was shocked and didn't know the boy's whereabouts.
Bothuell and Monique Dillard-Bothuell are accused of forcing him to stay in the basement, denying him food and demanding that he follow a twice-a-day regimen of 100 push-ups, 200 sit-ups and thousands of revolutions on an elliptical machine.
The hearing to determine whether the case goes to trial will resume on April 14. And, at some point, little Charlie is expected to testify during the preliminary examination.
The couple denies any abuse. Charlie now lives with his biological mother who shared custody with his father.
Mr. Bothuell has been ordered to stay away from his son. He later agreed to terminate his paternal rights.
Mom trying to regain custody from registered sex offender dad (Bakersfield, California)
This is what a judicial system looks like when it has been thoroughly coopted and corrupted by the fathers rights crowd. Even the "court-appointed attorney for the child" is more interested in legal procedure than actually defending her so-called client. And notice the way the mother is treated with disdain and contempt--not the registered sex offender daddy.
Dad is identified as NICHOLAS ELIZONDO. We've reported on this case before.
http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/Mother-continues-to-seek-custody-of-daughter-placed-with-sex-offender-dad-297854051.html?tab=video&c=y
Mom seeks custody of daughter placed with sex offender dad
By Jose Gaspar, Eyewitness News Published: Mar 27, 2015 at 6:31 PM PDT
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - A Bakersfield woman continues to try and regain sole custody of her 8-year-old daughter in an unusual child custody battle.
The girl is currently living with the father, 56-year-old Nicholas Elizondo, who is a registered sex offender.
Elizondo was convicted in 1995 after pleading no contest to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
In June 2013, Elizondo traveled to Oklahoma to gain custody of his daughter, and after a lengthy battle, a judge awarded full custody of the child to Elizondo.
Since then, the girl's mother, 50-year-old Lisa Knight, has been seeking to regain custody.
Knight has moved back to Bakersfield from Oklahoma, where Elizondo lives with his daughter.
In a court hearing on Friday, Knight made new allegations against her ex-husband. Knight said that during one night in January, she went to Elizondo's house to check on her daughter. Knight said she looked through a window into a bedroom, where she said she observed Elizondo under the blankets in bed with the 8-year-old girl. Knight said she saw that Elizondo was in his underwear.
"I want my daughter protected," said Knight in court.
The court-appointed attorney for the child, Stephanie Childers, objected to Knight's claim of what she had witnessed. Knight said she reported the incident to police two days later.
"I object! This is the first time I've heard about this," said Childers.
Knight also alleges Elizondo has neglected and failed to provide proper medical care for the child. The mother told the court the child has had constant urinary tract infections and that she has had to take the child to seek medical treatment.
Judge James Compton continued the case to April 21.
Compton said attorneys for Elizondo and for the minor needed time to receive and review police and medical reports made as a result of the new allegations made by Knight.
Dad is identified as NICHOLAS ELIZONDO. We've reported on this case before.
http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/Mother-continues-to-seek-custody-of-daughter-placed-with-sex-offender-dad-297854051.html?tab=video&c=y
Mom seeks custody of daughter placed with sex offender dad
By Jose Gaspar, Eyewitness News Published: Mar 27, 2015 at 6:31 PM PDT
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - A Bakersfield woman continues to try and regain sole custody of her 8-year-old daughter in an unusual child custody battle.
The girl is currently living with the father, 56-year-old Nicholas Elizondo, who is a registered sex offender.
Elizondo was convicted in 1995 after pleading no contest to one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
In June 2013, Elizondo traveled to Oklahoma to gain custody of his daughter, and after a lengthy battle, a judge awarded full custody of the child to Elizondo.
Since then, the girl's mother, 50-year-old Lisa Knight, has been seeking to regain custody.
Knight has moved back to Bakersfield from Oklahoma, where Elizondo lives with his daughter.
In a court hearing on Friday, Knight made new allegations against her ex-husband. Knight said that during one night in January, she went to Elizondo's house to check on her daughter. Knight said she looked through a window into a bedroom, where she said she observed Elizondo under the blankets in bed with the 8-year-old girl. Knight said she saw that Elizondo was in his underwear.
"I want my daughter protected," said Knight in court.
The court-appointed attorney for the child, Stephanie Childers, objected to Knight's claim of what she had witnessed. Knight said she reported the incident to police two days later.
"I object! This is the first time I've heard about this," said Childers.
Knight also alleges Elizondo has neglected and failed to provide proper medical care for the child. The mother told the court the child has had constant urinary tract infections and that she has had to take the child to seek medical treatment.
Judge James Compton continued the case to April 21.
Compton said attorneys for Elizondo and for the minor needed time to receive and review police and medical reports made as a result of the new allegations made by Knight.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Dad who beat up mom, threatened to kill 2-year-old son by throwing him off 7-story parking garage gets time in county jail, probation (Lower Saucon, Pennsylvania)
So typical of the coddling that abusive fathers get. Dad ROBERT WILKINSON flies into a rage, threatening to kill his wife and 2-year-old son. Beats up the mother and pushes her out of the car. Takes off with the son and goes to a 7-story parking garage and threaten to kill the boy and himself. The police rescue his worthless @$$. Mom gets an order of protection (yay! a piece of paper!) And the little boy who as nightmares and separation anxiety is subjected to SUPERVISED VISITATION. Why? Fathers rights, doncha know! Apparently it's okay for little children to be retraumatized again and again.
Oh, and the headline! Not true. Dad is NOT doing prison time. He's doing 2-3 months in the county jail and then he's on probation. This mother will be spending the next few years looking over her shoulder. But then women and children are denied the rights to basic safety and security, aren't they!
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-bethlehem-suicidal-father-sands-parking-lot-rescue-20150327-story.html
Father who threatened to kill son, self, gets prison time
Robert Wilkinson, 40, of Lower Saucon, was given a jail sentence for pushing his wife from a car before driving to the top of the Sands Bethlehem parking garage and threatening to kill himself and his 2-year-old son.
By Riley Yates Of The Morning Call
Defendant 'is a ticking psychological time bomb,' Northampton County judge says
'He used his son as a pawn,' prosecutor says of man who threatened to toss tot off parking deck
A Northampton County prosecutor called Robert W. Wilkinson a manipulative and controlling man who used his 2-year-old son as a chip to get back at his wife as their marriage failed..
A defense attorney labeled Wilkinson an otherwise law-abiding person who suffered a mental-health crisis that he deeply regrets.
Both were talking about the Lower Saucon Township man's actions on Aug. 12, when he beat up his wife and pushed her from their car, then drove off with their son to the top of the seven-story Sands casino parking garage, where he phoned 911 and threatened to kill himself and his boy, according to court records.
For that, Wilkinson will serve a prison sentence, though his lawyer, Gavin Holihan, argued it would serve no purpose. On Friday, Senior Judge Leonard Zito gave the 40-year-old defendant two to four months in county jail and three years of probation after Wilkinson previously pleaded guilty to charges of simple assault and reckless endangerment.
In so doing, Zito described Wilkinson as an unstable man who has had several unsuccessful marriages and has struggled to hold jobs for any extended period of time.
"This incident begins while they are driving to the psychiatrist's," Zito said. "Now that should tell you something."
Wilkinson, he said, "is a ticking psychological time bomb. Tick. Tick. Tick."
When Bethlehem police arrived at the Sands garage, they found Wilkinson sitting on the edge of the seventh story of the deck, holding his toddler, record courts state. The officers, Michael DiLuzio and
Blake Kuntz, talked the distraught man into surrendering the boy, then were able to tackle Wilkinson as he tried to leap to his demise.
In court, Wilkinson's estranged wife, Jennifer Wilkinson, stood feet from him as she read from a victim impact statement, her hand that held the paper trembling uncontrollably as she did. She told Zito that her son continues to have nightmares at home and in day care and gets scared when she is out of his sight.
She recounted the assault she suffered at Wilkinson's hands, saying that he threw her cell phone out of the car window, tore off her jewelry and began beating her.
"He threatened to kill all of us by speeding into a barrier, then, as he stopped the car and pushed me out, he told me he would kill our son," she said.
The defendant's actions are telling of what kind of man he is, said Assistant District Attorney Erika Farkas.
"He used his son as a pawn," Farkas said.
Jennifer Wilkinson is seeking divorce, and has been granted a restraining order against her husband. She has custody of their child, with Wilkinson permitted only supervised visits of two hours a week, according to a legal filing.
Holihan said his client knows he traumatized his son, his wife and the officers who responded. After his arrest, Wilkinson checked himself into an inpatient mental-health facility and has continued to receive outpatient counseling, Holihan said.
Wilkinson told Zito that he never intended to hurt his child. The reason he called 911 that August day was that he didn't want his son to be left alone in a hot car after he jumped from the deck, he said.
"Those officers saved my life," Wilkinson said.
Oh, and the headline! Not true. Dad is NOT doing prison time. He's doing 2-3 months in the county jail and then he's on probation. This mother will be spending the next few years looking over her shoulder. But then women and children are denied the rights to basic safety and security, aren't they!
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-bethlehem-suicidal-father-sands-parking-lot-rescue-20150327-story.html
Father who threatened to kill son, self, gets prison time
Robert Wilkinson, 40, of Lower Saucon, was given a jail sentence for pushing his wife from a car before driving to the top of the Sands Bethlehem parking garage and threatening to kill himself and his 2-year-old son.
By Riley Yates Of The Morning Call
Defendant 'is a ticking psychological time bomb,' Northampton County judge says
'He used his son as a pawn,' prosecutor says of man who threatened to toss tot off parking deck
A Northampton County prosecutor called Robert W. Wilkinson a manipulative and controlling man who used his 2-year-old son as a chip to get back at his wife as their marriage failed..
A defense attorney labeled Wilkinson an otherwise law-abiding person who suffered a mental-health crisis that he deeply regrets.
Both were talking about the Lower Saucon Township man's actions on Aug. 12, when he beat up his wife and pushed her from their car, then drove off with their son to the top of the seven-story Sands casino parking garage, where he phoned 911 and threatened to kill himself and his boy, according to court records.
For that, Wilkinson will serve a prison sentence, though his lawyer, Gavin Holihan, argued it would serve no purpose. On Friday, Senior Judge Leonard Zito gave the 40-year-old defendant two to four months in county jail and three years of probation after Wilkinson previously pleaded guilty to charges of simple assault and reckless endangerment.
In so doing, Zito described Wilkinson as an unstable man who has had several unsuccessful marriages and has struggled to hold jobs for any extended period of time.
"This incident begins while they are driving to the psychiatrist's," Zito said. "Now that should tell you something."
Wilkinson, he said, "is a ticking psychological time bomb. Tick. Tick. Tick."
When Bethlehem police arrived at the Sands garage, they found Wilkinson sitting on the edge of the seventh story of the deck, holding his toddler, record courts state. The officers, Michael DiLuzio and
Blake Kuntz, talked the distraught man into surrendering the boy, then were able to tackle Wilkinson as he tried to leap to his demise.
In court, Wilkinson's estranged wife, Jennifer Wilkinson, stood feet from him as she read from a victim impact statement, her hand that held the paper trembling uncontrollably as she did. She told Zito that her son continues to have nightmares at home and in day care and gets scared when she is out of his sight.
She recounted the assault she suffered at Wilkinson's hands, saying that he threw her cell phone out of the car window, tore off her jewelry and began beating her.
"He threatened to kill all of us by speeding into a barrier, then, as he stopped the car and pushed me out, he told me he would kill our son," she said.
The defendant's actions are telling of what kind of man he is, said Assistant District Attorney Erika Farkas.
"He used his son as a pawn," Farkas said.
Jennifer Wilkinson is seeking divorce, and has been granted a restraining order against her husband. She has custody of their child, with Wilkinson permitted only supervised visits of two hours a week, according to a legal filing.
Holihan said his client knows he traumatized his son, his wife and the officers who responded. After his arrest, Wilkinson checked himself into an inpatient mental-health facility and has continued to receive outpatient counseling, Holihan said.
Wilkinson told Zito that he never intended to hurt his child. The reason he called 911 that August day was that he didn't want his son to be left alone in a hot car after he jumped from the deck, he said.
"Those officers saved my life," Wilkinson said.
Dad arrested for abusing 3-month-old infant (Kenner, Louisiana)
Typical shaken baby story. Dad is apparently unemployed and/or unemployed and is serving as "caretaker." Mom is forced into supporting the family, because Dad is unable and/or unwilling to do so. As often happens, disaster ensues, as these men have no patience or nurturing skills. They can't even manage to get the baby medical care. We see this all the time. They wait till Mom gets home to do anything.
Dad is identified as ANTHONY HAMILTON.
http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/kenner-man-arrested-after-infant-diagnosed-with-shaken-baby-syndrome/31953944
By Juan Sanchez
Kenner man arrested after infant diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome
Published 4:55 PM CDT Mar 22, 2015
KENNER, La. —A Kenner man was arrested this week after his 3-month-old infant was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome.
Anthony Hamilton, 25, was charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile for an incident that reportedly happened last Thursday at his home on Florida Avenue.
According to the Kenner Police Department, Hamilton's child was admitted to a hospital where the infant was diagnosed with trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome. Medical professionals also found several puncture wounds consistent with scabs from fingernail impressions.
During questioning, Hamilton reportedly told officers he was changing the infant's diaper when he noticed the baby's eyes roll back. He said he pinched the baby, who responded, and he did not seek further medical attention.
The KPD said the child's mother returned home from work and noticed something was wrong with the child. The two parents then took the child to the hospital, according to the KPD.
After further questioning, the father admitted to shaking the infant because he was nervous. He was arrested and the Office of Community Services - Child Protection was brought into the investigation.
Dad is identified as ANTHONY HAMILTON.
http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/kenner-man-arrested-after-infant-diagnosed-with-shaken-baby-syndrome/31953944
By Juan Sanchez
Kenner man arrested after infant diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome
Published 4:55 PM CDT Mar 22, 2015
KENNER, La. —A Kenner man was arrested this week after his 3-month-old infant was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome.
Anthony Hamilton, 25, was charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile for an incident that reportedly happened last Thursday at his home on Florida Avenue.
According to the Kenner Police Department, Hamilton's child was admitted to a hospital where the infant was diagnosed with trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome. Medical professionals also found several puncture wounds consistent with scabs from fingernail impressions.
During questioning, Hamilton reportedly told officers he was changing the infant's diaper when he noticed the baby's eyes roll back. He said he pinched the baby, who responded, and he did not seek further medical attention.
The KPD said the child's mother returned home from work and noticed something was wrong with the child. The two parents then took the child to the hospital, according to the KPD.
After further questioning, the father admitted to shaking the infant because he was nervous. He was arrested and the Office of Community Services - Child Protection was brought into the investigation.
Dad on trial for torture-murder of 6-year-old daughter had PRIMARY CUSTODY; mom says he cut her off from visitation (Calgary, Canada)
This is the first time I have seen it acknowledged that dad SPENCER JORDAN had PRIMARY CUSTODY not just joint custody. And that he shut off Mom's visitation with total impunity, partly so she wouldn't see the girl's injuries. Very typical. Moms who do this lose custody and are punished immediately for "depriving" their children of their fathers. Fathers who shut out mothers are ignored, if not tacitly encouraged to do as they like.
Notice that the judge who set up this murder manages to keep his/her name out of the paper. Typical judicial cover up. Nor is their any explanation as to why the judge gave custody back to the mother. only to reverse. Even apart from the abuse and his propensity to shut off contact, why was a father with such residential instability favored over the mother? I suspect some entrenched fathers rights corruption here, but of course, the reporter won't touch that. For similar cases, see the Killer Dads and Custody list for Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/meika-jordan-s-mom-testifies-in-calgary-girl-s-beating-death-1.3007805
Meika Jordan's mom testifies in Calgary girl's beating death
Warning: This story contains descriptions of child abuse that some may find disturbing
By Meghan Grant, CBC News
Posted: Mar 24, 2015 3:06 PM MT| Last Updated: Mar 24, 2015 3:06 PM MT
Meika Jordan died in November 2011 of blunt force trauma while in the care of her father and stepmother.
Kyla Woodhouse, the mother of a six-year-old Calgary girl who was beaten to death, testified that she and the child's father were in a bitter, year-long custody battle leading up to her death.
Meika Jordan died of blunt force trauma on Nov. 14, 2011.
She had been in the care of her father and stepmother, Spencer Jordan and Marie Magoon, at the time. Both face a charge of first-degree murder.
Woodhouse testified that she and Jordan broke up in 2009. By July 2010, Marie Magoon was living with Jordan and it was late August when the custody battle began.
A judge granted Jordan primary custody with Woodhouse awarded weekends with the children, but he and Magoon disappeared in August 2011 with Meika and her little brother for three weeks. Police were called and the family was found living at Inn From the Cold, a local homeless shelter.
In early September 2011, Woodhouse was granted custody but a Calgary judge reversed that order a few weeks later and the children went back to Jordan.
Crown alleges torture
The Crown alleges Meika was essentially tortured in the days leading up to her death.
In her opening statement, prosecutor Susan Pepper said Magoon held a lighter under Meika's hand causing a third-degree burn.
Knowing Meika's mother would question the burn, Pepper said the couple refused to return Meika and her brother.
That's when she alleges they began beating her by punching the girl, forcing her to run up and down their stairs, pushing her down the stairs and dragging her by her hair.
The fatal blows occurred when Meika's head was smashed against the tile floor in the kitchen, says Pepper.
The medical examiner identified five significant areas of severe head trauma. The couple wasn't charged until about a year after Meika's death.
Pepper says that's because they were the subjects of a lengthy undercover police operation, which eventually led to both admitting their roles in her death.
During her testimony today, Woodhouse described her daughter as "extraordinary, happy-go-lucky and outgoing."
Notice that the judge who set up this murder manages to keep his/her name out of the paper. Typical judicial cover up. Nor is their any explanation as to why the judge gave custody back to the mother. only to reverse. Even apart from the abuse and his propensity to shut off contact, why was a father with such residential instability favored over the mother? I suspect some entrenched fathers rights corruption here, but of course, the reporter won't touch that. For similar cases, see the Killer Dads and Custody list for Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/meika-jordan-s-mom-testifies-in-calgary-girl-s-beating-death-1.3007805
Meika Jordan's mom testifies in Calgary girl's beating death
Warning: This story contains descriptions of child abuse that some may find disturbing
By Meghan Grant, CBC News
Posted: Mar 24, 2015 3:06 PM MT| Last Updated: Mar 24, 2015 3:06 PM MT
Meika Jordan died in November 2011 of blunt force trauma while in the care of her father and stepmother.
Kyla Woodhouse, the mother of a six-year-old Calgary girl who was beaten to death, testified that she and the child's father were in a bitter, year-long custody battle leading up to her death.
Meika Jordan died of blunt force trauma on Nov. 14, 2011.
She had been in the care of her father and stepmother, Spencer Jordan and Marie Magoon, at the time. Both face a charge of first-degree murder.
Woodhouse testified that she and Jordan broke up in 2009. By July 2010, Marie Magoon was living with Jordan and it was late August when the custody battle began.
A judge granted Jordan primary custody with Woodhouse awarded weekends with the children, but he and Magoon disappeared in August 2011 with Meika and her little brother for three weeks. Police were called and the family was found living at Inn From the Cold, a local homeless shelter.
In early September 2011, Woodhouse was granted custody but a Calgary judge reversed that order a few weeks later and the children went back to Jordan.
Crown alleges torture
The Crown alleges Meika was essentially tortured in the days leading up to her death.
In her opening statement, prosecutor Susan Pepper said Magoon held a lighter under Meika's hand causing a third-degree burn.
Knowing Meika's mother would question the burn, Pepper said the couple refused to return Meika and her brother.
That's when she alleges they began beating her by punching the girl, forcing her to run up and down their stairs, pushing her down the stairs and dragging her by her hair.
The fatal blows occurred when Meika's head was smashed against the tile floor in the kitchen, says Pepper.
The medical examiner identified five significant areas of severe head trauma. The couple wasn't charged until about a year after Meika's death.
Pepper says that's because they were the subjects of a lengthy undercover police operation, which eventually led to both admitting their roles in her death.
During her testimony today, Woodhouse described her daughter as "extraordinary, happy-go-lucky and outgoing."
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Dad with criminal history--including domestic assault and violating protection orders--accused of abusing 8-month-old son; baby has severe injuries (Lexington, Kentucky)
Golly gee, who saw that coming?
Seriously folks, we need to stop with the stupid. The best predictor of future behavior? Past behavior. Dad SHAWN WILSON has a long rap sheet, including domestic assault and violating an order of protection.
What do YOU think is going to happen when a dude like this assumes "caretaker" responsibilities over a baby? Yea, you're right. The first time he gets "frustrated"....
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Lexington-father-charged-with-abusing-his-infant-son-297623301.html
Lexington father charged with abusing infant son
Updated: Thu 12:45 PM, Mar 26, 2015
By: Mark Barber
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - WKYT is learning more about a Lexington father who is accused of shaking his 8 month old son.
According to court documents, 32-year-old Shawn Wilson has been convicted of several crimes and has been in and out of jail several times in the past 10 years.
An arrest citation states that Wilson admitted to shaking his son in frustration on Tuesday morning when the boy wouldn't stop crying, likely because he was teething.
The 32 year old was arrested on Thursday morning at Lexington Police Headquarters.
The arrest citation states that the boy suffered severe injuries, including retinal hemorrhaging in both eyes and a blood clot on the surface of his brain.
Officers say Wilson stated that he had been under a lot of stress because he had overdue bills and wasn’t able to find a job because of a previous felony conviction.
According to court records, his criminal history started back in 2005 when he was convicted of second-degree burglary and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
In 2008 Wilson was convicted to 12 years in prison on a long list of charges, including burglary.
Court officials tell WKYT that he only served 319 days and then was released from jail after he was granted shock probation.
Court documents show that Wilson was also found guilty of domestic assault and violating emergency protective orders.
We’ve learned from the Department of Corrections that Wilson completed his supervised parole in November of 2014.
The 32 year old is now charged with second-degree criminal abuse and will be arraigned Thursday afternoon.
Police say Wilson's 8 month old son is being treated for head trauma at the pediatric intensive care unit at Kentucky Children's Hospital.
We reached out to Wilson to get his side of the story but he declined our request for a jail interview.
Seriously folks, we need to stop with the stupid. The best predictor of future behavior? Past behavior. Dad SHAWN WILSON has a long rap sheet, including domestic assault and violating an order of protection.
What do YOU think is going to happen when a dude like this assumes "caretaker" responsibilities over a baby? Yea, you're right. The first time he gets "frustrated"....
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Lexington-father-charged-with-abusing-his-infant-son-297623301.html
Lexington father charged with abusing infant son
Updated: Thu 12:45 PM, Mar 26, 2015
By: Mark Barber
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - WKYT is learning more about a Lexington father who is accused of shaking his 8 month old son.
According to court documents, 32-year-old Shawn Wilson has been convicted of several crimes and has been in and out of jail several times in the past 10 years.
An arrest citation states that Wilson admitted to shaking his son in frustration on Tuesday morning when the boy wouldn't stop crying, likely because he was teething.
The 32 year old was arrested on Thursday morning at Lexington Police Headquarters.
The arrest citation states that the boy suffered severe injuries, including retinal hemorrhaging in both eyes and a blood clot on the surface of his brain.
Officers say Wilson stated that he had been under a lot of stress because he had overdue bills and wasn’t able to find a job because of a previous felony conviction.
According to court records, his criminal history started back in 2005 when he was convicted of second-degree burglary and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
In 2008 Wilson was convicted to 12 years in prison on a long list of charges, including burglary.
Court officials tell WKYT that he only served 319 days and then was released from jail after he was granted shock probation.
Court documents show that Wilson was also found guilty of domestic assault and violating emergency protective orders.
We’ve learned from the Department of Corrections that Wilson completed his supervised parole in November of 2014.
The 32 year old is now charged with second-degree criminal abuse and will be arraigned Thursday afternoon.
Police say Wilson's 8 month old son is being treated for head trauma at the pediatric intensive care unit at Kentucky Children's Hospital.
We reached out to Wilson to get his side of the story but he declined our request for a jail interview.
Dad pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder in death of 2-month-old son (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Dad is identified as DEMETRIUS MORANT.
http://abc11.com/news/father-sentenced-after-pleading-guilty-to-second-degree-murder-of-son/572926/
Father sentenced after pleading guilty to second-degree murder of infant son
Father sentenced after pleading guilty to second degree murder
A Raleigh father pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his infant son Wednesday.
WTVD By Ed Crump Wednesday, March 25, 2015 05:16PM
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A Raleigh father pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his infant son Wednesday.
Investigators said Demetrius Morant beat his son so badly that the child was bleeding from his brain.
After the plea, Morant was sentenced to state prison for a minimum of 20 years.
Witnesses testified that they believed he shook his two-month old son, Drew, so violently that the boy had brain damage and was rendered blind. They also testified the child had signs of prior abuse including broken bones.
Drew survived to around his first birthday before he died, which is when his father was indicted for first-degree murder. Wednesday he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
The mother of his child, who said her son's injuries were due to a rough birth, told the judge that Morant was not a murderer.
"To the officers of this courtroom, I know that you all have to enforce the law on Demetrius. I have already lost my son, but you are also taking away my best friend. To me he is not a threat to society." said Faith Newton. If Morant serves his entire minimum term, he will be at least 50 years old when released. His maximum sentence would add another five years.
http://abc11.com/news/father-sentenced-after-pleading-guilty-to-second-degree-murder-of-son/572926/
Father sentenced after pleading guilty to second-degree murder of infant son
Father sentenced after pleading guilty to second degree murder
A Raleigh father pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his infant son Wednesday.
WTVD By Ed Crump Wednesday, March 25, 2015 05:16PM
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A Raleigh father pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his infant son Wednesday.
Investigators said Demetrius Morant beat his son so badly that the child was bleeding from his brain.
After the plea, Morant was sentenced to state prison for a minimum of 20 years.
Witnesses testified that they believed he shook his two-month old son, Drew, so violently that the boy had brain damage and was rendered blind. They also testified the child had signs of prior abuse including broken bones.
Drew survived to around his first birthday before he died, which is when his father was indicted for first-degree murder. Wednesday he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
The mother of his child, who said her son's injuries were due to a rough birth, told the judge that Morant was not a murderer.
"To the officers of this courtroom, I know that you all have to enforce the law on Demetrius. I have already lost my son, but you are also taking away my best friend. To me he is not a threat to society." said Faith Newton. If Morant serves his entire minimum term, he will be at least 50 years old when released. His maximum sentence would add another five years.
Dad in "custody dispute" is filmed blowing marijuana smoke into infant's mouth (Beaverton, Oregon)
Of course, it's still distinctly possible that dad CHRISTOPHER ROBERT KING will still get custody, as it doesn't appear that fathers are held to any standards at all.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/25/father-blows-pot-smoke-infant-mouth_n_6938334.html
Father Accused Of Blowing Pot Smoke In Infant's Mouth
Posted: 03/25/2015 8:55 am EDT Updated: 03/25/2015 8:59 am EDT
(Reuters) - A 22-year-old Oregon man has been arrested on suspicion of blowing marijuana smoke into his infant child's mouth in an act that was captured by a smartphone video and then turned over to police, authorities said on Tuesday.
Officers in the Portland suburb of Beaverton were called to a noisy domestic dispute on Sunday night and found Christopher Robert King arguing over custody of his three children with their mother, Beaverton Police spokesman Mike Rowe said.
After police separated the parents and returned the children to their mother's home, a family friend stepped forward with a smartphone video, Rowe said.
“The friend who provided the video told police that the smoke was from marijuana and that this was not the first time he had done this,” according to a police statement.
King, who was arrested on Monday, was being held at the Washington County Jail on felony and misdemeanor charges of applying controlled substances to a minor. A court date has not yet been scheduled, according to officials.
Although adult recreational use of marijuana will become legal under Oregon state law beginning on July 1, its use by children will remain illegal.
Rowe declined to give the ages of the children involved in the custody dispute, or to name their mother. He said police were withholding many details because of the pending investigation.
“The district attorney will probably never release the video, because minors are involved,” he said.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/25/father-blows-pot-smoke-infant-mouth_n_6938334.html
Father Accused Of Blowing Pot Smoke In Infant's Mouth
Posted: 03/25/2015 8:55 am EDT Updated: 03/25/2015 8:59 am EDT
(Reuters) - A 22-year-old Oregon man has been arrested on suspicion of blowing marijuana smoke into his infant child's mouth in an act that was captured by a smartphone video and then turned over to police, authorities said on Tuesday.
Officers in the Portland suburb of Beaverton were called to a noisy domestic dispute on Sunday night and found Christopher Robert King arguing over custody of his three children with their mother, Beaverton Police spokesman Mike Rowe said.
After police separated the parents and returned the children to their mother's home, a family friend stepped forward with a smartphone video, Rowe said.
“The friend who provided the video told police that the smoke was from marijuana and that this was not the first time he had done this,” according to a police statement.
King, who was arrested on Monday, was being held at the Washington County Jail on felony and misdemeanor charges of applying controlled substances to a minor. A court date has not yet been scheduled, according to officials.
Although adult recreational use of marijuana will become legal under Oregon state law beginning on July 1, its use by children will remain illegal.
Rowe declined to give the ages of the children involved in the custody dispute, or to name their mother. He said police were withholding many details because of the pending investigation.
“The district attorney will probably never release the video, because minors are involved,” he said.
Dad, a former Catholic priest, accused of sexually abusing son--so he goes for child custody (Jefferson County, Alabama)
Where to even start with this. Dad DAVID STONE initiated a sexual relationship with the mother when she came to him for confession and he was serving as her "spiritual advisor." It is accepted ethical practice that ANYONE serving in a counseling capacity does not have sex with a client or patient. It is inherently unequal and a huge breach of professional ethics.
But we're told it was "consensual"--with no further comment.
Then we're told that SHE was FIRED FROM HER JOB while he was merely put on a "long-term leave of absence." OUTRAGEOUS.
Of course this POS gets visitation anyway--despite never having been married to the mother and violating all kinds of ethical standards--and then promptly molests the child. (Studies consistently show that children very seldom lie about these things.)
But its HER motives that are being questioned not his--despite the fact that abusers VERY TYPICALLY go after custody as a way to secure complete access to the victim and eliminate the protective mother from the picture. And notice how Mom is raked over the coals for taking care of her son after an automobile accident. Very typical of the bizarre, cooked up accusations thrown at mothers when abusers are intent on punishing mom and securing access to the child victim.
Psychologist ALAN BLOTCKY is clearly a fathers rights flunky....
http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2015/03/catholic_priest_ex-ewtn_tv_hos.html
Catholic priest, ex-EWTN TV host, fathered child; he's now in custody fight, accused of abuse
By Greg Garrison on March 25, 2015 at 3:40 PM, updated March 25, 2015 at 4:38 PM
David Stone, 54, formerly known as Father Frances Mary Stone, was host of the TV program "Life on the Rock" on Eternal Word Television Network. He fathered a child born in 2008. The mother was fired from EWTN and Stone was put on long-term leave of absence, according to Jefferson County court documents.
A national group that monitors allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy has focused attention this week on the Alabama case of David Lawrence Stone, a Catholic priest and former EWTN TV host who was arrested in 2013 and charged with sexual abuse of a minor under 12.
The minor he is charged with sexually abusing is his own son, now six years old.
Stone, 54, formerly known as Father Frances Mary Stone, was host of the TV program "Life on the Rock" on Eternal Word Television Network.
In court filings, Stone's attorneys have argued that the allegation of child abuse is false. Stone has been in a lengthy custody battle with Christina Presnell, the mother of his child, according to Jefferson County Court records.
A spokeswoman for SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, was in Birmingham on Tuesday to discuss the case. She said Bishop Robert J. Baker, head of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, should let people know about the allegation and that the priest still lives in Irondale.
"Even if you believe he's innocent, they should be open about it and let the truth come out," said Barbara Dorris, outreach director for SNAP. She said that since the Catholic Church was rocked by scandal in recent years over accusations of sexual abuse by priests, bishops have vowed to be more open about allegations against priests. "Protect the kids," she said. "The bishops in some states have not been taken to task. This crisis isn't over."
Baker said that Stone no longer is a member of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, the order of priests founded in 1987 by Mother Angelica, who also founded EWTN. Stone no longer lives at the Annunciation Friary in Irondale, Baker said. Stone lives in a rented house in Irondale, according to court documents.
"He's not living in their community," Baker said. "They are following canonical procedures on the case."
The diocese investigated the case and it's now being played out in the judicial system, in both criminal and civil cases in Jefferson County.
"We have investigated, and done everything we're required to do," Baker said. "He is out of the ministry. Everything is pending the outcome of the trials. My understanding is he is saying he is falsely accused. Any of these situations are difficult."
Priest and mother of his child both lost jobs at EWTN
Scott Morro, an attorney for Presnell, said the relationship between Stone and Presnell started when she was working for EWTN. Presnell worked as a human resource coordinator for EWTN, according to court documents. She met Stone in 1998, went to confession with him as her priest and considered him her spiritual adviser, then began a sexual relationship with him in 2001. They kept the relationship secret, but were discovered when she became pregnant. EWTN fired Presnell in 2008 and Stone was put on a long-term leave of absence, court records show.
"She started working there, and she started to be counseled by Dave," Morro said. "That grew into a flirtatious relationship, which grew into a dating relationship, which led to the conception of their child. It was all consensual."
Presnell, 47, was widowed in 1999 after a 13-year marriage and had two daughters and a son with her husband. She also had another son by another father while separated from her husband, then had Stone's son, who was born in 2008, according to court documents.
Stone arrested after mother files complaint of abuse
The sexual abuse case against Stone is still pending in Jefferson County, Morro said. "They're waiting to present it to the grand jury," he said.
According to court documents, Stone had visitation with his son starting in 2010. In May 2011, Presnell said that the boy told her that his father put his finger in the boy's anus, causing him to defecate on the bed. Stone denies that story and says she made it up. She filed a police report. Stone was arrested by Irondale Police on Oct. 9, 2013 and released on $150,000 bond.
Stone does not currently have visitation privileges with his son as a condition of the bond, court records show. He has been fighting for visitation privileges and custody in civil court in Jefferson County.
William Bradford and Amber Ladner, attorneys for Stone on the criminal charge, said the allegation against him is false.
"Mr. Stone's primary concern has always been, and remains today, his son's well being," Bradford and Ladner said in a prepared statement. "The actions of SNAP in recent days are baseless, misguided, and driven by a lack of information as to the true and correct facts regarding Mr. Stone, his son, Ms. Presnell, and the ongoing litigation. Due to this lack of basic understanding, the statement of SNAP is replete with false information regarding the situation and Mr. Stone. Mr. Stone took a leave of absence from the Church prior to his son's birth. It was Mr. Stone who initiated the legal proceedings in Jefferson County Family Court in an effort to gain custody or visitation with his son. This was done with the sole purpose of Mr. Stone having a meaningful father/son relationship with his child. Thereafter, Ms. Presnell prompted the filing of criminal charges against Mr. Stone. Mr. Stone adamantly denies all allegations of any wrongdoing regarding his son, and is of the opinion that the false charges are the result of an effort to gain advantage in the Family Court proceeding. Mr. Stone will continue to press his case for custody and/or visitation, and will vigorously defend himself against all false allegations of criminal conduct. To that end, he continues to look forward to the true facts regarding this situation being brought forth in the courts as soon as possible."
Latest court filings include clinical psychologist's reports
Presnell was held in contempt of court on Feb. 13 by Jefferson County Judge Carnella Greene Norman for not appearing in court for depositions. Morro said that Presnell was taking care of her oldest son who was in a hospital intensive care unit in Tennessee for several days after a car accident, and that she had previously done depositions on the case. Morro filed an appeal of Norman's ruling on March 6.
Morro, a former police officer, said his client's allegations of abuse against Stone are credible.
"These are egregious charges against a man," Morro said. "If I didn't believe they were true, I wouldn't be representing her."
Former Birmingham attorney Mitch Damsky, who represented Stone after his arrest but last year moved to Wyoming, said the abuse allegation may be an effort to gain advantage in the custody dispute. "I really don't think that he did it," Damsky said. "It didn't add up to me."
In the most recent civil court filing today, March 25, a clinical psychologist's reports on both Presnell and Stone were submitted. "Christina's allegation against Dave is highly questionable given the timing and circumstance of it," wrote licensed clinical psychologist Alan Blotcky. "Dave's psychological evaluation does not even hint at a person who is capable of abuse. It is implausible." Blotcky wrote that Stone is "fully capable of being a healthy and competent parent," and recommended that Stone be given visitation. Physical custody for Stone "should be a viable option in this case," he wrote.
But Ladner noted that even if Stone were awarded visitation with his son, it's prohibited in the terms of his bond, and could be delayed pending the outcome of the criminal case.
But we're told it was "consensual"--with no further comment.
Then we're told that SHE was FIRED FROM HER JOB while he was merely put on a "long-term leave of absence." OUTRAGEOUS.
Of course this POS gets visitation anyway--despite never having been married to the mother and violating all kinds of ethical standards--and then promptly molests the child. (Studies consistently show that children very seldom lie about these things.)
But its HER motives that are being questioned not his--despite the fact that abusers VERY TYPICALLY go after custody as a way to secure complete access to the victim and eliminate the protective mother from the picture. And notice how Mom is raked over the coals for taking care of her son after an automobile accident. Very typical of the bizarre, cooked up accusations thrown at mothers when abusers are intent on punishing mom and securing access to the child victim.
Psychologist ALAN BLOTCKY is clearly a fathers rights flunky....
http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2015/03/catholic_priest_ex-ewtn_tv_hos.html
Catholic priest, ex-EWTN TV host, fathered child; he's now in custody fight, accused of abuse
By Greg Garrison on March 25, 2015 at 3:40 PM, updated March 25, 2015 at 4:38 PM
David Stone, 54, formerly known as Father Frances Mary Stone, was host of the TV program "Life on the Rock" on Eternal Word Television Network. He fathered a child born in 2008. The mother was fired from EWTN and Stone was put on long-term leave of absence, according to Jefferson County court documents.
A national group that monitors allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy has focused attention this week on the Alabama case of David Lawrence Stone, a Catholic priest and former EWTN TV host who was arrested in 2013 and charged with sexual abuse of a minor under 12.
The minor he is charged with sexually abusing is his own son, now six years old.
Stone, 54, formerly known as Father Frances Mary Stone, was host of the TV program "Life on the Rock" on Eternal Word Television Network.
In court filings, Stone's attorneys have argued that the allegation of child abuse is false. Stone has been in a lengthy custody battle with Christina Presnell, the mother of his child, according to Jefferson County Court records.
A spokeswoman for SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, was in Birmingham on Tuesday to discuss the case. She said Bishop Robert J. Baker, head of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, should let people know about the allegation and that the priest still lives in Irondale.
"Even if you believe he's innocent, they should be open about it and let the truth come out," said Barbara Dorris, outreach director for SNAP. She said that since the Catholic Church was rocked by scandal in recent years over accusations of sexual abuse by priests, bishops have vowed to be more open about allegations against priests. "Protect the kids," she said. "The bishops in some states have not been taken to task. This crisis isn't over."
Baker said that Stone no longer is a member of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, the order of priests founded in 1987 by Mother Angelica, who also founded EWTN. Stone no longer lives at the Annunciation Friary in Irondale, Baker said. Stone lives in a rented house in Irondale, according to court documents.
"He's not living in their community," Baker said. "They are following canonical procedures on the case."
The diocese investigated the case and it's now being played out in the judicial system, in both criminal and civil cases in Jefferson County.
"We have investigated, and done everything we're required to do," Baker said. "He is out of the ministry. Everything is pending the outcome of the trials. My understanding is he is saying he is falsely accused. Any of these situations are difficult."
Priest and mother of his child both lost jobs at EWTN
Scott Morro, an attorney for Presnell, said the relationship between Stone and Presnell started when she was working for EWTN. Presnell worked as a human resource coordinator for EWTN, according to court documents. She met Stone in 1998, went to confession with him as her priest and considered him her spiritual adviser, then began a sexual relationship with him in 2001. They kept the relationship secret, but were discovered when she became pregnant. EWTN fired Presnell in 2008 and Stone was put on a long-term leave of absence, court records show.
"She started working there, and she started to be counseled by Dave," Morro said. "That grew into a flirtatious relationship, which grew into a dating relationship, which led to the conception of their child. It was all consensual."
Presnell, 47, was widowed in 1999 after a 13-year marriage and had two daughters and a son with her husband. She also had another son by another father while separated from her husband, then had Stone's son, who was born in 2008, according to court documents.
Stone arrested after mother files complaint of abuse
The sexual abuse case against Stone is still pending in Jefferson County, Morro said. "They're waiting to present it to the grand jury," he said.
According to court documents, Stone had visitation with his son starting in 2010. In May 2011, Presnell said that the boy told her that his father put his finger in the boy's anus, causing him to defecate on the bed. Stone denies that story and says she made it up. She filed a police report. Stone was arrested by Irondale Police on Oct. 9, 2013 and released on $150,000 bond.
Stone does not currently have visitation privileges with his son as a condition of the bond, court records show. He has been fighting for visitation privileges and custody in civil court in Jefferson County.
William Bradford and Amber Ladner, attorneys for Stone on the criminal charge, said the allegation against him is false.
"Mr. Stone's primary concern has always been, and remains today, his son's well being," Bradford and Ladner said in a prepared statement. "The actions of SNAP in recent days are baseless, misguided, and driven by a lack of information as to the true and correct facts regarding Mr. Stone, his son, Ms. Presnell, and the ongoing litigation. Due to this lack of basic understanding, the statement of SNAP is replete with false information regarding the situation and Mr. Stone. Mr. Stone took a leave of absence from the Church prior to his son's birth. It was Mr. Stone who initiated the legal proceedings in Jefferson County Family Court in an effort to gain custody or visitation with his son. This was done with the sole purpose of Mr. Stone having a meaningful father/son relationship with his child. Thereafter, Ms. Presnell prompted the filing of criminal charges against Mr. Stone. Mr. Stone adamantly denies all allegations of any wrongdoing regarding his son, and is of the opinion that the false charges are the result of an effort to gain advantage in the Family Court proceeding. Mr. Stone will continue to press his case for custody and/or visitation, and will vigorously defend himself against all false allegations of criminal conduct. To that end, he continues to look forward to the true facts regarding this situation being brought forth in the courts as soon as possible."
Latest court filings include clinical psychologist's reports
Presnell was held in contempt of court on Feb. 13 by Jefferson County Judge Carnella Greene Norman for not appearing in court for depositions. Morro said that Presnell was taking care of her oldest son who was in a hospital intensive care unit in Tennessee for several days after a car accident, and that she had previously done depositions on the case. Morro filed an appeal of Norman's ruling on March 6.
Morro, a former police officer, said his client's allegations of abuse against Stone are credible.
"These are egregious charges against a man," Morro said. "If I didn't believe they were true, I wouldn't be representing her."
Former Birmingham attorney Mitch Damsky, who represented Stone after his arrest but last year moved to Wyoming, said the abuse allegation may be an effort to gain advantage in the custody dispute. "I really don't think that he did it," Damsky said. "It didn't add up to me."
In the most recent civil court filing today, March 25, a clinical psychologist's reports on both Presnell and Stone were submitted. "Christina's allegation against Dave is highly questionable given the timing and circumstance of it," wrote licensed clinical psychologist Alan Blotcky. "Dave's psychological evaluation does not even hint at a person who is capable of abuse. It is implausible." Blotcky wrote that Stone is "fully capable of being a healthy and competent parent," and recommended that Stone be given visitation. Physical custody for Stone "should be a viable option in this case," he wrote.
But Ladner noted that even if Stone were awarded visitation with his son, it's prohibited in the terms of his bond, and could be delayed pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Custodial dad, step charged after battered 3-year-old son found dead in garbage bags stuffed in box; dad freed on bond (Hollywood, Florida)
Total double standard and abusive daddy coddling. The kid wanders into the lobby during a hotel visit. Result: Mom loses custody and is limited to visitation.
Custodial dad and the step BRUTALIZE this boy, who had bruising, abrasions, signs of strangulation. Our Florida "experts" in child abuse don't substantiate any of it. The protective mother takes him to the hospital ER when he shows up with rectal tears indicative of sexual abuse. The moronic doctors can't substantiate that either.
So eventually one or both of these sickos go too far and basically torture the kid to death. They make up some crazy story about a robbery and kidnapping, and even with their history of child abuse allegations, the stupid cops fall for it. Takes them 12 hours to find the little boy's body IN THE HOUSE! Shades of Jon-Benet Ramsey!
SOMEBODY put his body in garbage bags and hid him in a box in the laundry room. Obviously reflects a conscious, deliberate attempt to cover up. But no, we' re told the step is suddenly so mentally ill she checked herself into a mental hospital. And Daddy? He's walked out of jail on bond.
Even though the boy's death was clearly a homicide and was ruled as such, the step is only charged with manslaughter and dad with...NEGLECT. Really??? Same as Mom losing track of the boy at a hotel?
As often happens in these crimes when the Evil Step is blamed for everything, Dad is being painted as the poor clueless innocent who had no idea what was happening. Total Bullsh**.
No indication here that he EVER sought medical care for the boy unlike Mom (who was blown off by the authorities). At MINIMUM, all he did was repeat lies, and he's getting away with it. Killer daddy coddling to the max.
Dad is identified as NELSON OSCEOLA.
Update from Miami Herald. Though much is made of the mother's substance abuse issues, note the following: "Broward County child protection investigators discounted the possibility of abuse and left him with a father who had a lengthy rap sheet — including aggravated assault charges — and a history of alleged drug use." Oh, so a dad with substance abuse issues AND a history of assault is a fitter parent than a mom with just a history of substance abuse? Right.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-hollywood-child-death-arrests-20150325-story.html
Father, stepmother charged after boy's body found in box; dad bonds out of jail
Father, stepmother charged after boy's body found in box; dad bonds out of jail, reports say According to reports from WSVN-TV Ch. 7 and NBC 6 Miami, Nelson Osceola bonded out of the Broward County Jail on Thursday morning.
By Linda Trischitta Sun Sentinel March 26, 2015, 12:10 PM
The 3-year-old boy was covered in bruises from head to toe; his pancreas ruptured into thirds.
His body was stuffed into garbage bags tucked inside a box in a laundry room. Wednesday, police announced that his stepmother and father had been arrested in connection with his death.
The body of Ahziya Drew Osceola was found in the family's residence in the 5400 block of Johnson Street.
His stepmother, Analiz Rodezno Osceola, 24, was charged Wednesday with aggravated manslaughter; child neglect and providing false information to law enforcement, Hollywood police said.
Her husband of 10 months, Nelson Drew Osceola, 24, who is the child's father, was charged with child neglect, according to the agency.
The father and stepmother of a toddler who was reported missing and later found dead Thursday in his Hollywood home face charges after their arrests Wednesday, police said.
Nelson Osceola was freed on a $50,000 bond from Broward County's main jail Thursday morning.
His wife remained behind bars with a $230,000 bond after appearing in court.
"In his first three years of life, he endured what we believe to be a significant amount of pain," Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez said during a press conference Wednesday. "No child should ever, ever endure this life, the life of little Ahziya."
The cause of the child's death, ruled a homicide, was from blunt impact abdominal trauma, according to the Broward Medical Examiner's Office.
Ahziya's body was wrapped in plastic bags and found inside a Baby Einstein toy box in a laundry room, according to police. A search warrant said two bags of clothing were on top of the box.
His face and body were bruised; his pancreas was broken into three pieces. Enzymes from that organ were let loose and were breaking down internal organs, the medical examiner's office said.
The autopsy also found a spiral fracture of the child's left shin bone that was probably an old break. The medical examiner's office estimated Ahziya died late Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
Rodezno Osceola checked into a psychiatric ward March 20 for reasons authorities did not disclose. The couple were taken into custody Wednesday at a Fort Lauderdale hospital after Rodezno Osceola had been discharged, Fernandez said.
The deceased child's father and mother, Karen Cypress, 26, are members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Cypress lives elsewhere in Hollywood as well as on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian reservation in Clewiston. Her son was buried there Sunday, said Kenneth Tommie, the child's maternal grandfather.
He called Ahziya "an outgoing boy" who loved to play with classmates at the Seminole preschool on the reservation in Hollywood.
After a court hearing Monday, when the couple were temporarily barred from visiting two other children who had been removed from the home, Nelson Osceola was asked what happened to the baby.
"I just buried my son yesterday," Osceola said. "I'm just trying to find peace with myself right now, you understand? My son is gone."
The investigation began at 11:48 a.m. Thursday when Seminole Police called Hollywood Police to report that the child was missing from the house, Fernandez said.
Rodezno Osceola told detectives she last saw the boy in the house that morning about 10 a.m. and found the back door ajar, her wallet containing $160 gone and an additional $3,000 missing, Hollywood Police spokeswoman Officer Meredith Elrich said.
That prompted simultaneous investigations of a possible abduction and a search for the missing child, Fernandez said. Those efforts, including bloodhounds to track the child, were canceled when the body was found.
"There were many details [Rodezno Osceola] discussed, some of which were contradicting," Fernandez said. "She knew the child was injured [and needed medical attention.]"
From the report of Ahziya's disappearance and the discovery of his body inside the house about 12 hours later, Fernandez said his agency, Seminole Police, Broward Sheriff's deputies and Community Emergency Response Team volunteers did a "2- to 3-square-mile area" search.
During Ahziya's short life, there were four reports to the Florida Department of Children and Families hotline, according to the department. Three described injuries and allegations of harm that prompted home visits, doctor exams, interviews with teachers and relatives, counseling and training for the parents. But physical abuse allegations were not substantiated.
Ahziya had a purple bruise on his left cheek that was blamed on a fall onto a wooden bed frame, an August 2013 report said.
In April 2014, fingerprints and a bruise on the lower side of each jawbone, scratches on both sides of Ahziya's neck and bruises on his left back ribcage were observed, a report states. His father attributed some of the marks to a fall in the bathroom and rough play with kids at an Easter party, and said his son fell all the time.
A bruise and abrasion were noticed beneath Ahziya's eye in December 2014. The child's bottom was also sore. His mother took him to an emergency room doctor who found small abrasions in his rectum that could have been from constipation, a report said. He was otherwise described as "very happy, rambunctious and talkative" and denied being harmed by anyone.
A fourth report said child investigators determined there was inadequate supervision and medical neglect when in January 2014 Ahziya left his mother in a fifth-floor hotel room, got into an elevator and was found in the hotel lobby. Karen Cypress was arrested and pleaded not guilty to criminal charges including child neglect. The case is open, according to Broward court records. The boy was placed with his father and Cypress was allowed to visit her son.
State reports listed investigators — from the Broward Sheriff's Child Protection Investigation Section, who work on behalf of DCF; the medically oriented Child Protection Team and Seminole Family Services — that had looked into allegations of abuse of Ahziya.
"There is no fail-safe system, other than a responsible parent," Fernandez said.
Custodial dad and the step BRUTALIZE this boy, who had bruising, abrasions, signs of strangulation. Our Florida "experts" in child abuse don't substantiate any of it. The protective mother takes him to the hospital ER when he shows up with rectal tears indicative of sexual abuse. The moronic doctors can't substantiate that either.
So eventually one or both of these sickos go too far and basically torture the kid to death. They make up some crazy story about a robbery and kidnapping, and even with their history of child abuse allegations, the stupid cops fall for it. Takes them 12 hours to find the little boy's body IN THE HOUSE! Shades of Jon-Benet Ramsey!
SOMEBODY put his body in garbage bags and hid him in a box in the laundry room. Obviously reflects a conscious, deliberate attempt to cover up. But no, we' re told the step is suddenly so mentally ill she checked herself into a mental hospital. And Daddy? He's walked out of jail on bond.
Even though the boy's death was clearly a homicide and was ruled as such, the step is only charged with manslaughter and dad with...NEGLECT. Really??? Same as Mom losing track of the boy at a hotel?
As often happens in these crimes when the Evil Step is blamed for everything, Dad is being painted as the poor clueless innocent who had no idea what was happening. Total Bullsh**.
No indication here that he EVER sought medical care for the boy unlike Mom (who was blown off by the authorities). At MINIMUM, all he did was repeat lies, and he's getting away with it. Killer daddy coddling to the max.
Dad is identified as NELSON OSCEOLA.
Update from Miami Herald. Though much is made of the mother's substance abuse issues, note the following: "Broward County child protection investigators discounted the possibility of abuse and left him with a father who had a lengthy rap sheet — including aggravated assault charges — and a history of alleged drug use." Oh, so a dad with substance abuse issues AND a history of assault is a fitter parent than a mom with just a history of substance abuse? Right.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-hollywood-child-death-arrests-20150325-story.html
Father, stepmother charged after boy's body found in box; dad bonds out of jail
Father, stepmother charged after boy's body found in box; dad bonds out of jail, reports say According to reports from WSVN-TV Ch. 7 and NBC 6 Miami, Nelson Osceola bonded out of the Broward County Jail on Thursday morning.
By Linda Trischitta Sun Sentinel March 26, 2015, 12:10 PM
The 3-year-old boy was covered in bruises from head to toe; his pancreas ruptured into thirds.
His body was stuffed into garbage bags tucked inside a box in a laundry room. Wednesday, police announced that his stepmother and father had been arrested in connection with his death.
The body of Ahziya Drew Osceola was found in the family's residence in the 5400 block of Johnson Street.
His stepmother, Analiz Rodezno Osceola, 24, was charged Wednesday with aggravated manslaughter; child neglect and providing false information to law enforcement, Hollywood police said.
Her husband of 10 months, Nelson Drew Osceola, 24, who is the child's father, was charged with child neglect, according to the agency.
The father and stepmother of a toddler who was reported missing and later found dead Thursday in his Hollywood home face charges after their arrests Wednesday, police said.
Nelson Osceola was freed on a $50,000 bond from Broward County's main jail Thursday morning.
His wife remained behind bars with a $230,000 bond after appearing in court.
"In his first three years of life, he endured what we believe to be a significant amount of pain," Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez said during a press conference Wednesday. "No child should ever, ever endure this life, the life of little Ahziya."
The cause of the child's death, ruled a homicide, was from blunt impact abdominal trauma, according to the Broward Medical Examiner's Office.
Ahziya's body was wrapped in plastic bags and found inside a Baby Einstein toy box in a laundry room, according to police. A search warrant said two bags of clothing were on top of the box.
His face and body were bruised; his pancreas was broken into three pieces. Enzymes from that organ were let loose and were breaking down internal organs, the medical examiner's office said.
The autopsy also found a spiral fracture of the child's left shin bone that was probably an old break. The medical examiner's office estimated Ahziya died late Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
Rodezno Osceola checked into a psychiatric ward March 20 for reasons authorities did not disclose. The couple were taken into custody Wednesday at a Fort Lauderdale hospital after Rodezno Osceola had been discharged, Fernandez said.
The deceased child's father and mother, Karen Cypress, 26, are members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Cypress lives elsewhere in Hollywood as well as on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian reservation in Clewiston. Her son was buried there Sunday, said Kenneth Tommie, the child's maternal grandfather.
He called Ahziya "an outgoing boy" who loved to play with classmates at the Seminole preschool on the reservation in Hollywood.
After a court hearing Monday, when the couple were temporarily barred from visiting two other children who had been removed from the home, Nelson Osceola was asked what happened to the baby.
"I just buried my son yesterday," Osceola said. "I'm just trying to find peace with myself right now, you understand? My son is gone."
The investigation began at 11:48 a.m. Thursday when Seminole Police called Hollywood Police to report that the child was missing from the house, Fernandez said.
Rodezno Osceola told detectives she last saw the boy in the house that morning about 10 a.m. and found the back door ajar, her wallet containing $160 gone and an additional $3,000 missing, Hollywood Police spokeswoman Officer Meredith Elrich said.
That prompted simultaneous investigations of a possible abduction and a search for the missing child, Fernandez said. Those efforts, including bloodhounds to track the child, were canceled when the body was found.
"There were many details [Rodezno Osceola] discussed, some of which were contradicting," Fernandez said. "She knew the child was injured [and needed medical attention.]"
From the report of Ahziya's disappearance and the discovery of his body inside the house about 12 hours later, Fernandez said his agency, Seminole Police, Broward Sheriff's deputies and Community Emergency Response Team volunteers did a "2- to 3-square-mile area" search.
During Ahziya's short life, there were four reports to the Florida Department of Children and Families hotline, according to the department. Three described injuries and allegations of harm that prompted home visits, doctor exams, interviews with teachers and relatives, counseling and training for the parents. But physical abuse allegations were not substantiated.
Ahziya had a purple bruise on his left cheek that was blamed on a fall onto a wooden bed frame, an August 2013 report said.
In April 2014, fingerprints and a bruise on the lower side of each jawbone, scratches on both sides of Ahziya's neck and bruises on his left back ribcage were observed, a report states. His father attributed some of the marks to a fall in the bathroom and rough play with kids at an Easter party, and said his son fell all the time.
A bruise and abrasion were noticed beneath Ahziya's eye in December 2014. The child's bottom was also sore. His mother took him to an emergency room doctor who found small abrasions in his rectum that could have been from constipation, a report said. He was otherwise described as "very happy, rambunctious and talkative" and denied being harmed by anyone.
A fourth report said child investigators determined there was inadequate supervision and medical neglect when in January 2014 Ahziya left his mother in a fifth-floor hotel room, got into an elevator and was found in the hotel lobby. Karen Cypress was arrested and pleaded not guilty to criminal charges including child neglect. The case is open, according to Broward court records. The boy was placed with his father and Cypress was allowed to visit her son.
State reports listed investigators — from the Broward Sheriff's Child Protection Investigation Section, who work on behalf of DCF; the medically oriented Child Protection Team and Seminole Family Services — that had looked into allegations of abuse of Ahziya.
"There is no fail-safe system, other than a responsible parent," Fernandez said.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Evidence that dead boy beaten, sexually abused in home of custodial dad; authorities did nothing (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Once again, we see the total double standard. Alcoholism/substance abuse is treatable. But Mom loses custody after what is reportedly one incident. There are MULTIPLE abuse complaints against the custodial dad and step, including PHYSICAL INJURIES and SEXUAL ABUSE. The authorities just shrug. And now the boy is dead.
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/28612449/calls-to-hotline-warned-now-dead-boy-was-being-abused
Calls to hotline warned now-dead boy was being abused
Posted: Mar 25, 2015 12:26 PM EDT Updated: Mar 25, 2015 12:26 PM EDT FORT
LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Child welfare officials were warned three times about possible abuse or neglect regarding a 3-year-old Hollywood boy whose body was found hidden last week in his father's home.
The Department of Children and Families released a report Wednesday revealing that someone called the child abuse hotline last year concerned that Ahziya Osceola had bumps and bruises and complained of a sore bottom. He was examined but a doctor couldn't determine whether his bruised rectum was from constipation or sexual abuse.
The child lived with his father and stepmother after his mother was arrested for child neglect. A DCF report says the child was found wandering a hotel alone while his mother was passed out.
His stepmother checked herself into a psychiatric ward Friday after Osceola's siblings were taken from her home. An investigation continues.
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/28612449/calls-to-hotline-warned-now-dead-boy-was-being-abused
Calls to hotline warned now-dead boy was being abused
Posted: Mar 25, 2015 12:26 PM EDT Updated: Mar 25, 2015 12:26 PM EDT FORT
LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Child welfare officials were warned three times about possible abuse or neglect regarding a 3-year-old Hollywood boy whose body was found hidden last week in his father's home.
The Department of Children and Families released a report Wednesday revealing that someone called the child abuse hotline last year concerned that Ahziya Osceola had bumps and bruises and complained of a sore bottom. He was examined but a doctor couldn't determine whether his bruised rectum was from constipation or sexual abuse.
The child lived with his father and stepmother after his mother was arrested for child neglect. A DCF report says the child was found wandering a hotel alone while his mother was passed out.
His stepmother checked herself into a psychiatric ward Friday after Osceola's siblings were taken from her home. An investigation continues.
Dad charged with murder in beating/strangulation death of 3-month-old son (Allegan County, Michigan)
Dad is identified as JONATHAN JOSEPH COLBY.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2015/03/allegan_man_now_charged_with_m.html
Father now charged with murder in death of infant with cracked skull
By John Tunison on March 24, 2015 at 12:58 PM, updated March 24, 2015 at 1:22 PM
ALLEGAN, MI -- A 22-year-old Allegan man is now charged with murder after his 3-month-old son died in December from what police allege was abuse.
Allegan County prosecutors recently added charges of open murder and felony murder in the case against Jonathan Joseph Colby.
He initially was charged with first-degree child abuse after the child died Dec. 3.
The case had been on hold pending the results of a psychiatric exam.
Earlier this month, Colby was found competent to stand trial.
Allegan County sheriff's detectives say a medical examiner determined his son, Jase, suffered a cracked skull and injuries consistent with strangulation and suffocation.
In an interview with detectives, Colby admitted to hitting, slapping and choking Jase on several different occasions, including the night that Jase died, detectives said. Colby allegedly hurt his son because he was tired and frustrated.
An April 14 probable cause hearing is scheduled for Colby in Allegan County District Court.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2015/03/allegan_man_now_charged_with_m.html
Father now charged with murder in death of infant with cracked skull
By John Tunison on March 24, 2015 at 12:58 PM, updated March 24, 2015 at 1:22 PM
ALLEGAN, MI -- A 22-year-old Allegan man is now charged with murder after his 3-month-old son died in December from what police allege was abuse.
Allegan County prosecutors recently added charges of open murder and felony murder in the case against Jonathan Joseph Colby.
He initially was charged with first-degree child abuse after the child died Dec. 3.
The case had been on hold pending the results of a psychiatric exam.
Earlier this month, Colby was found competent to stand trial.
Allegan County sheriff's detectives say a medical examiner determined his son, Jase, suffered a cracked skull and injuries consistent with strangulation and suffocation.
In an interview with detectives, Colby admitted to hitting, slapping and choking Jase on several different occasions, including the night that Jase died, detectives said. Colby allegedly hurt his son because he was tired and frustrated.
An April 14 probable cause hearing is scheduled for Colby in Allegan County District Court.
Dad gets probation for beating 8-year-old daughter, intentionally depriving her of sleep (Neosho, Missouri)
What the hell is wrong with this sadistic piece of sh**? His daughter falls asleep in school, so he puts her on forced marches as punishment? And then he can't figure out why she's exhausted, so he beats her? I think he knows very well what he's doing. And it's not "discipline" (however broadly defined). It's torture. It's meant to break and humiliate the victim.
If you subjected a political prisoner to this kind of treatment, it would be considered a human rights violation if not torture. Why is this any different?
So why is sicko daddy SCOTTY L. HUMPHRIES getting probation for this? Frankly I think the daughter's fears are correct. If somebody doesn't stop this sadistic creep, he will end up killing her. But of course, the courts are indulging him because she is "only" a female child and he is a father. Then if something horrible happens, they can all claim how "shocked" they are and how they have no idea what the motive was, and it's all just an unfathomable mystery, ya know?
Is there a mother in this home? Notice there is no mention of one.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/father-receives-probation-in-neosho-child-abuse-case/article_1c9770b2-2926-57ce-88a0-815337532ebe.html
Father receives probation in Neosho child-abuse case
Posted: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 6:58 pm
by Jeff Lehr
NEOSHO, Mo. — A Neosho man received a suspended sentence this week after pleading guilty to physical abuse of his 8-year-old daughter that included making her walk excessive lengths of time as punishment for falling asleep at school.
Scotty L. Humphries, 38, pleaded guilty to felony child abuse at a hearing Monday in Newton County Circuit Court. The defendant entered the plea in an agreement with the prosecutor's office that called for a suspended sentence. Circuit Judge Tim Perigo accepted the plea deal and assessed Humphries a five-year suspended term with five years on probation.
The defendant was charged with the offense last year following an investigation by the Newton County Sheriff's Department and child abuse investigators. According to a probable-cause affidavit, the girl told investigators that sometimes her father made her walk all day and that if she stopped walking or collapsed from exhaustion, he would spank her with a belt. She further stated that she was not allowed to eat the same food that others in their home ate.
The affidavit cites photographs of the child that showed bruising on her legs and behind, and injuries to her feet that appeared to be due to excessive walking. Investigators also obtained video that showed the girl lying on the ground because of exhaustion and crying out to her father: "You are going to kill me." On the video, Humphries grabbed the girl by her hair and her arm, and jerked her up off the ground. When she still would not walk, he took off his belt, causing her to begin running in fear of being struck with it.
The defendant told investigators that he would not be surprised if he had left bruises on her legs and behind. He also acknowledged making her walk all day long sometimes as punishment for falling asleep. He said he did so to make her stay awake. He also admitted making her eat different food from other children in the home because she tended to throw up her food, according to the affidavit.
If you subjected a political prisoner to this kind of treatment, it would be considered a human rights violation if not torture. Why is this any different?
So why is sicko daddy SCOTTY L. HUMPHRIES getting probation for this? Frankly I think the daughter's fears are correct. If somebody doesn't stop this sadistic creep, he will end up killing her. But of course, the courts are indulging him because she is "only" a female child and he is a father. Then if something horrible happens, they can all claim how "shocked" they are and how they have no idea what the motive was, and it's all just an unfathomable mystery, ya know?
Is there a mother in this home? Notice there is no mention of one.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/father-receives-probation-in-neosho-child-abuse-case/article_1c9770b2-2926-57ce-88a0-815337532ebe.html
Father receives probation in Neosho child-abuse case
Posted: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 6:58 pm
by Jeff Lehr
NEOSHO, Mo. — A Neosho man received a suspended sentence this week after pleading guilty to physical abuse of his 8-year-old daughter that included making her walk excessive lengths of time as punishment for falling asleep at school.
Scotty L. Humphries, 38, pleaded guilty to felony child abuse at a hearing Monday in Newton County Circuit Court. The defendant entered the plea in an agreement with the prosecutor's office that called for a suspended sentence. Circuit Judge Tim Perigo accepted the plea deal and assessed Humphries a five-year suspended term with five years on probation.
The defendant was charged with the offense last year following an investigation by the Newton County Sheriff's Department and child abuse investigators. According to a probable-cause affidavit, the girl told investigators that sometimes her father made her walk all day and that if she stopped walking or collapsed from exhaustion, he would spank her with a belt. She further stated that she was not allowed to eat the same food that others in their home ate.
The affidavit cites photographs of the child that showed bruising on her legs and behind, and injuries to her feet that appeared to be due to excessive walking. Investigators also obtained video that showed the girl lying on the ground because of exhaustion and crying out to her father: "You are going to kill me." On the video, Humphries grabbed the girl by her hair and her arm, and jerked her up off the ground. When she still would not walk, he took off his belt, causing her to begin running in fear of being struck with it.
The defendant told investigators that he would not be surprised if he had left bruises on her legs and behind. He also acknowledged making her walk all day long sometimes as punishment for falling asleep. He said he did so to make her stay awake. He also admitted making her eat different food from other children in the home because she tended to throw up her food, according to the affidavit.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
"Shared custody" dad to go on trial for murder of 6-year-old daughter (Calgary, Canada)
According to one of our earlier posts, dad SPENCER JORDAN had joint custody. See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Canada for similar examples.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/23/biker-group-shows-up-at-m_n_6925292.html
Bikers Against Child Abuse Show Up To Meika Jordan Murder Trial
By The Canadian Press
Posted: 03/23/2015 2:05 pm EDT Updated: 03/23/2015 3:00 pm EDT Share 98 Tweet 43 4
CALGARY - The Crown says a little girl was confined and tortured for several days in a Calgary home before she fell unconscious and later died.
The first-degree murder trial began today for the father and stepmother of six-year-old Meika Jordan, who died of blunt force trauma in 2011.
The Crown says a lighter was used to burn the girl on her hand.
Spencer Jordan and Marie Magoon have both pleaded not guilty.
The pair say the child was injured after she fell down stairs.
A group of bikers wore T-shirts with a photo of Meika as they marched with her mother from City Hall to the courthouse.
A spokesperson for the group says members plan to be at court every day of the trial to stand with the family.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/23/biker-group-shows-up-at-m_n_6925292.html
Bikers Against Child Abuse Show Up To Meika Jordan Murder Trial
By The Canadian Press
Posted: 03/23/2015 2:05 pm EDT Updated: 03/23/2015 3:00 pm EDT Share 98 Tweet 43 4
CALGARY - The Crown says a little girl was confined and tortured for several days in a Calgary home before she fell unconscious and later died.
The first-degree murder trial began today for the father and stepmother of six-year-old Meika Jordan, who died of blunt force trauma in 2011.
The Crown says a lighter was used to burn the girl on her hand.
Spencer Jordan and Marie Magoon have both pleaded not guilty.
The pair say the child was injured after she fell down stairs.
A group of bikers wore T-shirts with a photo of Meika as they marched with her mother from City Hall to the courthouse.
A spokesperson for the group says members plan to be at court every day of the trial to stand with the family.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Dad with history of assault charged with manslaughter in death of 3-month-old son (Syracuse, New York)
Dad is identified as FELIPE LEBRON.
http://www.syracuse.com/crime/index.ssf/2015/03/father_charged_with_manslaughter_in_shaking_death_of_3-month-old_son.html
Father indicted on manslaughter charge in shaking death of 3-month-old son
By Chris Baker on March 23, 2015 at 12:44 PM, updated March 23, 2015 at 1:36 PM
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man accused of killing his three-month-old son will face a first-degree manslaughter charge.
A grand jury on Friday indicted Felipe Lebron, 28, on charges of first-degree manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.
Lebron was arrested Jan. 5 after police responded to a report of an unconscious child at his home at 418 Douglas St. He was initially charged with recklessly causing an injury to a child, a felony. The child, Anthony Lebron, died Jan. 10 from a head trauma.
According to the indictment, Lebron "shook the child with force causing blunt force trauma to the head and thereby death."
Lebron is facing additional charges of assault and robbery related to a separate incident in 2013. In that instance, Lebron is accused of assaulting a 49-year-old apartment owner.
http://www.syracuse.com/crime/index.ssf/2015/03/father_charged_with_manslaughter_in_shaking_death_of_3-month-old_son.html
Father indicted on manslaughter charge in shaking death of 3-month-old son
By Chris Baker on March 23, 2015 at 12:44 PM, updated March 23, 2015 at 1:36 PM
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man accused of killing his three-month-old son will face a first-degree manslaughter charge.
A grand jury on Friday indicted Felipe Lebron, 28, on charges of first-degree manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.
Lebron was arrested Jan. 5 after police responded to a report of an unconscious child at his home at 418 Douglas St. He was initially charged with recklessly causing an injury to a child, a felony. The child, Anthony Lebron, died Jan. 10 from a head trauma.
According to the indictment, Lebron "shook the child with force causing blunt force trauma to the head and thereby death."
Lebron is facing additional charges of assault and robbery related to a separate incident in 2013. In that instance, Lebron is accused of assaulting a 49-year-old apartment owner.
Dad charged with murder in death of 2-month-old daughter (Greenwood, South Carolina)
Sounds like another case where Mom had to work, and Daddy was the deadbeat "caregiver."
Dad is identified as QUENTICO DUNLAP.
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/28588396/greenwood-father-charged-in-death-of-3-month-old
Greenwood father charged in death of infant daughter
Posted: Mar 23, 2015 10:23 AM EDT
Updated: Mar 23, 2015 4:02 PM EDT
By Dal Kalsi
GREENWOOD, SC (FOX Carolina) - A Greenwood father faces murder/ homicide by child abuse charges after investigators said a two-month-old girl died as the result of a homicide.
Coroner Sonny Cox said Monday that Takari Louise Dunlap died the afternoon of March 13 at Greenville Health System.
Cox said the child died as the result of the head injury that occurred at an address on East Durst Avenue.
Greenwood County deputies said they were called to Self Regional Hospital on March 9, where doctors told them Takari was on life support with a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain, internal bruising and other injuries.
Deputies said the Takari's father, Quentico Dunlap, 22, of Grendel Avenue was looking after the child when the injury occurred.
The mother said she returned to work to find the baby crying and screaming and that the child's arm was twitching, investigative reports state.
The family advised the mother to take Takari to the ER, where deputies were called, reports state. The child was airlifted to Greenville Health System's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she later died, reports state.
Deputies said a joint investigation with the Special Victims/ Child Fatality Unit with SLED revealed that Dunlap caused the injuries that led to Takari's death. Dunlap was arrested on March 20 and charged with murder/homicide by child abuse, according to investigative reports.
FOX Carolina spoke with Takari's mother Latidra Chiles said she never thought Dunlap would hurt his own child.
Dunlap is currently being held in the Greenwood County Detention Center without bond.
Dad is identified as QUENTICO DUNLAP.
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/28588396/greenwood-father-charged-in-death-of-3-month-old
Greenwood father charged in death of infant daughter
Posted: Mar 23, 2015 10:23 AM EDT
Updated: Mar 23, 2015 4:02 PM EDT
By Dal Kalsi
GREENWOOD, SC (FOX Carolina) - A Greenwood father faces murder/ homicide by child abuse charges after investigators said a two-month-old girl died as the result of a homicide.
Coroner Sonny Cox said Monday that Takari Louise Dunlap died the afternoon of March 13 at Greenville Health System.
Cox said the child died as the result of the head injury that occurred at an address on East Durst Avenue.
Greenwood County deputies said they were called to Self Regional Hospital on March 9, where doctors told them Takari was on life support with a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain, internal bruising and other injuries.
Deputies said the Takari's father, Quentico Dunlap, 22, of Grendel Avenue was looking after the child when the injury occurred.
The mother said she returned to work to find the baby crying and screaming and that the child's arm was twitching, investigative reports state.
The family advised the mother to take Takari to the ER, where deputies were called, reports state. The child was airlifted to Greenville Health System's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she later died, reports state.
Deputies said a joint investigation with the Special Victims/ Child Fatality Unit with SLED revealed that Dunlap caused the injuries that led to Takari's death. Dunlap was arrested on March 20 and charged with murder/homicide by child abuse, according to investigative reports.
FOX Carolina spoke with Takari's mother Latidra Chiles said she never thought Dunlap would hurt his own child.
Dunlap is currently being held in the Greenwood County Detention Center without bond.
"Jealous" dad sentenced for beating death of 25-day-old son during "unsupervised access" (Bunbury, Australia)
Lots of tears, handwringing, and excuses for UNNAMED DAD. For the baby who suffered two skull fractures in Daddy's attack? Not so much. Notice there are questions here about why this ar$ehole was allowed unsupervised access, but really no answer. That's because the real answer is: fathers rights.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/bunbury-teenage-dad-sentenced-over-baby-bashing-death/story-fnhocxo3-1227274532053
Bunbury teenage dad sentenced over baby bashing death
Kaitlyn Offer
PerthNow
March 23, 2015 9:17AM
The teenage father of a baby boy who died in Princess Margaret Hospital in February last year will be sentenced today.
THE 16-year-old father of an infant bashed to death in a WA hospital has been sentenced to 10 years’ jail for his heinous crime.
The teenager, who inflicted “the most severe head and brain injuries” a doctor has seen on his infant son, did so out of jealousy, a court has been told.
A short time ago, the teenager was sentenced in the Perth Children’s Court to 10 years in prison, back dated to February 16 2014 and may be eligible for a supervised release order after serving five years. Family and friends of the youth cried as the sentence was handed down and his mother spoke outside of court, saying he had been in the care of the Department for Child Protection since 12 years of age and it was responsible for “neglecting’’.
The prisoner’s mother also questioned the protocol of Bunbury Regional Hospital, where her grandson was bashed, and why her son was allowed to be “left alone with a premature baby’’. Earlier, as the teen sat in the dock, wearing a crisp, new white shirt and his head buried in his hands, he wiped away tears while the court was told how the boy had a troubled upbringing and developed an “insular and intense” relationship with his partner.
It was submitted he had applied such blunt force to the 25-day-old baby boy that the infant had two separate fractures to his skull.
Judge Denis Reynolds said one doctor described the injuries as “the most severe head and brain injuries she has seen on an infant.”
The baby was injured while in Bunbury Regional Hospital and died a few days later in Princess Margaret Hospital in his mother’s arms.
At the time of the baby’s death the teenage mother took to social media, telling how her baby died in her arms.
“Omg what do I do sitinq here so lost missing my son rip mummys boy love you to the moon nd bak,” she wrote. “You Went In My Arms I Lovee Yhu So Much.”
Prosecutor Matthew Walton said the then 15-year-old’s actions had “cast a pool of darkness over the birth of a child”.
Prosecutor Matthew Walton told the District Court that psychological and psychiatric reports suggested it was possible the teenaged father had become jealous because “the baby was a rival for the love and attention” of his partner.
“It’s hard to think of a stronger bond than that of a parent and child,” Mr Walton said. “That has been shattered and the unthinkable has become a reality.
“This was not an accident, it was the result of a deliberate act.” Mr Walton said the attack on the child, in Room 224 of Bunbury Regional Hospital on February 15 2014, came without warning. However he said psychological and psychiatric reports suggested it was possible the teenaged father had become jealous because “the baby was a rival for the love and attention” of his partner.
The boy’s counsel Jim Sutherland said his client was a victim of “chaos” while growing up.
He was in care between the ages of six and 10, his father died in 2008 and he was surrounded by drugs, violence and frequent family deaths.
Mr Walton said those mitigating circumstances did not balance out the teenager’s “selfish” actions. “This was the killing of a human being at the most tender age,” Mr Walton said. “The child was entirely at the mercy (of the father).”
Mr Walton said he case was “unique and unusual” in the WA Children’s Court with no record of a juvenile killing their child before this one.
Judge Reynolds said it was surprising that the teenager had unsupervised access to the baby given his dysfunctional upbringing.
He said the teenager had demonstrated some remorse by pleading guilty to manslaughter, but added that his level of remorse was minimal based on his interview with police and the fact that he had not given an account of what he did to the infant.
“You were really only concerned for yourself and the predicament you were in,” he said.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/bunbury-teenage-dad-sentenced-over-baby-bashing-death/story-fnhocxo3-1227274532053
Bunbury teenage dad sentenced over baby bashing death
Kaitlyn Offer
PerthNow
March 23, 2015 9:17AM
The teenage father of a baby boy who died in Princess Margaret Hospital in February last year will be sentenced today.
THE 16-year-old father of an infant bashed to death in a WA hospital has been sentenced to 10 years’ jail for his heinous crime.
The teenager, who inflicted “the most severe head and brain injuries” a doctor has seen on his infant son, did so out of jealousy, a court has been told.
A short time ago, the teenager was sentenced in the Perth Children’s Court to 10 years in prison, back dated to February 16 2014 and may be eligible for a supervised release order after serving five years. Family and friends of the youth cried as the sentence was handed down and his mother spoke outside of court, saying he had been in the care of the Department for Child Protection since 12 years of age and it was responsible for “neglecting’’.
The prisoner’s mother also questioned the protocol of Bunbury Regional Hospital, where her grandson was bashed, and why her son was allowed to be “left alone with a premature baby’’. Earlier, as the teen sat in the dock, wearing a crisp, new white shirt and his head buried in his hands, he wiped away tears while the court was told how the boy had a troubled upbringing and developed an “insular and intense” relationship with his partner.
It was submitted he had applied such blunt force to the 25-day-old baby boy that the infant had two separate fractures to his skull.
Judge Denis Reynolds said one doctor described the injuries as “the most severe head and brain injuries she has seen on an infant.”
The baby was injured while in Bunbury Regional Hospital and died a few days later in Princess Margaret Hospital in his mother’s arms.
At the time of the baby’s death the teenage mother took to social media, telling how her baby died in her arms.
“Omg what do I do sitinq here so lost missing my son rip mummys boy love you to the moon nd bak,” she wrote. “You Went In My Arms I Lovee Yhu So Much.”
Prosecutor Matthew Walton said the then 15-year-old’s actions had “cast a pool of darkness over the birth of a child”.
Prosecutor Matthew Walton told the District Court that psychological and psychiatric reports suggested it was possible the teenaged father had become jealous because “the baby was a rival for the love and attention” of his partner.
“It’s hard to think of a stronger bond than that of a parent and child,” Mr Walton said. “That has been shattered and the unthinkable has become a reality.
“This was not an accident, it was the result of a deliberate act.” Mr Walton said the attack on the child, in Room 224 of Bunbury Regional Hospital on February 15 2014, came without warning. However he said psychological and psychiatric reports suggested it was possible the teenaged father had become jealous because “the baby was a rival for the love and attention” of his partner.
The boy’s counsel Jim Sutherland said his client was a victim of “chaos” while growing up.
He was in care between the ages of six and 10, his father died in 2008 and he was surrounded by drugs, violence and frequent family deaths.
Mr Walton said those mitigating circumstances did not balance out the teenager’s “selfish” actions. “This was the killing of a human being at the most tender age,” Mr Walton said. “The child was entirely at the mercy (of the father).”
Mr Walton said he case was “unique and unusual” in the WA Children’s Court with no record of a juvenile killing their child before this one.
Judge Reynolds said it was surprising that the teenager had unsupervised access to the baby given his dysfunctional upbringing.
He said the teenager had demonstrated some remorse by pleading guilty to manslaughter, but added that his level of remorse was minimal based on his interview with police and the fact that he had not given an account of what he did to the infant.
“You were really only concerned for yourself and the predicament you were in,” he said.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Custodial dad accused of abusing children delays sentencing (Charlotte, Michigan)
I did a little digging, and I can't find a single word about what happened to the mother of these children. Of course, the media doesn't even bother to ask that question anymore. Notice that the kids are in residential treatment, not with Mom. So did the mother get similar treatment from dad SHAWNN DEGNER? Do we know for a fact that she's alive, and if not, that she is deceased from natural causes?
http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/Father-Accused-of-Abuseing-Children-Withdraws-Plea-296087581.html
Father Accused of Abusing Children Delays Sentencing
Updated: Thu 2:22 PM, Mar 12, 2015
By: News 10
Shawnn Degner delayed sentencing after judge extends prison time.
Charlotte (WILX) Shawnn Degner asked to delay his sentencing Thursday morning, minutes before he was scheduled to be sentenced in Eaton County Circuit Court for abusing his children.
The 40 year old Potterville man had originally agreed to a guilty plea and a sentence of 3 to 6 years. But Judge Janice Cunningham said new information that came to light during Degner's wife's trial made her reconsider and increased the length of prison time.
Degner said he wanted to think about his options. He'll face sentencing on April 3 with his wife, 37 year old Meagan Degner.
Degner plead guilty in January to a felony child abuse charge. Meagan Degner, step-mother to the teens, was tried and found guilty on the same charges.
Investigators say they tied Shawnn Degner's 13 year old daughter and 15 year old son to their bed and beat them as discipline.
An Eaton County prosecutor said the children were treated like animals.
The children are in a residential treatment program.
http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/Father-Accused-of-Abuseing-Children-Withdraws-Plea-296087581.html
Father Accused of Abusing Children Delays Sentencing
Updated: Thu 2:22 PM, Mar 12, 2015
By: News 10
Shawnn Degner delayed sentencing after judge extends prison time.
Charlotte (WILX) Shawnn Degner asked to delay his sentencing Thursday morning, minutes before he was scheduled to be sentenced in Eaton County Circuit Court for abusing his children.
The 40 year old Potterville man had originally agreed to a guilty plea and a sentence of 3 to 6 years. But Judge Janice Cunningham said new information that came to light during Degner's wife's trial made her reconsider and increased the length of prison time.
Degner said he wanted to think about his options. He'll face sentencing on April 3 with his wife, 37 year old Meagan Degner.
Degner plead guilty in January to a felony child abuse charge. Meagan Degner, step-mother to the teens, was tried and found guilty on the same charges.
Investigators say they tied Shawnn Degner's 13 year old daughter and 15 year old son to their bed and beat them as discipline.
An Eaton County prosecutor said the children were treated like animals.
The children are in a residential treatment program.
Dad accused of severely injuring 2-month-old son (Olathe, Kansas)
Dad is identified as RYAN CHARPENTIER.
http://fox4kc.com/2015/03/17/olathe-dad-accused-of-severely-injuring-two-month-old-son/
Olathe dad accused of severely injuring two-month-old son
Posted 11:38 pm, March 17, 2015, by FOX 4 Newsroom
JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — An Olathe man is charged with severely injuring his two-month-old son.
His lawyer says 27-year-old Ryan Charpentier turned himself in to police on Tuesday morning. Johnson County prosecutors have charged Charpentier with child abuse.
Investigators say on February 8, officers went to the suspect’s home and discovered his infant son had trouble breathing. Doctors examined the baby at the hospital and determined that he suffered severe head trauma, an injury police suspect Charpentier caused.
Charpentier is also charged with aggravated battery for allegedly causing bodily harm to a second person. Police say the baby is now out of the hospital and back with his mother.
Court records show Charpentier posted bond on Tuesday, he’s due back in court on March 26.
http://fox4kc.com/2015/03/17/olathe-dad-accused-of-severely-injuring-two-month-old-son/
Olathe dad accused of severely injuring two-month-old son
Posted 11:38 pm, March 17, 2015, by FOX 4 Newsroom
JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — An Olathe man is charged with severely injuring his two-month-old son.
His lawyer says 27-year-old Ryan Charpentier turned himself in to police on Tuesday morning. Johnson County prosecutors have charged Charpentier with child abuse.
Investigators say on February 8, officers went to the suspect’s home and discovered his infant son had trouble breathing. Doctors examined the baby at the hospital and determined that he suffered severe head trauma, an injury police suspect Charpentier caused.
Charpentier is also charged with aggravated battery for allegedly causing bodily harm to a second person. Police say the baby is now out of the hospital and back with his mother.
Court records show Charpentier posted bond on Tuesday, he’s due back in court on March 26.
Dad gets life in beating death of 4-year-old son during visitation (Haywood County, North Carolina)
Sometimes these stories get past even us. When we initially posted on this story back in 2012, there was no mention of a mother or a step. So what was going on? It took a lot of searching, but according to this article (which unfortunately can't be pulled up in its entirely without a subscription), the little boy had been "visiting" Daddy and the step for a week. Whether the visitation was court-ordered or "voluntary" was not clarified. But then mothers are under enormous pressure to "facilitate" contact with biological fathers no matter how violent and abusive they are.
Dad is identified as MICHAEL SWAYNGIM, and is now on the Killer Dads and Custody list for North Carolina.
http://www.wlos.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/father-sentenced-life-beating-death-4yearold-son-20192.shtml#.VQ9hdtFFCbA
Father Sentenced to Life in Beating Death of 4-Year-Old Son
Updated: Friday, March 20 2015, 05:20 PM EDT
HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. -- A Waynesville father has pleaded guilty to a murder charge that stemmed from the beating death of his 4-year-old son.
Michael Swayngim's son Jake Russell died in August 2012. An autopsy showed he was beaten in the head.
At the time, Swayngim told deputies the child fell out of his bunk bed. Swayngim was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Julia, Swayngim's wife and the child's stepmother, has a court date next month in the case.
She is charged with accessory to murder after the fact, accessory to felony child abuse and aiding and abetting.
Dad is identified as MICHAEL SWAYNGIM, and is now on the Killer Dads and Custody list for North Carolina.
http://www.wlos.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/father-sentenced-life-beating-death-4yearold-son-20192.shtml#.VQ9hdtFFCbA
Father Sentenced to Life in Beating Death of 4-Year-Old Son
Updated: Friday, March 20 2015, 05:20 PM EDT
HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. -- A Waynesville father has pleaded guilty to a murder charge that stemmed from the beating death of his 4-year-old son.
Michael Swayngim's son Jake Russell died in August 2012. An autopsy showed he was beaten in the head.
At the time, Swayngim told deputies the child fell out of his bunk bed. Swayngim was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Julia, Swayngim's wife and the child's stepmother, has a court date next month in the case.
She is charged with accessory to murder after the fact, accessory to felony child abuse and aiding and abetting.
Dad gets 15 years for killing 4-month-old son (Pineville, Missouri)
Not real clear, but it appears the parents were no longer together. Did this involve court-ordered joint custody/visitation? Dad is identified as TYLER WAELTZ.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/father-draws-prison-term-in-death-of-baby/article_06afe01d-127f-5c51-8874-3a9e8ab56b7d.html
Father draws prison term in death of baby
Posted: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 7:00 am
By Jeff Lehr
PINEVILLE, Mo. — A 20-year-old Pineville man pleaded guilty Tuesday and received a 15-year prison sentence for causing the death of his 4-month-old son a year ago by violently throwing him into a playpen and onto a couch.
Tyler Waeltz pleaded guilty in McDonald Circuit Court to abuse of a child resulting in death in a plea agreement calling for a 15-year prison term and waiving his right to a sentencing assessment. Circuit Judge Tim Perigo accepted the plea bargain and assessed the agreed-upon sentence.
The baby’s grandmother left the defendant's two children in his care on Feb. 17 of last year while she attended a funeral. A probable-cause affidavit filed in the case states that the children's mother had told the defendant that she found someone else and no longer wished to have him back in her life. He told investigators that this made him angry and that when the baby began crying, he dropped him into his playpen, where he landed on his head.
When the infant continued crying, he kicked the playpen “hard enough to turn it sideways,” the affidavit states. Later, he gave the boy a bath throughout which he continued crying. Waeltz said he then tossed the child onto a sectional couch. The baby’s body landed on the hard frame of the couch and Waeltz thought his head struck a toy truck that was wedged between the cushions.
He told investigators that his son’s eyes rolled back in his head and he began clinching his fists and gasping for air. He blew in the child’s face and shook him in an effort to get him breathing right, Waeltz told investigators.
The affidavit states that he then called a sister who advised him to call 911. The baby was taken to Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas, and then flown to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where he died of the injuries.
http://www.joplinglobe.com/news/local_news/father-draws-prison-term-in-death-of-baby/article_06afe01d-127f-5c51-8874-3a9e8ab56b7d.html
Father draws prison term in death of baby
Posted: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 7:00 am
By Jeff Lehr
PINEVILLE, Mo. — A 20-year-old Pineville man pleaded guilty Tuesday and received a 15-year prison sentence for causing the death of his 4-month-old son a year ago by violently throwing him into a playpen and onto a couch.
Tyler Waeltz pleaded guilty in McDonald Circuit Court to abuse of a child resulting in death in a plea agreement calling for a 15-year prison term and waiving his right to a sentencing assessment. Circuit Judge Tim Perigo accepted the plea bargain and assessed the agreed-upon sentence.
The baby’s grandmother left the defendant's two children in his care on Feb. 17 of last year while she attended a funeral. A probable-cause affidavit filed in the case states that the children's mother had told the defendant that she found someone else and no longer wished to have him back in her life. He told investigators that this made him angry and that when the baby began crying, he dropped him into his playpen, where he landed on his head.
When the infant continued crying, he kicked the playpen “hard enough to turn it sideways,” the affidavit states. Later, he gave the boy a bath throughout which he continued crying. Waeltz said he then tossed the child onto a sectional couch. The baby’s body landed on the hard frame of the couch and Waeltz thought his head struck a toy truck that was wedged between the cushions.
He told investigators that his son’s eyes rolled back in his head and he began clinching his fists and gasping for air. He blew in the child’s face and shook him in an effort to get him breathing right, Waeltz told investigators.
The affidavit states that he then called a sister who advised him to call 911. The baby was taken to Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas, and then flown to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where he died of the injuries.
Custodial dad had history of abuse allegations before 3-year-old son found dead (Hollywood, Florida)
Typical of the way in which mothers are held to a higher standard for custody. Sure, Mom was less than perfect. According to this article, she was arrested (once?) for child neglect after being under the influence. Meanwhile dad NELSON OSCEOLA has been arrested for BATTERY and has been investigated for PHYSICAL CHILD ABUSE THREE TIMES. Of course, the idiotic Florida officials couldn't substantiate anything--even when suspicious injuries were reported by others. But then they never do substantiate anything, especially when it comes to custodial fathers. And now the little boy is dead.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article15439937.html
Toddler’s body found in Hollywood home
By Charles Rabin - 03/20/2015 7:53 AM Updated: 03/20/2015 8:25 PM
When little Ahizya Osceola jumped onto his grandfather’s lap at a birthday party in December, the child cried out in pain. His buttocks were bruised and he had a bruise next to his eye, grandpa Kenneth Tommie said.
“He said, ‘Oh Pappa, it hurts,’” said Tommie. Tommie and the toddler’s mother, Karen Cypress, took the child to Hollywood Memorial Hospital. It was the last time they saw Ahizya — who lived with his father after his parents’ divorce — alive.
Late Thursday night after an exhaustive search by detectives and bloodhounds, Hollywood police found Ahizya’s tiny 45-pound frame hidden from view inside his father’s home, the body contorted at an angle in which police said it would have been impossible for the child to position himself.
“The body wasn’t visible; we had to go looking for it,” Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez said.
Ahizya Osceola was asleep when his father left his home, in the 5400 block of Johnson Street, at about 8 a.m., Hollywood police chief Frank Fernandez said.
Ahizya’s father, Nelson Osceola, 24, and his mother, Cypress, 26, who live only a few blocks apart, divorced more than two years ago. Osceola remarried but retained custody of his son. Ahizya was reported missing about three hours after his father went to work around 8 a.m. on Thursday. Fernandez said detectives are interviewing anyone with access to the home, including friends and family. Also on the list are Osceola and his wife. Fernandez said that as of late Friday afternoon, everyone was being cooperative. It took police two searches of the home and almost 12 hours to find the child.
“In the initial search we went through the entire house with gloves and still couldn’t find the child,” said Fernandez. “We went inch by inch, room by room, until we made the unfortunate discovery.”
A report from the Department of Children & Families shows state investigators have had four interactions with Ahizya since 2013, most recently in February at his father’s home, where they said there were “no indicators” of physical injury on Ahizya. The report says Ahizya lived in the home with his father, his stepmother, a 5-year-old sibling and two adult brothers of his stepmother.
Police were first alerted to the missing child at 11:48 a.m. Thursday by the Seminole Tribe, which had received the initial frantic call from Osceola’s wife. Police said they raced to the white single-story ranch home at 5420 Johnson St. and after receiving consent to enter, spent several hours looking, but found nothing.
So detectives spread out, scouring nearby fields and parks with bloodhounds, and searching canals and lakes with divers. That, too, proved fruitless. Cypress, clutching a photo of her missing son, begged for the public’s help.
“He’s my life,” she said. “I just want him home.”
Stymied in their search of the neighborhood, Fernandez said detectives again began to focus on the home. The second time, he said, they discovered the boy’s body, just before midnight Thursday. Still, it wasn’t until past 5 a.m. that Hollywood police sent out an email informing the public.
“Due to developments in the case the Hollywood Police Department is no longer seeking the public’s assistance in searching for 3-year-old Ahizya Osceola. All law enforcement search efforts for the child have ended,” police said.
Three hours later, Fernandez faced the cameras and told the public the child was dead. The home remained roped off with police tape, a crime-scene investigation truck parked on the median in front. Also parked at the home before the chief’s announcement: the Broward County Medical Examiner’s truck.
Ahizya “was found deceased inside the household” in an “obscure” location, the chief said. “The child did not place himself in that position.”
The search for Ahizya and the media crowd that gathered in the quiet tree-lined residential neighborhood of West Hollywood prompted cars to stop to ask what had happened, and neighbors leaving their homes to peek at the commotion. Kelli Holt was pushing a stroller carrying her 2-year-old.
“It’s devastating,” she said. “How can this happen to an innocent little kid?”
Interviews with family and police painted a picture of a troubled family on the radar of two child advocacy agencies. The state’s Department of Children & Families has four reports related to Ahizya since 2013. A January 2014 agency report shows that Ahizya and his siblings were removed from his mother Cypress’ custody after Ahizya was found wandering in a hotel lobby “while the mother was under the influence in her room.”
A report in April 2014 looking into possible physical injury to Ahizya and naming his father the likely perpetrator was closed as “not substantiated.” Then in February, DCF was again alerted to the family about possible physical injury to Ahizya.
“The alleged perpetrator was unknown, however it was suspected the abuse was occurring at the father’s residence,” the report said. The report says Cypress, the boy’s mother, had weekly visitation rights.
Tommie, the child’s grandfather, described his daughter’s relationship with her former husband as “strained,” and said the couple were divorced more than two years ago. He said his daughter had recently regained permission to see her son after completing court-ordered parenting classes. Cypress had custody of 1-year-old twins, Ahizya’s siblings, Tommie said.
WSVN Channel 7 reported that both parents have arrest records, Cypress on a charge of child neglect and Osceola more recently on a charge of battery. The arrests could not be confirmed on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website Friday.
Tommie also said that after the December incident in which he found his grandson injured, the family contacted the Seminole Tribe’s Family Services division. Fernandez said his department contacted the state’s Department of Children & Families also in December, after police were called to Osceola’s home for a “child neglect” issue.
As of late Friday afternoon, Tommie said police detectives still had not contacted his daughter for a formal interview.
Friday night, DCF removed and took custody of Ahizya's two siblings from Osceola's home. A shelter hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Broward County Courthouse.
“I’m hanging in there for my daughter,” Tommie said.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article15439937.html
Toddler’s body found in Hollywood home
By Charles Rabin - 03/20/2015 7:53 AM Updated: 03/20/2015 8:25 PM
When little Ahizya Osceola jumped onto his grandfather’s lap at a birthday party in December, the child cried out in pain. His buttocks were bruised and he had a bruise next to his eye, grandpa Kenneth Tommie said.
“He said, ‘Oh Pappa, it hurts,’” said Tommie. Tommie and the toddler’s mother, Karen Cypress, took the child to Hollywood Memorial Hospital. It was the last time they saw Ahizya — who lived with his father after his parents’ divorce — alive.
Late Thursday night after an exhaustive search by detectives and bloodhounds, Hollywood police found Ahizya’s tiny 45-pound frame hidden from view inside his father’s home, the body contorted at an angle in which police said it would have been impossible for the child to position himself.
“The body wasn’t visible; we had to go looking for it,” Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez said.
Ahizya Osceola was asleep when his father left his home, in the 5400 block of Johnson Street, at about 8 a.m., Hollywood police chief Frank Fernandez said.
Ahizya’s father, Nelson Osceola, 24, and his mother, Cypress, 26, who live only a few blocks apart, divorced more than two years ago. Osceola remarried but retained custody of his son. Ahizya was reported missing about three hours after his father went to work around 8 a.m. on Thursday. Fernandez said detectives are interviewing anyone with access to the home, including friends and family. Also on the list are Osceola and his wife. Fernandez said that as of late Friday afternoon, everyone was being cooperative. It took police two searches of the home and almost 12 hours to find the child.
“In the initial search we went through the entire house with gloves and still couldn’t find the child,” said Fernandez. “We went inch by inch, room by room, until we made the unfortunate discovery.”
A report from the Department of Children & Families shows state investigators have had four interactions with Ahizya since 2013, most recently in February at his father’s home, where they said there were “no indicators” of physical injury on Ahizya. The report says Ahizya lived in the home with his father, his stepmother, a 5-year-old sibling and two adult brothers of his stepmother.
Police were first alerted to the missing child at 11:48 a.m. Thursday by the Seminole Tribe, which had received the initial frantic call from Osceola’s wife. Police said they raced to the white single-story ranch home at 5420 Johnson St. and after receiving consent to enter, spent several hours looking, but found nothing.
So detectives spread out, scouring nearby fields and parks with bloodhounds, and searching canals and lakes with divers. That, too, proved fruitless. Cypress, clutching a photo of her missing son, begged for the public’s help.
“He’s my life,” she said. “I just want him home.”
Stymied in their search of the neighborhood, Fernandez said detectives again began to focus on the home. The second time, he said, they discovered the boy’s body, just before midnight Thursday. Still, it wasn’t until past 5 a.m. that Hollywood police sent out an email informing the public.
“Due to developments in the case the Hollywood Police Department is no longer seeking the public’s assistance in searching for 3-year-old Ahizya Osceola. All law enforcement search efforts for the child have ended,” police said.
Three hours later, Fernandez faced the cameras and told the public the child was dead. The home remained roped off with police tape, a crime-scene investigation truck parked on the median in front. Also parked at the home before the chief’s announcement: the Broward County Medical Examiner’s truck.
Ahizya “was found deceased inside the household” in an “obscure” location, the chief said. “The child did not place himself in that position.”
The search for Ahizya and the media crowd that gathered in the quiet tree-lined residential neighborhood of West Hollywood prompted cars to stop to ask what had happened, and neighbors leaving their homes to peek at the commotion. Kelli Holt was pushing a stroller carrying her 2-year-old.
“It’s devastating,” she said. “How can this happen to an innocent little kid?”
Interviews with family and police painted a picture of a troubled family on the radar of two child advocacy agencies. The state’s Department of Children & Families has four reports related to Ahizya since 2013. A January 2014 agency report shows that Ahizya and his siblings were removed from his mother Cypress’ custody after Ahizya was found wandering in a hotel lobby “while the mother was under the influence in her room.”
A report in April 2014 looking into possible physical injury to Ahizya and naming his father the likely perpetrator was closed as “not substantiated.” Then in February, DCF was again alerted to the family about possible physical injury to Ahizya.
“The alleged perpetrator was unknown, however it was suspected the abuse was occurring at the father’s residence,” the report said. The report says Cypress, the boy’s mother, had weekly visitation rights.
Tommie, the child’s grandfather, described his daughter’s relationship with her former husband as “strained,” and said the couple were divorced more than two years ago. He said his daughter had recently regained permission to see her son after completing court-ordered parenting classes. Cypress had custody of 1-year-old twins, Ahizya’s siblings, Tommie said.
WSVN Channel 7 reported that both parents have arrest records, Cypress on a charge of child neglect and Osceola more recently on a charge of battery. The arrests could not be confirmed on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website Friday.
Tommie also said that after the December incident in which he found his grandson injured, the family contacted the Seminole Tribe’s Family Services division. Fernandez said his department contacted the state’s Department of Children & Families also in December, after police were called to Osceola’s home for a “child neglect” issue.
As of late Friday afternoon, Tommie said police detectives still had not contacted his daughter for a formal interview.
Friday night, DCF removed and took custody of Ahizya's two siblings from Osceola's home. A shelter hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Broward County Courthouse.
“I’m hanging in there for my daughter,” Tommie said.
Dad in custody fight tried to strangle 7-year-old daughter, then committed suicide (Port St. Lucie, Florida)
A close call here--we could have had another addition to the Killer Dad and Custody list for the State of Florida. Fortunately, Mom doesn't need to worry about the safety of her children anymore....
Dad is identified as ARMANDO LAWRENCE BOTTA.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/crime-law/port-st-lucie-police-man-attacks-daughter-kills-hi/nkbCK/
Port St. Lucie police: Man attacks daughter, kills himself
9:17 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2015
PORT ST. LUCIE — A Port St. Lucie man took his own life Wednesday night after he first tried to strangle his 7-year-old daughter, city police said.
Police found Armando Lawrence Botta dead in his home in the Newport Isles community, south of Gatlin Boulevard and east of Interstate 95, from an apparent self-inflicted stab wound.
Police are investigating the incident as a suicide and an attempted murder, authorities said Thursday. Officers were called shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday to a Southwest Newport Isles home. According to a police report released Thursday night, Botta was found dead on the living room floor in front of the sofa.
A kitchen knife was lodged just between his chin and several zip ties and a USB cable were tightened around his neck, indicating an attempt at self-asphyxiation, the report said.
The officers found a 7-year-old girl who had injuries that were consistent with an attempt at strangulation, the report said. The girl told officers her father was making her a necklace and used a string to measure her neck. The girl said her father pulled the string too tightly, causing her pain.
The girl had heavy bruising on her neck and discoloration in her eyes, nose and mouth. It was not clear if she was conscious when Botta committed suicide, police said.
Police found a suicide note addressed to Botta’s estranged wife. After returning to the home, Botta’s wife told police she and Botta were in the process of separating. His wife said Botta had a history of medical issues, but had never exhibited violent behavior toward her or the children in the past.
The woman said she left Wednesday night to pick up two children from a church where the children also attend school. She received a call from the 7-year-old girl and called 911. The woman hurriedly retrieved the other children before returning home, police said. She told police she and Botta had recently argued about child-custody arrangements once their separation became final.
Dad is identified as ARMANDO LAWRENCE BOTTA.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/crime-law/port-st-lucie-police-man-attacks-daughter-kills-hi/nkbCK/
Port St. Lucie police: Man attacks daughter, kills himself
9:17 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2015
PORT ST. LUCIE — A Port St. Lucie man took his own life Wednesday night after he first tried to strangle his 7-year-old daughter, city police said.
Police found Armando Lawrence Botta dead in his home in the Newport Isles community, south of Gatlin Boulevard and east of Interstate 95, from an apparent self-inflicted stab wound.
Police are investigating the incident as a suicide and an attempted murder, authorities said Thursday. Officers were called shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday to a Southwest Newport Isles home. According to a police report released Thursday night, Botta was found dead on the living room floor in front of the sofa.
A kitchen knife was lodged just between his chin and several zip ties and a USB cable were tightened around his neck, indicating an attempt at self-asphyxiation, the report said.
The officers found a 7-year-old girl who had injuries that were consistent with an attempt at strangulation, the report said. The girl told officers her father was making her a necklace and used a string to measure her neck. The girl said her father pulled the string too tightly, causing her pain.
The girl had heavy bruising on her neck and discoloration in her eyes, nose and mouth. It was not clear if she was conscious when Botta committed suicide, police said.
Police found a suicide note addressed to Botta’s estranged wife. After returning to the home, Botta’s wife told police she and Botta were in the process of separating. His wife said Botta had a history of medical issues, but had never exhibited violent behavior toward her or the children in the past.
The woman said she left Wednesday night to pick up two children from a church where the children also attend school. She received a call from the 7-year-old girl and called 911. The woman hurriedly retrieved the other children before returning home, police said. She told police she and Botta had recently argued about child-custody arrangements once their separation became final.
Dad charged with criminal abuse for assaulting infant son (Louisvile, Kentucky)
Dad is identified as EDWARD PAULIN.
http://www.wdrb.com/story/28581113/father-charged-with-criminal-abuse-for-assaulting-his-infant-son
Father charged with criminal abuse for assaulting his infant son
Posted: Mar 21, 2015 8:50 PM EDT
Updated: Mar 21, 2015 8:50 PM EDT
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - A man is behind bars after police say he assaulted his infant son. Edward Paulin, 20, is charged with assault and criminal abuse.
Police say the young child was brought to Kosair Children's hospital after he had been unresponsive for several minutes.
They say the child was found to have injuries to his brain and several fractures on other parts of his body.
Paulin later admitted to causing the child's injuries. He's now being held on a $100,000 bond.
http://www.wdrb.com/story/28581113/father-charged-with-criminal-abuse-for-assaulting-his-infant-son
Father charged with criminal abuse for assaulting his infant son
Posted: Mar 21, 2015 8:50 PM EDT
Updated: Mar 21, 2015 8:50 PM EDT
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - A man is behind bars after police say he assaulted his infant son. Edward Paulin, 20, is charged with assault and criminal abuse.
Police say the young child was brought to Kosair Children's hospital after he had been unresponsive for several minutes.
They say the child was found to have injuries to his brain and several fractures on other parts of his body.
Paulin later admitted to causing the child's injuries. He's now being held on a $100,000 bond.
"Missing" 3-year-old boy found dead in home of custodial father (Hollywood, Florida)
As often happens, a careful reading reveals that dad NELSON OSCEOLA is apparently custodial, though custody issues are buried here under lots of confusing prose. This is typical. Utterly unexplained here is why this little boy lived with his father and who was responsible for this custody decision. Florida has generally led the US in terms of fathers on the Killer Dads and Custody list.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-hollywood-missing-boy-folo-20150320-story.html
'Obscure' place in Hollywood home hid missing boy's body
Developing: Police end search for 3-year-old boy
Early Friday morning Hollywood police said the public's help was no longer being sought in searching for a 3-year-old boy who had been reporting missing.
By Linda Trischitta Sun Sentinel
A 3-year-old boy who had been reported missing from Hollywood is dead.
Police said the body of 3-year-old Ahizya Osceola was found in an obscure location inside his home. March 20, 2015, 2:32 PM
HOLLYWOOD
A 3-year-old boy whose body was found in his father's Hollywood home Thursday night will be buried at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian reservation in Clewiston once it is released by the Broward Medical Examiner's Office, a family member said..
The death of Ahizya Osceola — whose body was discovered in an "obscure" place in a house on the 5400 block of Johnson Street — is the subject of a "criminal investigation until proven otherwise," Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez said in a Friday morning press conference.
No one was in custody midday Friday and family members were cooperating with police, the agency said.
Ahizya Osceola was the son of Nelson Osceola, who lives at the home with his wife and two other children, and Karen Cypress, who lives elsewhere in the city. Cypress is a homemaker and cares full-time for her 18-month-old twins, a boy and a girl, said her father, Kenneth Tommie.
She had made a tearful public plea Thursday for the safe return of her son.
"Please, please call the police department, so I can have my baby back," Cypress said at a news conference. "He's my heart, he's my life. I don't know what I would do…I just want him home." Osceola said Thursday he last saw his son at 4 a.m. when he went to check on Ahizya's 8-month-old sister. When Osceola left for work at about 7:30 a.m., his wife was awake and Ahizya was still sleeping, he said.
Osceola stayed in contact with his wife until about 9 a.m., when she fell asleep with the baby.
"She woke up and he was gone," said Osceola, who learned about his son's disappearance in a text message from his wife. "I just want to see my son."
The child's parents are members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and family members gathered around Karen at her home Friday to support her, Tommie said.
"She is waiting on a phone call from the lead investigator about when they will release the body," Tommie said. "He will have a regular funeral [at the reservation], but they will do Indian medicine after."
Tribal members "are sad," said Gary Bitner, a spokesman for the Seminoles. "Everybody's sad. It's a terrible tragedy."
Fernandez said he felt "heartfelt sorrow" that his officers' "exhaustive search" did not end with the child's safe recovery.
Though bloodhounds were used around the exterior of the home, the dogs did not search inside, Fernandez said.
The incident began at 11:48 a.m. Thursday when Seminole police called Hollywood police to report that the child was missing from the house, Fernandez said. #The toddler's body was found about 12 hours later.
In the hours in between the report of the child's disappearance and the tragic discovery, Fernandez said a "two-to-three square mile area" was searched by his agency with the help of the Broward Sheriff's Office and Community Emergency Response Team volunteers.
At 5 a.m. Friday, a physician from the Broward Medical Examiner's Office was called and as the sun rose, the agency's SUV and two crime scene investigation trucks were parked in front of the single-story white house. Yellow police tape enveloped the home as well as neighboring properties. Citing the investigation, the police chief would not say where the body was found and would not describe whether the child had experienced any trauma.
"We are interviewing anyone who had access to the household," Fernandez said. "Part of the investigation is, how did we find the child deceased? Why did he end up in the condition that he ended up in?"
Mayor Peter Bober called the child's death "a real tragedy for the family and definitely a loss for the city of Hollywood."
Staff Researcher Barbara Hijek and Staff Writers Emily Miller, Mike Clary, Wayne K. Roustan and Doug Phillips contributed to this story.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-hollywood-missing-boy-folo-20150320-story.html
'Obscure' place in Hollywood home hid missing boy's body
Developing: Police end search for 3-year-old boy
Early Friday morning Hollywood police said the public's help was no longer being sought in searching for a 3-year-old boy who had been reporting missing.
By Linda Trischitta Sun Sentinel
A 3-year-old boy who had been reported missing from Hollywood is dead.
Police said the body of 3-year-old Ahizya Osceola was found in an obscure location inside his home. March 20, 2015, 2:32 PM
HOLLYWOOD
A 3-year-old boy whose body was found in his father's Hollywood home Thursday night will be buried at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian reservation in Clewiston once it is released by the Broward Medical Examiner's Office, a family member said..
The death of Ahizya Osceola — whose body was discovered in an "obscure" place in a house on the 5400 block of Johnson Street — is the subject of a "criminal investigation until proven otherwise," Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez said in a Friday morning press conference.
No one was in custody midday Friday and family members were cooperating with police, the agency said.
Ahizya Osceola was the son of Nelson Osceola, who lives at the home with his wife and two other children, and Karen Cypress, who lives elsewhere in the city. Cypress is a homemaker and cares full-time for her 18-month-old twins, a boy and a girl, said her father, Kenneth Tommie.
She had made a tearful public plea Thursday for the safe return of her son.
"Please, please call the police department, so I can have my baby back," Cypress said at a news conference. "He's my heart, he's my life. I don't know what I would do…I just want him home." Osceola said Thursday he last saw his son at 4 a.m. when he went to check on Ahizya's 8-month-old sister. When Osceola left for work at about 7:30 a.m., his wife was awake and Ahizya was still sleeping, he said.
Osceola stayed in contact with his wife until about 9 a.m., when she fell asleep with the baby.
"She woke up and he was gone," said Osceola, who learned about his son's disappearance in a text message from his wife. "I just want to see my son."
The child's parents are members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and family members gathered around Karen at her home Friday to support her, Tommie said.
"She is waiting on a phone call from the lead investigator about when they will release the body," Tommie said. "He will have a regular funeral [at the reservation], but they will do Indian medicine after."
Tribal members "are sad," said Gary Bitner, a spokesman for the Seminoles. "Everybody's sad. It's a terrible tragedy."
Fernandez said he felt "heartfelt sorrow" that his officers' "exhaustive search" did not end with the child's safe recovery.
Though bloodhounds were used around the exterior of the home, the dogs did not search inside, Fernandez said.
The incident began at 11:48 a.m. Thursday when Seminole police called Hollywood police to report that the child was missing from the house, Fernandez said. #The toddler's body was found about 12 hours later.
In the hours in between the report of the child's disappearance and the tragic discovery, Fernandez said a "two-to-three square mile area" was searched by his agency with the help of the Broward Sheriff's Office and Community Emergency Response Team volunteers.
At 5 a.m. Friday, a physician from the Broward Medical Examiner's Office was called and as the sun rose, the agency's SUV and two crime scene investigation trucks were parked in front of the single-story white house. Yellow police tape enveloped the home as well as neighboring properties. Citing the investigation, the police chief would not say where the body was found and would not describe whether the child had experienced any trauma.
"We are interviewing anyone who had access to the household," Fernandez said. "Part of the investigation is, how did we find the child deceased? Why did he end up in the condition that he ended up in?"
Mayor Peter Bober called the child's death "a real tragedy for the family and definitely a loss for the city of Hollywood."
Staff Researcher Barbara Hijek and Staff Writers Emily Miller, Mike Clary, Wayne K. Roustan and Doug Phillips contributed to this story.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Dad with shared custody gets 45 years for beating death of 6-week-old daughter (Rock Hill, South Carolina)
Yet another "caretaker" dad who got "frustrated" and killed the baby. Dad is identified as QUENTIN EVANS. According to this earlier article, Dad had shared custody of the baby. Unmarried fathers should not have custodial rights over infants. Typically they have no emotional investment in the baby or the mother. See the Killer Dads and Custody list for South Carolina.
http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/crime/article15391112.html
Rock Hill dad sentenced to 45 years for death of baby daughter
By Rachel Southmayd 03/19/2015 5:52 PM | Updated: 03/20/2015 11:04 AM
YORK — Quentin Evans was sentenced to 45 years in prison after a jury found him guilty Thursday of homicide by child abuse in the death of his 6-week-old daughter, Kaidence.
Kaidence died in the early morning hours of Jan. 23, 2014, at a home on Wright Street in Rock Hill. A forensic pathologist testified this week that Kaidence had multiple bruises, a broken collarbone and bleeding around her spine and subdural hematomas in her brain caused by rapid and repetitive acceleration and deceleration, or shaking the baby. The pathologist and several other law enforcement officials testified during the four-day trial that Kaidence’s injuries were consistent with child abuse. Evans’ attorney, Dave Cook, presented the alternate theory that Kaidence rolled off the bed and fell between the bed and the wall, causing her injuries and ultimately, her death. The attorney said Evans, who has two prior convictions on misdemeanor drug charges, “yanked” the baby up by her arm and she seemed to go back to sleep, but when Evans looked at her a short time later, she wasn’t breathing. During closing arguments, Cook cautioned jurors to be careful of the “CSI effect” and argued the pathologist was biased and that investigators only sought out evidence that reinforced their child abuse theory.
Kevin Brackett, 16th Circuit Solicitor, both in his closing arguments and in his questioning of Evans, who took the stand Thursday, pointed out the inconsistencies with Evans’ story about the day and night leading up to Kaidence’s death.
During the investigation, Evans changed the order and timeline of events several times. In his initial interviews with investigators, which were played in court for the jury, Evans said Kaidence had been up all night screaming, but he later changed his story to say that she had not cried all night.
Evans’ mother, father and brother all testified that Kaidence had not cried or been fussy while she was with Evans.
“You will drive yourself crazy listening to all the variations of (Evans’) story,” Brackett said to the jury.
Brackett said that many of the statements Evans made during the investigation were incriminating because he seemed to know so many details about Kaidence’s injuries before investigators told him about them and said many of the things Evans said were “bizarre and incomprehensible.”
Evans, Brackett said, could have been frustrated and tired of caring for Kaidence all day and hurt her by grabbing her neck, hitting her head on something, squeezing her hard enough to cause bruising and break her collarbone and shaking her until she finally stopped crying because she was dying. Even if Evans did hurt his daughter by accident, the fact he noticed her neck was limp and her head was “flopping around,” according to Evans’ own statements, not acting immediately was reason enough to convict him, Brackett said.
“You could convict him for doing it and you could convict him for not doing anything about it,” the solicitor said to the jury.
After the verdict was read and Evans was sentenced, Kaidence’s aunt Talisha Banks, said Kaidence’s death, Evans’ arrest and the trial have been “rough” on their entire family. While happy it was over and there was some closure, Banks said 45 years is not a long enough punishment for what Evans did to Kaidence.
Before the sentence was announced by Judge J. Derham Cole, Banks stood before the court and spoke, saying her family forgave Evans.
“At the end of the day, we don’t hate him or his family,” she said after the sentencing. “But it’s hard to explain to the other kids in our family what he did and why Kaidence isn’t coming back.” Kaidence’s mother, Kierra Banks, was in the courtroom for most of the trial but was not there Thursday for personal reasons.
After the verdict, Brackett, who called Evans’ verdict and sentence “entirely justified” said Kaidence’s life and death should serve as a message and warning to parents about the dangers of getting angry at young children. Parents who feel themselves getting dangerously frustrated at their babies should put the baby in a safe place, walk away, calm down and ask for help.
“Mr. Evans, he got frustrated, he lost his patience,” Brackett said, and he did something he couldn’t take back. Rachel Southmayd
http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/crime/article15391112.html
Rock Hill dad sentenced to 45 years for death of baby daughter
By Rachel Southmayd 03/19/2015 5:52 PM | Updated: 03/20/2015 11:04 AM
YORK — Quentin Evans was sentenced to 45 years in prison after a jury found him guilty Thursday of homicide by child abuse in the death of his 6-week-old daughter, Kaidence.
Kaidence died in the early morning hours of Jan. 23, 2014, at a home on Wright Street in Rock Hill. A forensic pathologist testified this week that Kaidence had multiple bruises, a broken collarbone and bleeding around her spine and subdural hematomas in her brain caused by rapid and repetitive acceleration and deceleration, or shaking the baby. The pathologist and several other law enforcement officials testified during the four-day trial that Kaidence’s injuries were consistent with child abuse. Evans’ attorney, Dave Cook, presented the alternate theory that Kaidence rolled off the bed and fell between the bed and the wall, causing her injuries and ultimately, her death. The attorney said Evans, who has two prior convictions on misdemeanor drug charges, “yanked” the baby up by her arm and she seemed to go back to sleep, but when Evans looked at her a short time later, she wasn’t breathing. During closing arguments, Cook cautioned jurors to be careful of the “CSI effect” and argued the pathologist was biased and that investigators only sought out evidence that reinforced their child abuse theory.
Kevin Brackett, 16th Circuit Solicitor, both in his closing arguments and in his questioning of Evans, who took the stand Thursday, pointed out the inconsistencies with Evans’ story about the day and night leading up to Kaidence’s death.
During the investigation, Evans changed the order and timeline of events several times. In his initial interviews with investigators, which were played in court for the jury, Evans said Kaidence had been up all night screaming, but he later changed his story to say that she had not cried all night.
Evans’ mother, father and brother all testified that Kaidence had not cried or been fussy while she was with Evans.
“You will drive yourself crazy listening to all the variations of (Evans’) story,” Brackett said to the jury.
Brackett said that many of the statements Evans made during the investigation were incriminating because he seemed to know so many details about Kaidence’s injuries before investigators told him about them and said many of the things Evans said were “bizarre and incomprehensible.”
Evans, Brackett said, could have been frustrated and tired of caring for Kaidence all day and hurt her by grabbing her neck, hitting her head on something, squeezing her hard enough to cause bruising and break her collarbone and shaking her until she finally stopped crying because she was dying. Even if Evans did hurt his daughter by accident, the fact he noticed her neck was limp and her head was “flopping around,” according to Evans’ own statements, not acting immediately was reason enough to convict him, Brackett said.
“You could convict him for doing it and you could convict him for not doing anything about it,” the solicitor said to the jury.
After the verdict was read and Evans was sentenced, Kaidence’s aunt Talisha Banks, said Kaidence’s death, Evans’ arrest and the trial have been “rough” on their entire family. While happy it was over and there was some closure, Banks said 45 years is not a long enough punishment for what Evans did to Kaidence.
Before the sentence was announced by Judge J. Derham Cole, Banks stood before the court and spoke, saying her family forgave Evans.
“At the end of the day, we don’t hate him or his family,” she said after the sentencing. “But it’s hard to explain to the other kids in our family what he did and why Kaidence isn’t coming back.” Kaidence’s mother, Kierra Banks, was in the courtroom for most of the trial but was not there Thursday for personal reasons.
After the verdict, Brackett, who called Evans’ verdict and sentence “entirely justified” said Kaidence’s life and death should serve as a message and warning to parents about the dangers of getting angry at young children. Parents who feel themselves getting dangerously frustrated at their babies should put the baby in a safe place, walk away, calm down and ask for help.
“Mr. Evans, he got frustrated, he lost his patience,” Brackett said, and he did something he couldn’t take back. Rachel Southmayd
Dad charged with attempted murder of 6-week-old son; baby on life support (New Orleans, Louisiana)
A very typical shaken baby story. Mom apparently forced to work, even though the baby is practically a newborn still. Trigger-temper Daddy (unemployed? underemployed?) takes over "caretaking." Of course, everybody swears he's a "good guy" even though the moron thinks you can "discipline" a newborn infant for crying.
Why jerks like this need to get jobs and let moms take care of babies...
Dad is identified as MARTY MICHAEL MARCEL.
http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/lafourche-terrebonne/2015/03/20/baby-attempted-murder/25080421/
Baby fights for life, father charged with attempted murder
A man was arrested for shaking a 6-week-old baby who is now on life support.
WWL Jaclyn Kelley / Eyewitness News 6:21 p.m. CDT March 20, 2015
NEW ORLEANS - A Houma newborn is on life-support after Terrebonne Parish deputies say his father shook him, causing a major brain injury.
The father, Marty Michael Marcel, 26, is behind bars after being charged with attempted second-degree murder. Meanwhile, the 6-week-old boy is fighting for his life at Children's Hospital in New Orleans.
Back in Houma, friends and family said they were in complete shock after learning deputies arrested Marcel Thursday night for shaking the baby.
"I can't believe it at all, very shocking," says a friend, who asked not to be identified. "I'm still in shock."
Terrebonne Parish deputies say, on Sunday, the newborn's parents rushed him to the hospital after he started having seizures.
It was there that doctors discovered the baby had bruises on his body and damage to two thirds of his brain. An injury consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
"This child will never have a normal life and right now we are not sure if the child is going to make it or not, but if the child does make it he still won't be normal," says Major Malcolm Wolfe, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say Marcel was home alone with the baby while his mother was at work.
Marcel told investigators the newborn would not stop crying and that he was just trying to discipline the baby, but Marcel says he did not intentionally hurt his son.
"He is cooperating and is taking responsibility," says Wolfe. "He was in possession of child when the child was injured."
A close friend of Marcel's says he never thought he could be capable of something like this.
"What I knew, he was a good guy, you couldn't ask for better," says his friend. "Never had to deal with him, he's a quiet guy."
Marcel's friends says, as a father himself, his thoughts are with the newborn and the rest of the family during this difficult time.
"I hope they get through it, I hope the baby pulls through, that's the most that I hope," says the friend. "Anything else, that justice is served, but I just hope the baby pulls through this."
On Friday, the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office charged Marcel with attempted murder and he remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office at 985-876-2500.
Why jerks like this need to get jobs and let moms take care of babies...
Dad is identified as MARTY MICHAEL MARCEL.
http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/lafourche-terrebonne/2015/03/20/baby-attempted-murder/25080421/
Baby fights for life, father charged with attempted murder
A man was arrested for shaking a 6-week-old baby who is now on life support.
WWL Jaclyn Kelley / Eyewitness News 6:21 p.m. CDT March 20, 2015
NEW ORLEANS - A Houma newborn is on life-support after Terrebonne Parish deputies say his father shook him, causing a major brain injury.
The father, Marty Michael Marcel, 26, is behind bars after being charged with attempted second-degree murder. Meanwhile, the 6-week-old boy is fighting for his life at Children's Hospital in New Orleans.
Back in Houma, friends and family said they were in complete shock after learning deputies arrested Marcel Thursday night for shaking the baby.
"I can't believe it at all, very shocking," says a friend, who asked not to be identified. "I'm still in shock."
Terrebonne Parish deputies say, on Sunday, the newborn's parents rushed him to the hospital after he started having seizures.
It was there that doctors discovered the baby had bruises on his body and damage to two thirds of his brain. An injury consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
"This child will never have a normal life and right now we are not sure if the child is going to make it or not, but if the child does make it he still won't be normal," says Major Malcolm Wolfe, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say Marcel was home alone with the baby while his mother was at work.
Marcel told investigators the newborn would not stop crying and that he was just trying to discipline the baby, but Marcel says he did not intentionally hurt his son.
"He is cooperating and is taking responsibility," says Wolfe. "He was in possession of child when the child was injured."
A close friend of Marcel's says he never thought he could be capable of something like this.
"What I knew, he was a good guy, you couldn't ask for better," says his friend. "Never had to deal with him, he's a quiet guy."
Marcel's friends says, as a father himself, his thoughts are with the newborn and the rest of the family during this difficult time.
"I hope they get through it, I hope the baby pulls through, that's the most that I hope," says the friend. "Anything else, that justice is served, but I just hope the baby pulls through this."
On Friday, the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office charged Marcel with attempted murder and he remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office at 985-876-2500.