Activists and reporters sometimes ask about a more manageable list of some of the worst cases of children killed in situations involving child custody. So I went throught the U.S. state lists and pulled out some of the more notable or better documented cases. So here are 40 (well actually 42). And that's leaving out Florida (traditionally one of the worst) and Maryland (also one of the worst). Check out those state lists (to the left) if you want more information, or any of the state lists for other cases, especially those before 2011.
Pierce County, Washington State:
Father: JOSH POWELL
Victim(s) Charlie Powell (7 years), Braden Powell (5 years). Mother Susan Cox Powell “disappeared” in 2009. Father only “person of interest” in her disappearance.
Date of Death: February 2012
Father killed sons in murder-suicide during supervised visitation at his home. Boys suffered hatchet wounds before house consumed by arson. Father had lost bid to regain child custody from maternal grandparents just days before. Originally lost custody in fall 2011 when paternal grandfather (with whom father and sons were living) arrested for child porn. Father only “person of interest” in mother’s disappearance (presumed murder) in December 2009. In May 2014, investigators alleged that father also sexually abused the boys.
See related posts here.
Hanover County, Virginia:
Father: ROBERT D. KING
Victim(s): Twin daughters Caroline and Madison King (3 years)
Date of Death: January 2012
Father in "bitter custody battle" with children's mother stabbed twin daughters, then gassed them to death with carbon monoxide. Father, who committed suicide, had weekend visitation at time of murders. Protective mother's concerns ignored by authorities.
See related post here.
Chittenden County, Vermont:
Father: LUDWIG "SONNY" SCHUMAKER
Victim(s): Gunnar Schumacher (14 years)
Date of Death: December 2013
Father with "shared custody" kills son in murder-suicide. Mother's warnings to police, authorities were ignored for months.
See related post here.
Donley County, Texas:
Father: ROBERT MONROE BABCOCK
Victim(s): Chance Mark Jones (4 years)
Date of Death: January 2011
Custodial father charged with capital murder. Boy beaten to death just weeks after father gained custody. Father had previously been uninvolved in child’s life. In June 2012, father convicted of son's death and sentenced to life without parole.
See related posts here.
Shelby County, Tennessee:
Father: TERRY PATTERSON
Victim(s): Josiah (3 years)
Date of Death: September 2015
Father with previous conviction for statutory rape granted joint custody. Mother fought for sole custody when boy returned to her with signs of abuse. Numerous complaints to CPS were ignored. Father now charged with 1st-degree murder.
See related posts here.
Lexington County, South Carolina:
Father: TIMOTHY RAY JONES
Victim(s): Merah (8 years), Elias (6 years), Nahtahn (6 years), Gabriel (2 years), Elaine (1 year)
Date of Death: Late August/Early September 2014
Father with felony history and history of domestic violence secured full custody of five young children. Retained custody through multiple CPS investigations for child abuse/neglect. Children's bodies were found in garbage bags in Alabama.
See related posts here.
City of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Father: BYRON CREECH
Victim(s): 5-year-old son
Date: March 2015
Father had court-ordered joint custody, despite history of death threats with gun, vandalism, controlling behavior. Mother obtained order of protection, but still required to facilitate child custody exchanges. Father broke into mother's home, held boy hostage in police standoff. Boy found dead at end of siege.
See related post here.
Father: WILLIAM ROLANDO FUENTES GODINEZ
Victim(s): Franklin Yosiel Fuentes Ramirez (3 years), Caroline Michelle Fuentes Ramirez (5 years), mother Maribel Jaqueline Ramirez Fuentes
Date of Death: August 2014
Father murdered two children, their mother after she arrived to pick them up from visitation. Why dad had visitation or whether this was court-ordered is not explained. But father had a history of domestic violence and had "regularly" threatened to kill the mother.
See related post here.
Logan County, Ohio:
Father: ANTHONY BARTON
Victim(s): Michael G. Barton
Date of Death: May 2015
Despite history of domestic violence against the mother, father granted shared custody. For months before the boy's beating death, father had shut off the mother's access. Father charged with felony child abuse, but could face additional charges. After pleading guilty to murder, dad sentenced to life in prison in October 2015.
See related posts here and here.
Onslow County, North Carolina:
Father: ANTHONY WAYNE YOUNG
Victim(s): Ruby-Rayne Delana Young (13 months)
Date of Death: May 2015
Despite criminal history including multiple drug offenses, father awarded legal custody. Charged with murder for allegedly slitting daughter's throat with kitchen knife.
See related post here.
Durham County, North Carolina:
Father: TYRONE XAVIER HESTER
Victim(s): Aaishia (22 months)
Date of Death: May 2011
Daughter killed in murder-suicide during father’s visitation. Mother had called police to do wellness check, father killed child half an hour after police left. Police had concluded child not “in danger.”
See related post here.
New York County, New York:
Father: DMITRY KANARIKOV
Victim(s): Kirill Kanarikov (3 years)
Date of Death: December 21, 2013
Father had history of domestic violence, suicidal threats, yet was granted unsupervised visitation.
During first visit, father threw son off high rise building in murder-suicide.
See related post here.
Warren County, New York:
Father: ADAM PARCELLS
Victim(s): Noel Parcells (10 years), Mia Parcells (3 years)
Date of Death: September 2011
Because of previous child abuse, father limited to supervised visitation with older daughter. Abducted girls during scheduled visit in Rochester, New York, and shot them to death in murder-suicide at a Lake George campground. Rochester police refused to issue immediate Amber Alert because they considered it just a custody matter. Father still had joint custody/weekend visitation with younger daughter. In September 2012, one of the mothers filed a law suit against the Rochester Police Department.
See related posts here.
Monmouth County, New Jersey:
Father: ARTHUR FREEMAN III
Victim(s): Tierra Morgan-Glover (2 years)
Date of Death: November 2011
Despite history of domestic violence, father obtained court-ordered visitation. Father accused of murdering daughter by throwing her off bridge into creek. Father later arrested in California after disappearing. Father found guilty of murder, sentenced to life in prison in May 2014.
See related posts here.
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire:
Father: MUNI SAVYON
Victim(s): Joshua Savyon (9 years)
Date of Death: August 2013
Despite past death threats, father awarded supervised visitation. Father shot and killed son at YWCA visitation center in murder-suicide.
See related posts here.
Desoto County, Mississippi:
Father: JACK TOMMY RAINES
Victim(s): Tyler Raines (11 years)
Date of Death: February 2014
Custodial dad, step charged with capital murder in death of son. Protective mother claims she was denied contact, that police declared the problem a "civil matter." In January 2015, father and step pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder.
See related posts here.
Kalamazoo County, Michigan:
Father: JARROD ELLIOT
Victim(s): Ava Jones (1 year)
Date of Death: November 2013
News accounts are not clear, but it appears father had shared custody at the time of his daughter's death. Father has not been charged as autopsy reportedly "inconclusive" though DHS has admitted that "neglect" may have played a part in baby's death. As of May 2014, father fighting to retain custody of surviving 3-year-old son, though mother believes the father is responsible for daughter's death, that her death has not been investigated properly, and that past allegations of abuse against the father were not properly investigated either. In June 2014, reported that father had history of domestic violence, had denied paternity of dead child before pursuing custody, and had succeeded in securing visitation. Judge not named. No additional updates as of October 2014.
See related post here.
Suffolk County, Massachusetts:
Father: PATRICK MARCELIN
Victim(s): Destin (6 years)
Date of Death: September 2014
Father with "long time" custody smothered son to death then committed suicide. Media reports indicate mother had been "debriefed" as to the results of the investigation, but no indication as to why a mentally unstable/suicidal father had custody of a young child.
See related posts here.
Bossier Parish, Louisiana:
Father: WESLEY LOWE
Victim(s): Anna Celeste Lowe (5 years)
Date of Death: January 2011
Father got “temporary custody” after accusing mother of abuse. Though charges were determined to be unfounded, father managed to get 4 district judges to sign off 5 times on extending order. Father had history of domestic violence, drug abuse. CPS allegedly failed to investigate father's home, failed to investigate suspected abuse reported by child's teacher. Daughter had apparently been dead for two hours by the time father, step took her to the hospital. Father charged with negligible homicide, step with 1st-degree murder (later dropped to 2nd-degree murder). Mother filed lawsuit against Louisiana DCF in February 2012. In December 2012, DA abruptly dropped charges against the father. Step pleaded guilty to manslaughter one month before.
See related posts here.
East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana:
Father: CEDRIC MATAMOROS SR.
Victim(s): Malaysia Matamoros (2 years)
Date of Death: May 2011
Custodial father charged with 1st-degree murder; allegedly killed child over mother's suit to regain child custody, child support. In January 2013 Father died before trial from natural causes.
See related post here.
Christian County, Kentucky:
Father: CHARLES T. MORRIS
Victim(s): Alayna Adair (3 years)
Date of Death: July 2011
Custodial father charged with murder in daughter’s death. State social worker is accused of failing to properly investigate previous abuse claim from one month before. Father had previous history of CPS investigations, domestic violence reports. Father's trial initially set for May 2012. In June 2012, social worker indicted on tampering with public records, a felony. In September 2013, father convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
See related post here.
Brown County, Kansas:
Father: LEE DAVIS
Victim(s): Mehki Boone (4 years)
Date of Death: March 2013
Custodial father with history of domestic violence convicted of beating death of son. Lawsuit filed by protective mother against state agencies document a pattern of incompetence and cover ups.
See related post here.
Henry County, Indiana:
Father: JOSEPH HORN
Victim(s): Thomas Cordell Horn (5 years), Corinne Nicole Horn (11 years)
Date of Death: August 2015
After "difficult divorce" (presumably code for history of domestic violence), father kills children in murder-suicide. Apparently had joint custody at minimum as murders discovered after school authorities reported children as missing.
See related post here.
Alexander County, Illinois:
Father: ELVIS HABIBOVIC
Victim(s): Logan Habibovic (1 year)
Date of Death: June 2015
Chronically unemployed/underemployed father with history of unspecified "domestic disturbances" awarded joint custody, despite mother's efforts to secure full custody. Abducts son and kills him in murder-suicide in Missouri.
See related post here.
Cook County, Illinois:
Father: ANDRE FORD
Victim(s): Gizzell Ford (8 years)
Date of Death: July 2013
Custodial dad, paternal grandmother charged with murder in torture killing of daughter. Mother had been trying to regain custody. In July 2014, it was reported that mother was suing CPS for ignoring signs that the girl was being abused. In August 2014, father died in police custody of a reported heart attack while awaiting trial.
See related posts here.
Ada County, Idaho:
Father: ANDREW DAVIS
Victim(s): Natasha Echon-Davis (3 years)
Date of Death: May 2011
Father with joint custody killed daughter in murder-suicide. Had been battling mother for custody rights since baby’s birth.
See related posts here.
Bannock County, Idaho:
Father: LEE ROSS BARBONE
Victim(s): Richard Barbone (7 months)
Date of Death: May 2011
Despite history of domestic battery, father granted custody/visitation rights with infant son. Father charged with 1st-degree murder. Pleaded guilty to 1st-degree murder in October 2011, and sentenced to at least 10 years in prison in November 2011.
See related posts here.
Father: ANTHONY BLAKE VILES
Victim(s): Afton Allison (6 years)
Date of Death: April 2012
Father gained custody of son he had never met. Two months later, son beaten to death. Dad charged with 1st-degree murder. Convicted and sentenced to 15 years of prison in October 2013.
See related posts here.
Paulding County, Georgia:
Father: SHAYAA FORBES
Victim(s): Eric Forbes (12 years)
Date of Death: October 2013
Custodial dad charged with murder of son. CPS allegedly ignored previous allegations of abuse. Mother trying to regain custody of surviving sibling. Father indicted on eight felony charges in April 2014.
See related posts here.
Douglas County, Georgia:
Father: CEDRIC PRATHER
Victim(s): London (7 years) and Jeremiah (9 years) shot dead; Misha (15 years) and unidentified sister (8 years) in critical condition. Mother Latoya Andrews and boyfriend Terry Brown also killed.
Date of Death: February 2015
Father with history of domestic violence raids house of ex-wife and mows down entire family. Child custody/visitation arrangements not clarified in news accounts, but father was apparently aggravated by his child support obligations. Reported that father retained shared custody/visitation even after mother got temporary order of protection after father broke into the house and raped her.
See related posts here.
Fulton County, Georgia:
Father: EMAN MOSS
Victim(s): Emani Moss (10 years)
Date of Death: October 2013
Despite history of domestic violence and numerous child abuse allegations and child abuse investigations, father managed to gain and retain custody of daughter. Girl's body found burned in trash can, apparently died from beatings and starvation. Mother had spent 2-3 years trying to regain custody. Father charged with murder. In May 2014, prosecutors announced they would be seeking the death penalty at trial. In July 2014, father and step pleaded not guilty to murder. In June 2015, however, father pleaded guilty to felony murder. Sentenced to life without parole in August 2015.
See related posts here.
Gwinnett County, Georgia:
Father: ELVIS NOE GARCIA-NOLASCO
Victim(s): Edward Garcia (1 year), Bradley Garcia (3 years)
Date of Death: February 2011
Father charged in fatal stabbing of two sons, and in critical stabbing of a third son. Father had been in “custody battle” with the mother over the children. Father pleaded guilty in May 2013.
See related posts here.
Boulder County, Colorado:
Father: DAVID HEYDENBURG
Victim(s): Allyson Heydenburg (3 years)
Date of Death: August 2011
Father shot and killed daughter in murder-suicide during weekend visitation. Father purportedly upset over pending custody issues.
See related post here.
Denver County, Colorado:
Father: MICHAEL HERRON
Victim(s): D'Anthony Herron (2 months)
Date of Death: July 2014
Parents separated at time of baby's birth. Despite history of domestic violence, severe mental illness, drug abuse, and child sexual abuse, DSS awards father custody because mother living in motel while dad in transitional housing. Baby dies from head fracture two months later. Dad charged with murder.
See related post here.
San Diego County, California:
Father: KEVIN COLLIER
Victim(s): Rhilee Collier (14 months), Beverli Rakov (baby’s maternal grandmother), Jared Slocum (police officer)
Date of Death: August 2011
Mother had just filed for divorce days before and was seeking sole custody. Daughter found shot to death in father’s truck. Father’s own father, brother had previously filed for orders of protection. Father later killed himself and his mother in arson murder-suicide.
See related post here.
Father: THOMAS FUCHS
Victim(s): Sean Fuchs (15 years), Kyle Fuchs (13 years)
Date of Death: June 2011
Father with “full custody” killed teen sons in murder-suicide. Mother was apparently trying to regain custodial rights.
See related posts here.
Sacramento County, California:
Father: PHILLIP HERNANDEZ
Victim(s): Matthew Hernandez (9 years)
Date of Death: February 2013
Custodial father charged with murder. Judge Sharon Lueras granted father custody despite father's history of domestic violence, drug abuse. Protective mother's concerns ignored. As of November 2014, unable to locate any update to this case.
See related posts here.
Father: MOURAD “MONI” SAMAAN
Victim(s): Madeline Layla Samaan-Fay (2 years)
Date of Death: August 2011
Though mother was a deputy to the state attorney general and had been recently granted custody, her request for father’s access to be limited to supervised visitation was denied by family court judge James Mize. Daughter killed in murder-suicide that was declared an act of “justice” by father’s surviving brother.
See related posts here.
Fresno County, California:
Father: DONALD NELSON
Victim(s): Zion (3 years)
Date of Death: January 2014
Custodial dad, girlfriend charged with murder in death of son. Dad had extensive history of domestic violence, and father gained custody despite efforts of protective mother. Mother trying to regain custody of surviving child. No media update since 2014.
See related posts here.
Pima County
*Father: CHRISTOPHER PAINE
Victim(s): Ariana Paine (3 years), Tyler Paine (4 years)
Date of Death: 2006
Mother originally got custody in 2003. In January 2006, father asked for informal visitation, which the mother granted. In March, the father refused to return the children. The mother contacted the Tucson police regarding her custody order, and they refused to retrieve the children. Within months the children are dead (exact date unknown, only one body was found). Mother sued City of Tucson CPS, and they settled for $1 million in June 2008. In October 2010, Judge Carmine Cornello dismissed mother’s suit against the police.
See article here.
Pima County, Arizona:
Father: LEVI PARKER
Victim(s): MacKenzie Lee Parker (8 years), Haylee Parker (5 years)
Date of Death: December 2015
Father in "custody battle" killed children in murder-suicide during visitation.
See related post here.
Maricopa County, Arizona:
Father: GARY SHERRILL
Victim(s): David Sherrill (13 years)
Date of Death: December 31, 2013
Father with obvious mental illness still awarded joint legal custody. Killed son with axe during visitation as he was allegedly convinced boy was a demon. Neighbor's past complaints to CPS ignored. Charged with murder in January 2014, held on $1 million bond.
See related posts here.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Custodial dad, step accused of burning 7-year-old son (West Bend County, Texas)
Has to be a custodial father as there is no mention of a mother either reporting or ignoring the abuse. What happened to the mother is totally erased from the story, as often happens. Dad is identified as CHRISTOPHER FUNDERBURG, who clearly knows how to play the Clueless Daddy card.
http://abc13.com/news/boy-says-stepmom-burned-his-feet-as-punishment/1213383/
Couple accused in case of alleged child abuse that left boy's feet burned
By Kevin Quinn Monday, February 22, 2016 06:25PM
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Fort Bend county father and step-mother are accused of serious crimes for the way they allegedly punished their seven-year-old son and then refused to get him the medical attention he needed as a result.
Marie Horton, 27, is accused of injury to a child. She was just indicted by a grand jury following the September incident. According to court documents she was punishing the boy because she believed he lied about pulling the fire alarm at school. The boy told detectives that Horton filled the bath in their Waterview Estates home with water, held down his hands and put her foot against his legs to keep him in the tub. He says she told him, "If you don't stay in, I'll make you sit in the tub." Then he said she asked, "Why did you pull the alarm" and "Please tell me why so you can get out."
The burns were so bad, he told investigators, his skin was coming off immediately after he was finally let out of the tub. Doctors said they were second and third degree burns on his feet.
"Being a parent, that's not reason for punishment. You don't punish a child like that. That's abuse. Period," said neighbor Michelle Leban.
In court documents, Horton claims she turned on the water and left the bathroom, insisting she only realized something was wrong when she heard a fall and the boy screaming.
She's a registered nurse and says she didn't bring the child to the hospital because she thought she could take care of him by putting medicine on the injuries and wrapping them.
The boy's father, Christoper Funderburg, 29, is accused of injury to child by omission. He was at work when this happened. He says he didn't see his son's injuries until the next morning and told deputies he didn't think a trip to the ER was necessary because his wife, the nurse, was caring for his son. The boy though told detectives they didn't "know what to say to the doctors."
Horton admitted turning down the temperature on the hot water heater after the incident.
The boy told investigators it was not the first time he and his two siblings had been given what they call the "hot water punishment." The seven-year-old said Horton did this to him at least four times.
The attorney for Horton and Funderburg declined comment. Child Protective Services temporarily placed the boy and his two younger sisters with relatives. A CPS spokesperson says the boy is still recovering.
http://abc13.com/news/boy-says-stepmom-burned-his-feet-as-punishment/1213383/
Couple accused in case of alleged child abuse that left boy's feet burned
By Kevin Quinn Monday, February 22, 2016 06:25PM
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Fort Bend county father and step-mother are accused of serious crimes for the way they allegedly punished their seven-year-old son and then refused to get him the medical attention he needed as a result.
Marie Horton, 27, is accused of injury to a child. She was just indicted by a grand jury following the September incident. According to court documents she was punishing the boy because she believed he lied about pulling the fire alarm at school. The boy told detectives that Horton filled the bath in their Waterview Estates home with water, held down his hands and put her foot against his legs to keep him in the tub. He says she told him, "If you don't stay in, I'll make you sit in the tub." Then he said she asked, "Why did you pull the alarm" and "Please tell me why so you can get out."
The burns were so bad, he told investigators, his skin was coming off immediately after he was finally let out of the tub. Doctors said they were second and third degree burns on his feet.
"Being a parent, that's not reason for punishment. You don't punish a child like that. That's abuse. Period," said neighbor Michelle Leban.
In court documents, Horton claims she turned on the water and left the bathroom, insisting she only realized something was wrong when she heard a fall and the boy screaming.
She's a registered nurse and says she didn't bring the child to the hospital because she thought she could take care of him by putting medicine on the injuries and wrapping them.
The boy's father, Christoper Funderburg, 29, is accused of injury to child by omission. He was at work when this happened. He says he didn't see his son's injuries until the next morning and told deputies he didn't think a trip to the ER was necessary because his wife, the nurse, was caring for his son. The boy though told detectives they didn't "know what to say to the doctors."
Horton admitted turning down the temperature on the hot water heater after the incident.
The boy told investigators it was not the first time he and his two siblings had been given what they call the "hot water punishment." The seven-year-old said Horton did this to him at least four times.
The attorney for Horton and Funderburg declined comment. Child Protective Services temporarily placed the boy and his two younger sisters with relatives. A CPS spokesperson says the boy is still recovering.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Dad convicted of murdering 19-month-old daughter during weeklong visitation (Macon, Georgia)
We've posted on this case before. Earlier coverage clarified that the "wife" was in fact the step mother, and that this murder took place during visitation. Dad is ANTWON DOREZ DAVIS.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Georgia.
http://www.macon.com/news/local/crime/article61351457.html
February 19, 2016 4:25 PM
Macon father sentenced to life in prison in toddler daughter's 2012 death
Antwon Davis, 24, of Macon, pleaded guilty to murder Friday in the 2012 death of his 19-month-old daughter.
By AMY LEIGH WOMACK
Breazia Davis was 19 months old when she was rushed to a Macon hospital and later declared dead.
Authorities later determined she'd died of blunt force trauma to her body and brain, Bibb County prosecutor Dorothy Hull said Friday.
Her father, 24-year-old Antwon Dorez Davis pleaded guilty to murder in his daughter's death Friday and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. He'll first be eligible for release after serving 30 years.
Breazia had been staying with Davis and his wife on Forest Hill Road for a little more than a week before Davis called for help Nov. 6, 2012. She'd stopped breathing.
When questioned by police, Davis admitted striking his daughter and he was arrested, Hull said.
Defense attorney John Carter said his client was pleading guilty because he felt it was in his "best interest."
Speaking before his sentence was announced, Davis said, "I think I didn't do enough to protect my child."
"It's something I'll have to live with," he said.
Davis urged others to "take heed" and "love your children."
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Georgia.
http://www.macon.com/news/local/crime/article61351457.html
February 19, 2016 4:25 PM
Macon father sentenced to life in prison in toddler daughter's 2012 death
Antwon Davis, 24, of Macon, pleaded guilty to murder Friday in the 2012 death of his 19-month-old daughter.
By AMY LEIGH WOMACK
Breazia Davis was 19 months old when she was rushed to a Macon hospital and later declared dead.
Authorities later determined she'd died of blunt force trauma to her body and brain, Bibb County prosecutor Dorothy Hull said Friday.
Her father, 24-year-old Antwon Dorez Davis pleaded guilty to murder in his daughter's death Friday and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. He'll first be eligible for release after serving 30 years.
Breazia had been staying with Davis and his wife on Forest Hill Road for a little more than a week before Davis called for help Nov. 6, 2012. She'd stopped breathing.
When questioned by police, Davis admitted striking his daughter and he was arrested, Hull said.
Defense attorney John Carter said his client was pleading guilty because he felt it was in his "best interest."
Speaking before his sentence was announced, Davis said, "I think I didn't do enough to protect my child."
"It's something I'll have to live with," he said.
Davis urged others to "take heed" and "love your children."
Custodial dad pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder in beating death of 3-year-old son; was "angry" about "potty training issues" (Tacoma, Washington)
Read between the lines. Dad KINGSA MCNIGHT had to be custodial, with Mom having little to no contact or visitation. Otherwise, there is no way this child could have been dying at home for 8 days without Mom knowing or intervening. So how did this violent killer dad get custody? Who gave it to him? And why was he sleeping with a 3-year-old who supposedly wet the bed?
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Washington.
http://q13fox.com/2016/02/19/father-sentenced-to-28-years-for-beating-3-year-old-son-to-death-over-bed-wetting/
Father sentenced to 28 years for beating 3-year-old son to death over bed wetting
Posted 4:22 PM, February 19, 2016, by Q13 FOX News Staff
TACOMA — A Tacoma man was sentenced Friday to 28 years in prison for beating his 3-year-old son to death because he became angry over the toddler’s bed wetting.
Kingsa McKnight, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree assault for the 2014 beating death of his son.
According to prosecutors, McKnight took his son to an urgent care center on June 13, 2014, because he was lethargic and vomiting. The nurse told him the child needed to be taken to an emergency room immediately, but instead McKnight took his son home.
Eight days later, the boy lost consciousness and his father took him to the hospital, where the child was placed on life support. Prosecutors said the boy had bruises on his head and chest, and a CT scan revealed two subdural hemorrhages and a skull fracture. Doctors determined the head injuries were inflicted just a few hours before the child’s arrival at the hospital.
Further testing revealed the boy had suffered a liver laceration and a rib fracture at different times during the last month.
On June 23, the boy was taken off life support and died.
The victim’s mother — who lived separately from the husband — told detectives that McKnight was angry because the child was having potty training issues.
McKnight told detectives that he shared a bed with his son, and his son had wet the bed the two previous nights, prosecutors said.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Washington.
http://q13fox.com/2016/02/19/father-sentenced-to-28-years-for-beating-3-year-old-son-to-death-over-bed-wetting/
Father sentenced to 28 years for beating 3-year-old son to death over bed wetting
Posted 4:22 PM, February 19, 2016, by Q13 FOX News Staff
TACOMA — A Tacoma man was sentenced Friday to 28 years in prison for beating his 3-year-old son to death because he became angry over the toddler’s bed wetting.
Kingsa McKnight, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree assault for the 2014 beating death of his son.
According to prosecutors, McKnight took his son to an urgent care center on June 13, 2014, because he was lethargic and vomiting. The nurse told him the child needed to be taken to an emergency room immediately, but instead McKnight took his son home.
Eight days later, the boy lost consciousness and his father took him to the hospital, where the child was placed on life support. Prosecutors said the boy had bruises on his head and chest, and a CT scan revealed two subdural hemorrhages and a skull fracture. Doctors determined the head injuries were inflicted just a few hours before the child’s arrival at the hospital.
Further testing revealed the boy had suffered a liver laceration and a rib fracture at different times during the last month.
On June 23, the boy was taken off life support and died.
The victim’s mother — who lived separately from the husband — told detectives that McKnight was angry because the child was having potty training issues.
McKnight told detectives that he shared a bed with his son, and his son had wet the bed the two previous nights, prosecutors said.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Talia's Law passes 11 years after custodial dad, step tortured and murdered 5-year-old girl (Hawaii)
There is a long and sordid backstory behind this. Dad is NAEEM WILLIAMS. See our previous posts.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Hawaii.
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/family/2016/02/09/congress-moves-confront-military-child-abuse-talias-law/80089648/
Congress moves to confront military child abuse with Talia's Law
By Drew Gerber, Medill News Service 9:01 p.m. EST February 9, 2016
The House on Tuesday passed a bill that would require anyone employed by the Defense Department to report cases of suspected child abuse on military installations to state child protective service agencies in addition to reporting such suspected crimes up their chain of command.
The legislation was approved by voice vote and sent to the Senate for consideration.
Called Talia’s Law, the bill is named for five-year-old Talia Williams who was tortured and beaten to death by her father — an active-duty Army specialist at the time — and step-mother in 2005 at Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii.
Talia’s mother, Tarshia Williams, sued the U.S. government in 2008 for what she argued were failures by military officials to report suspicions that her daughter was being abused. Williams was awarded $2 million in a settlement last May.
The Defense Department had signed a memorandum of understanding with the State of Hawaii in 2013 that said the state’s child welfare services agency was “primarily” responsible for handling instances of child abuse on military bases. But DOD also has its own parallel system for child and domestic abuse investigations.
Suspected cases of child abuse are reported to military police or the installation’s Family Advocacy Program, which work in coordination to identify and investigate instances of child abuse. Those mandated by law to report suspected child abuse are usually professionally involved with children, such as day-care workers and doctors.
The U.S. District Court of Hawaii, where Williams brought her suit, found that various individuals failed to report Talia’s case, including members of the military police, doctors, and an employee with the Family Advocacy Program – all covered by the House bill.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, speaking about Talia’s case on the Senate floor last June, said information about the abuse never reached the Army provost, whom she said was the only person required to report to the state’s child welfare services.
However, groups like the Department of Defense Education Activity and military law enforcement are required to report to local and state child protective services, as well as to the Family Advocacy Program, according to existing law.
Additionally, a defense official said that the Pentagon has previously recommended passage of legislation to improve communication between the Defense Department and states’ child protective service agencies.
Hawaiian Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Mark Takai, both Democrats, introduced the bill in the House last November. Both are active-duty military officers in the Hawaii Army National Guard.
the 29,000 cases of child abuse and neglect in the military in the past decade, Gabbard said on the House floor Tuesday that her bill creates the same protections for military children that exist for any other child.
Rates of child abuse and neglect in the military, though half the rate typically seen in the civilian population, have been on the rise since 2010, according to a 2014 memorandum from Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Rosemary Williams.
Incidents of child abuse and neglect rose 10 percent in 2014, a Defense Department spokesman, Air Force Maj. Ben Sakrisson, said last September. On Tuesday, Sakrisson said via email that it is Defense Department policy to not comment on pending legislation.
Kelly Hruska, director of government relations for the National Military Families Association, said the focus now should be on preventing the system from failing any more children.
“We need to make sure children have the best protection possible. We need to make sure potential reports are not being ignored or falling through the cracks,” she said.
Military children serve a strong support role within their families, according to Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who asked her colleagues to support the legislation. Forced to move frequently, military children face greater academic and emotional challenges and rely on their relationships with the adults in their lives, she said.
It is inexcusable, Stefanik said “when those adults that these children trust the most hurt them in any way… Anyone who abuses or neglects a child … must be held accountable.”
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Hawaii.
http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/family/2016/02/09/congress-moves-confront-military-child-abuse-talias-law/80089648/
Congress moves to confront military child abuse with Talia's Law
By Drew Gerber, Medill News Service 9:01 p.m. EST February 9, 2016
The House on Tuesday passed a bill that would require anyone employed by the Defense Department to report cases of suspected child abuse on military installations to state child protective service agencies in addition to reporting such suspected crimes up their chain of command.
The legislation was approved by voice vote and sent to the Senate for consideration.
Called Talia’s Law, the bill is named for five-year-old Talia Williams who was tortured and beaten to death by her father — an active-duty Army specialist at the time — and step-mother in 2005 at Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii.
Talia’s mother, Tarshia Williams, sued the U.S. government in 2008 for what she argued were failures by military officials to report suspicions that her daughter was being abused. Williams was awarded $2 million in a settlement last May.
The Defense Department had signed a memorandum of understanding with the State of Hawaii in 2013 that said the state’s child welfare services agency was “primarily” responsible for handling instances of child abuse on military bases. But DOD also has its own parallel system for child and domestic abuse investigations.
Suspected cases of child abuse are reported to military police or the installation’s Family Advocacy Program, which work in coordination to identify and investigate instances of child abuse. Those mandated by law to report suspected child abuse are usually professionally involved with children, such as day-care workers and doctors.
The U.S. District Court of Hawaii, where Williams brought her suit, found that various individuals failed to report Talia’s case, including members of the military police, doctors, and an employee with the Family Advocacy Program – all covered by the House bill.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, speaking about Talia’s case on the Senate floor last June, said information about the abuse never reached the Army provost, whom she said was the only person required to report to the state’s child welfare services.
However, groups like the Department of Defense Education Activity and military law enforcement are required to report to local and state child protective services, as well as to the Family Advocacy Program, according to existing law.
Additionally, a defense official said that the Pentagon has previously recommended passage of legislation to improve communication between the Defense Department and states’ child protective service agencies.
Hawaiian Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Mark Takai, both Democrats, introduced the bill in the House last November. Both are active-duty military officers in the Hawaii Army National Guard.
the 29,000 cases of child abuse and neglect in the military in the past decade, Gabbard said on the House floor Tuesday that her bill creates the same protections for military children that exist for any other child.
Rates of child abuse and neglect in the military, though half the rate typically seen in the civilian population, have been on the rise since 2010, according to a 2014 memorandum from Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Rosemary Williams.
Incidents of child abuse and neglect rose 10 percent in 2014, a Defense Department spokesman, Air Force Maj. Ben Sakrisson, said last September. On Tuesday, Sakrisson said via email that it is Defense Department policy to not comment on pending legislation.
Kelly Hruska, director of government relations for the National Military Families Association, said the focus now should be on preventing the system from failing any more children.
“We need to make sure children have the best protection possible. We need to make sure potential reports are not being ignored or falling through the cracks,” she said.
Military children serve a strong support role within their families, according to Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who asked her colleagues to support the legislation. Forced to move frequently, military children face greater academic and emotional challenges and rely on their relationships with the adults in their lives, she said.
It is inexcusable, Stefanik said “when those adults that these children trust the most hurt them in any way… Anyone who abuses or neglects a child … must be held accountable.”
Girlfriend sentenced in beating death of 3-year-old boy; father had been awarded out-of-state visitation (Tampa, Florida)
Father JUSTIN GARWACKI had fought for out of state visitation over the objections of the protective mother. See our previous posts.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/hillsborough-woman-found-guilty-of-lesser-charges-in-2010-death-of-toddler/2265057
Hillsborough woman escapes life sentence in 2010 death of toddler, is convicted of lesser offenses
By Sara DiNatale, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 11, 2016 2:42pm
Kara O'Connell, 26, is escorted from the courtroom during a break in her trial last week. The jury on Thursday found her guilty of manslaughter for her role in the 2010 death of 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley. The state says John's death followed weeks of abuse at the hands of his father, Justin Garwacki, 31, and O'Connell, his father's ex-girlfriend. Garwacki testified against his ex-girlfriend last week as part of a plea deal. The most serious charge O'Connell faced was first-degree murder. But she was found guilty of a lesser charge, allowing her to escape a life sentence. [SKIP O'ROURKE | Times]
Kara Connell faces up to 35 years in prison.
Last week Justin Garwacki testified against his ex-girlfriend Kara O'Connell during her first-degree murder trial in the 2010 death of Garwacki's child, 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley. On Thursday, O'Connell escaped a life sentence when a jury found her guilty of lesser charges. [SKIP O'ROURKE | Times]
TAMPA — When Kara O'Connell's trial started last week, she faced a life sentence for the brutal physical abuse the state said she inflicted on a 3-year-old boy weeks before his death in 2010.
One of the state's key witnesses against her was ex-boyfriend Justin Garwacki — the boy's father — who was also charged in his son's death. He testified against his ex-girlfriend in exchange for leniency.
The father may not have been as persuasive as prosecutors had hoped.
A jury on Thursday convicted O'Connell, 26, of lesser charges in the death of 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley, sparing her from spending the rest of her life in prison.
They found her not guilty of first-degree murder, the most serious charge she faced, which carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole. Instead, the jury found O'Connell guilty of manslaughter, aggravated manslaughter of a child and child abuse.
Her defense attorney, Anthony Rickman, said the father's time on the stand likely led the jury away from a first-degree murder conviction.
"My client did not cause the death of this child," Rickman said. "But it's a tragic situation and there's no winners here."
Jury deliberations started Wednesday and lasted for nine hours over two days. O'Connell faces up to 35 years in prison at her sentencing, which is set for March 18.
Garwacki, 31, was charged with second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. But in exchange for his testimony, prosecutors will recommend that he serve 30 years in prison. Garwacki's sentencing is set to take place Tuesday.
Rickman said he spent 2½ hours cross-examining Garwacki last week. During that testimony, the attorney said, the father admitted he'd struck his son the day he was found dead. Garwacki also testified that he didn't see O'Connell touch the 3-year-old on that day, the attorney said.
However, the jury also heard Garwacki explain how he and O'Connell both slapped, whacked, punched and bit the 3-year-old in the weeks before his death, Hillsborough Assistant State Attorney Rita Peters said.
Garwacki testified that he once witnessed O'Connell pick the toddler up by the throat and hold him to a ceiling fan after he messed up reciting the alphabet.
The father acknowledged his part in the numerous bruises that covered his son's body. But when asked if he thought he killed his own son, Garwacki said no.
During his testimony, however, he admitted this to the court: "I wasn't a good father."
Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office spokesman Mark Cox said his office was satisfied with the jury's decision.
"This was a horrific case and we are pleased and respect the jury's verdict," he said.
Prosecutors said the child was punished for offenses such as wetting the bed or not eating his meals. After returning home from a drug buy on Aug. 10, 2010, Garwacki found his son had stopped breathing and called 911. Hillsborough sheriff's deputies found the child with a split lip, a broken arm and an open wound on his forehead.
Last week, Peters told the jury that the boy died because his immune system was crippled, a condition some researchers have linked to physical abuse.
"What it basically means is he stopped fighting," the prosecutor said. "His body could not fight off the injuries and he finally died, he gave up."
The boy was abused over a six-week period, prosecutors said, while he stayed with his father during a summer trip to Tampa.
The couple never took him to a doctor.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/hillsborough-woman-found-guilty-of-lesser-charges-in-2010-death-of-toddler/2265057
Hillsborough woman escapes life sentence in 2010 death of toddler, is convicted of lesser offenses
By Sara DiNatale, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 11, 2016 2:42pm
Kara O'Connell, 26, is escorted from the courtroom during a break in her trial last week. The jury on Thursday found her guilty of manslaughter for her role in the 2010 death of 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley. The state says John's death followed weeks of abuse at the hands of his father, Justin Garwacki, 31, and O'Connell, his father's ex-girlfriend. Garwacki testified against his ex-girlfriend last week as part of a plea deal. The most serious charge O'Connell faced was first-degree murder. But she was found guilty of a lesser charge, allowing her to escape a life sentence. [SKIP O'ROURKE | Times]
Kara Connell faces up to 35 years in prison.
Last week Justin Garwacki testified against his ex-girlfriend Kara O'Connell during her first-degree murder trial in the 2010 death of Garwacki's child, 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley. On Thursday, O'Connell escaped a life sentence when a jury found her guilty of lesser charges. [SKIP O'ROURKE | Times]
TAMPA — When Kara O'Connell's trial started last week, she faced a life sentence for the brutal physical abuse the state said she inflicted on a 3-year-old boy weeks before his death in 2010.
One of the state's key witnesses against her was ex-boyfriend Justin Garwacki — the boy's father — who was also charged in his son's death. He testified against his ex-girlfriend in exchange for leniency.
The father may not have been as persuasive as prosecutors had hoped.
A jury on Thursday convicted O'Connell, 26, of lesser charges in the death of 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley, sparing her from spending the rest of her life in prison.
They found her not guilty of first-degree murder, the most serious charge she faced, which carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole. Instead, the jury found O'Connell guilty of manslaughter, aggravated manslaughter of a child and child abuse.
Her defense attorney, Anthony Rickman, said the father's time on the stand likely led the jury away from a first-degree murder conviction.
"My client did not cause the death of this child," Rickman said. "But it's a tragic situation and there's no winners here."
Jury deliberations started Wednesday and lasted for nine hours over two days. O'Connell faces up to 35 years in prison at her sentencing, which is set for March 18.
Garwacki, 31, was charged with second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. But in exchange for his testimony, prosecutors will recommend that he serve 30 years in prison. Garwacki's sentencing is set to take place Tuesday.
Rickman said he spent 2½ hours cross-examining Garwacki last week. During that testimony, the attorney said, the father admitted he'd struck his son the day he was found dead. Garwacki also testified that he didn't see O'Connell touch the 3-year-old on that day, the attorney said.
However, the jury also heard Garwacki explain how he and O'Connell both slapped, whacked, punched and bit the 3-year-old in the weeks before his death, Hillsborough Assistant State Attorney Rita Peters said.
Garwacki testified that he once witnessed O'Connell pick the toddler up by the throat and hold him to a ceiling fan after he messed up reciting the alphabet.
The father acknowledged his part in the numerous bruises that covered his son's body. But when asked if he thought he killed his own son, Garwacki said no.
During his testimony, however, he admitted this to the court: "I wasn't a good father."
Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office spokesman Mark Cox said his office was satisfied with the jury's decision.
"This was a horrific case and we are pleased and respect the jury's verdict," he said.
Prosecutors said the child was punished for offenses such as wetting the bed or not eating his meals. After returning home from a drug buy on Aug. 10, 2010, Garwacki found his son had stopped breathing and called 911. Hillsborough sheriff's deputies found the child with a split lip, a broken arm and an open wound on his forehead.
Last week, Peters told the jury that the boy died because his immune system was crippled, a condition some researchers have linked to physical abuse.
"What it basically means is he stopped fighting," the prosecutor said. "His body could not fight off the injuries and he finally died, he gave up."
The boy was abused over a six-week period, prosecutors said, while he stayed with his father during a summer trip to Tampa.
The couple never took him to a doctor.
Dad, step arrested in beating death of 14-year-old son;why did this violent father have any custodial rights? (Jefferson Parish, Louisiana)
Not one word here on why violent father FURNELL DANIELS had child custody rights, or what those rights were. Did he have primary physical custody? Joint custody? Sole custody? Who gave him his custodial rights? Was their prior evidence of child abuse and/or domestic violence--but Dad got his "rights" anyway?
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Louisiana.
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2016/02/waggman_boy_beaten_by_father_h.html
Waggaman boy beaten by father has died, authorities say
Jalen Daniel, 14, was pronounced brain dead on Monday (Feb. 8) two days after he was hospitalized with grave injuries authorities said he received at the hands of his father, Furnell Daniels, 43.
By Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
on February 11, 2016 at 11:57 AM, updated February 11, 2016 at 4:02 PM
Jalen Daniel, the Waggaman boy hospitalized Saturday after authorities say he was beaten by his father with a piece of wood, has died, according to the Jefferson Parish coroner's office.
An autopsy performed Thursday morning (Feb, 11) determined Jalen, 14, died of an epidural hemorrhage (bleeding between his brain and skull) due to a skull fracture from blunt force trauma, said Mark Bone, chief death investigator for the coroner's office.
Medical officials pronounced Jalen brain dead on Monday but he remained in the hospital after his relatives made the decision to donate his organs and help others.
"He had the biggest heart and (was) one of the sweetest kids that you wanted to meet," Jalen's mother, LaTonya Kelly said. "He is loved and will be missed by everyone that knew him."
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Jalen's father, Furnell Daniel, 43, and his stepmother, Terri Daniel, 30, Saturday and booked them with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.
Investigators upgraded the charges Thursday to second-degree murder, said Col. John Fortunato, spokesman for the department.
Detectives took the couple into custody after Furnell Daniel contacted 911 seeking medical attention for his son. He told deputies Jalen injured himself in a fall in the bathtub.
But investigators and physicians determined the boy's severe injuries -- including swollen bruises, cuts and scrapes -- didn't fit that story. Jalen's brother told investigators the boy was injured Friday night when their father hit him several times with a piece of wood because of low grades, authorities said.
Furnell Daniel is accused of chasing his son through their Waggaman home, striking the boy. Emergency responders reported finding a splinter of wood in a wound above Jalen's eye, the Sheriff's Office said.
Jalen was lethargic for most of Friday night and needed help getting out of a bathtub. Despite speaking incoherently, collapsing and making gurgling sounds, authorities say Furnell and Terri Daniel didn't immediately call anyone to get Jalen medical attention. They finally called 911 around 12:22 p.m. Saturday.
Jalen's loss has been devastating for relatives who've posted photos and memories, including pictures of his infectious smile.
"Anyone that knew him saw that smile everyday," Kelly said.
In addition to pictures, relatives have also posted blue ribbons symbolizing the fight against child abuse.
Furnell and Terri Daniel were being held without bond Thursday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.
Stay with NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune for more on this story.
*An earlier version of this story in correctly spelled the name of the suspect as Furnell Daniels based on public records. The correct spelling is Furnell Daniel.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Louisiana.
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2016/02/waggman_boy_beaten_by_father_h.html
Waggaman boy beaten by father has died, authorities say
Jalen Daniel, 14, was pronounced brain dead on Monday (Feb. 8) two days after he was hospitalized with grave injuries authorities said he received at the hands of his father, Furnell Daniels, 43.
By Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
on February 11, 2016 at 11:57 AM, updated February 11, 2016 at 4:02 PM
Jalen Daniel, the Waggaman boy hospitalized Saturday after authorities say he was beaten by his father with a piece of wood, has died, according to the Jefferson Parish coroner's office.
An autopsy performed Thursday morning (Feb, 11) determined Jalen, 14, died of an epidural hemorrhage (bleeding between his brain and skull) due to a skull fracture from blunt force trauma, said Mark Bone, chief death investigator for the coroner's office.
Medical officials pronounced Jalen brain dead on Monday but he remained in the hospital after his relatives made the decision to donate his organs and help others.
"He had the biggest heart and (was) one of the sweetest kids that you wanted to meet," Jalen's mother, LaTonya Kelly said. "He is loved and will be missed by everyone that knew him."
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Jalen's father, Furnell Daniel, 43, and his stepmother, Terri Daniel, 30, Saturday and booked them with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.
Investigators upgraded the charges Thursday to second-degree murder, said Col. John Fortunato, spokesman for the department.
Detectives took the couple into custody after Furnell Daniel contacted 911 seeking medical attention for his son. He told deputies Jalen injured himself in a fall in the bathtub.
But investigators and physicians determined the boy's severe injuries -- including swollen bruises, cuts and scrapes -- didn't fit that story. Jalen's brother told investigators the boy was injured Friday night when their father hit him several times with a piece of wood because of low grades, authorities said.
Furnell Daniel is accused of chasing his son through their Waggaman home, striking the boy. Emergency responders reported finding a splinter of wood in a wound above Jalen's eye, the Sheriff's Office said.
Jalen was lethargic for most of Friday night and needed help getting out of a bathtub. Despite speaking incoherently, collapsing and making gurgling sounds, authorities say Furnell and Terri Daniel didn't immediately call anyone to get Jalen medical attention. They finally called 911 around 12:22 p.m. Saturday.
Jalen's loss has been devastating for relatives who've posted photos and memories, including pictures of his infectious smile.
"Anyone that knew him saw that smile everyday," Kelly said.
In addition to pictures, relatives have also posted blue ribbons symbolizing the fight against child abuse.
Furnell and Terri Daniel were being held without bond Thursday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.
Stay with NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune for more on this story.
*An earlier version of this story in correctly spelled the name of the suspect as Furnell Daniels based on public records. The correct spelling is Furnell Daniel.
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