It's not reported here, but dad CHARLIE BOTHUELL IV formerly had custody. The boy is now safe with his mother.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/key-hearing-nears-end-in-case-of-detroit-boy-in-basement
Father, stepmother of Charlie Bothuell bound over for trial on child abuse charges
Posted: 7:32 AM, Jun 24, 2015
Updated: 5:30 PM, Jun 24, 2015
DETROIT (AP MODIFIED) - The father and stepmother of Charlie Bothuell V will stand trial on second degree child abuse charges, a judge ruled today.
The Detroit boy was missing for 11 days before he was found in the family's basement a year ago.
The search for Charlie Bothuell led to an investigation of his father, also named Charlie Bothuell, and Monique Dillard-Bothuell.
Charlie says he was struck with a stick or PVC pipe if he disappointed his dad and stepmother. Charlie described his home as a "terrible place."
But defense lawyers say Charlie is lying. If he was stuck in the basement, they say he had many opportunities to leave the house during those 11 days.