Delaware parents accused of locking up son in bare room for 3 months

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A Delaware couple was arrested after police say the couple's 12-year-old son was physically abused and malnourished while locked in his room for months.

The boy's father and stepmom are accused of locking the boy in his room for three months, only allowing him to leave briefly to use the bathroom.


New Castle County police arrested Robert Hohn, 41, and Shannon Watterson, 39, Wednesday after police say the boy escaped from the home on the 100 block of Brookside Boulevard in Newark and ran to a neighbor's house for help.

The neighbor called police and said the child was not wearing shoes, had bruises on his face and appeared to be malnourished. Detectives say the boy's food intake was restricted putting him 20 pounds below medically accepted levels for his age.

Read the latest on this story at NBC10.com

After checking out the home, police discovered the window of the boy's room was screwed shut, the door handle was put on backwards and there was no furniture inside the room except a lamp.

Police say three other children, ages 9, 10 and 14 were also living at the home.

The boy is being treated at A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children. The other kids are in the custody of a family member.

Hohn and Watterson were both charged with felony child abuse and several counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Both failed to post bail and remained behind bars Thursday afternoon.

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lol they tell you don't profile people, look at that women; i'd peg her for this any day. Sick freaking whackjobs.

  • 31 votes
#1 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:59 PM EST

the judge needs to lock the parents in the same room for 3 months WITHOUT THERE METH !!!

and see how long they last !!!!!

lets hope they cant make bail and get shanked over the holidays...and yes I'm serious because when these idiots get out some how child services always give the kids back..these kids would be better of with the manson family...

  • 51 votes
#1.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:14 AM EST

Why? What about her photo screams whackjob?

  • 11 votes
#1.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:44 AM EST

It's risky to make judgments from looks. But if you're going to do that, then you should focus on the dad as much as that stepmother. After all, it's his child that they locked up. These people need help as much as they need a cell. Locking them up may make us feel better but it doesn't solve their problem. What happens to the four children while the "rot in jail"?

I'd also like to know where the school authorities were for the three months that the boy didn't show up for school...why didn't somebody from the district check it out? How can relatives be so oblivious when they don't see or hear about the boy for that period of time? And the other three siblings? And neighbors? I'm not the neighborhood busybody, but I think I'd notice if one of the neighbors' kids suddenly disappeared for three months.

    #1.4 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:52 AM EST

    Sue their insurance company? What did they do to be culpable in this? How about suing their meth dealers instead. Suing their insurance company (providing that they even had insurance in the first place) is only going to raise the rates on everyone else who wasn't even remotely involved. Lets sue everyone and see who will pay out. Lets sue the door knob manufacturer seeing they made a device that could be put on a door backwards and used in a manner to keep someone locked into a room. Lets sue the maker of the screws used to secure the window shut since their product can be used in such a malicious way.

    I got a better idea. Remember the bus monitor who got bullied and someone set up a fund for her that went past a half million dollars? Why not do something like that instead of clogging the courts with a bunch of jackass lawsuits which only benefit some scumbag lawyer? Makes too much sense for you?

    • 31 votes
    #1.5 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:12 AM EST

    Reprehensible dirt bags, if there is a fiery hell, I'm fairly certain their are two extra long sticks to roast their over-sized marshmallow keesters from.

    • 20 votes
    #1.6 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 5:52 AM EST

    I can see the Big Dipper on her face.

    • 17 votes
    #1.7 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 7:13 AM EST

    Time to put the shhhit heads in a small cell for a few months.

    • 13 votes
    #1.8 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:15 AM EST

    She looks a little like Kyron's step-mom.

    • 7 votes
    #1.9 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:23 AM EST
    Comment author avatarkc-473260Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

    Mike - below - learn how to spell it is "their" not there and not they're

    • 7 votes
    #1.10 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:34 AM EST

    American white trash. Another drag on our society.

    • 20 votes
    #1.11 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:34 AM EST

    KC

    This is NOT english class. Give Mike a break.

    • 23 votes
    #1.12 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:02 AM EST

    I'd think more methheads than whackjobs. The scabs on her face sure look like meth scabs.

    • 24 votes
    #1.13 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:47 AM EST

    leave them in jail...

    • 10 votes
    #1.14 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:11 AM EST

    Mike I totally agree and its awful when you have to sit back and watch something like that happen.

    • 5 votes
    #1.15 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:21 AM EST

    Why do the people that do this despicable sh!t always look the same?

    • 11 votes
    #1.16 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:28 AM EST

    Many people with addictions neglect their children because they are so wrapped up in themselves, but those that make a conscious decision to ABUSE their children (locking them up, removing door knobs, beating and starving them) do so with an evil intent. They cannot use their addiction as an excuse. They are merely cruel criminals who also happen to have an addiction.

    I'm sure they will claim he was incorrigible and out of control and they were just doing this for his own good. The sad reality is that the boy probably really loves the father on some level (father will blame evil step-mother) and will suffer the loss of a parent. It's like the old saying "even a dog loves the master who beats him". I hope this child gets the help he deserves.

    • 15 votes
    #1.17 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:36 AM EST

    Both failed to post bail and remained behind bars Thursday afternoon.

    Here's an idea extracted from the article and these POS' themselves:

    Hope that cell has" no furniture inside the room except a lamp."

    • 6 votes
    #1.18 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:39 AM EST

    The kid is 20 pnds under weight, damn the so called care takers seems a bit over weight from the pictures. Looks like they could use a 3 month diet they imposed on the kid.

    • 7 votes
    #1.19 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:00 AM EST
    Comment author avatarF WalshExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

    Brooke it is not an english class but we will judge someone as unintelligent for not knowing basic english. Rj, it is woman, not women when speaking of ONE woman. That is also basic english and I will profile you as being illiterate just based on that.

    • 7 votes
    #1.20 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:00 AM EST

    This is yet another heart breaking story that just goes to show there will always be horrible persons having children and there will always be children imprisoned in horrible homes. This is not the first time such a story has been reported, and sadly it won't be the last time either. The only way these children can possibly be spared such torture is if other family members and even neighbors are vigilent and refuse to turn the other cheek. If you even suspect that something like this is happening, say something!!

    • 11 votes
    #1.21 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:07 AM EST

    F Walsh & Brooke - While you're chiding people, you should note that English should be spelled with a capital E...

    This story put a huge knot in my stomach. What in the world is wrong with people?? Let's go one better, Julie 401527- let's put them in a cell with absolutely nothing. No lamp, no anything!

    God bless this boy and his siblings. They are all going to need help.

    • 10 votes
    #1.22 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:25 AM EST

    F Walsh "we wil judge"??? Please don't try to include everyone else in your sanctimonious little rant. When someone like you thinks others care about a mispelled word, it's just your way of being able to show how you know how to spell a few simple english words as though that will make up for all other areas in which you;re lacking. Number 1 being social skills. And if I've mispelled a word or 2, don't waste your time and everyone else's , no one cares. Do you feel like Einstien now that you've put someone down over a mispelled word. Someone is 'uninteligent' because of a mispelled word?? Please! Your world is very small.

    • 10 votes
    #1.23 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:30 AM EST

    First of all, I agree with the comments made by daveindanapointeca.
    Also, take a look at the face on that guy. Everyone seems to just focus on the looks of the woman. Who cares what they look like! I'm sure there are plenty of "beautiful" monsters out there harming innocent children. Most importantly, he's the boys natural father and should protect not harm. Lock these type of people up for life.

    • 6 votes
    #1.24 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:51 AM EST

    Common Sense-2004266

    American white trash. Another drag on our society.

    I suppose you are a part of the fake American aristocracy. The term White trash is as offensive as any other slur, and like any slur should never be used. There are people like this couple from all economic levels, you just rarely hear about it when the person/s are monied. I find it hard to believe that no one wondered why this child was never seen. Not relatives, neighbors, school officials....

    • 5 votes
    #1.25 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:16 PM EST

    Why do the people that do this despicable sh!t always look the same?

    I think the answer is in your question....

    • 2 votes
    #1.26 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:54 PM EST

    1. Who gives a flying phuck about spelling, grammar etc on Newsvine. It's a news blog not a PHD dissertation.

    2. Where in the article does it say anything about drugs? Clue: it doesn't. They could just as easily be religious nuts punishing their 12 year old for talking to a girl. (you know "that thar foirncatin")

    • 2 votes
    #1.27 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:07 PM EST

    Whack his off, sew hers up, then throw them both in an empty cell for life. Problem solved.

    • 2 votes
    #1.28 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:07 PM EST

    T.R.,

    Good one man....

    Kudos for this kid to have recognized he had enough and escaped. It's all too often I read these stories when it's too late and the kid is dead.

    WTF is wrong with parents who treat there own innocent flesh and blood this way? Why The F'k didn't the other siblings get help. I'll never understand these kind of people. I'm wondering how these parents went day by day knowing the torture they were inflicting upon this poor child.

    People like this should get more time than drug dealers.

    Someone said above that people like this seem to all look the same. Funny, they're correct.

    Anyway, I hope they put these scumbags away for a long Fn' time man.

    • 4 votes
    #1.29 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:10 PM EST

    Gee, it doesn't look like that fat fluck of a dad has missed any meals lately. Perhaps he locked his son up and starved him so he could get a third helping at the trough. What a horrible story.

    • 3 votes
    #1.30 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:22 PM EST

    Who gives a flying phuck (sic) about spelling, grammar etc on Newsvine.

    Devil's Son - all of you who are professing that misspellings don't matter are exactly the reason that this country is in deep trouble. Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar are among the many attributes that define a civilized society. If our citizens can't read or write, then how are they going to be able to function well in the workplace? Would it matter to you if your surgeon removed the wrong leg? If people don't pay enough attention to detail to know the differeince between "their, there and they're", then how are they going to be able to pay attention to detail in their jobs? It makes matters even worse is when people don't care. Have some pride in yourselves and learn basic English.

    • 6 votes
    #1.31 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:34 PM EST

    You are so right scales67. Very succinct.

      #1.32 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:05 PM EST

      Has anyone noticed that most of these cases have a step mom or step dad? Where are the childrens real mother? I see more and more that men are raising kids with a step mother and I don't understand where these moms are. I understand that some could have passed but where are the rest? Jail, crackhouse? We have some really screwed up jealous people in this world that they could do this to a child and not think anything of it! They need to just stay in jail!!!!!!!!

      • 2 votes
      #1.33 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:10 PM EST

      It doesn't say that the other children were mistreated, could they possibly be her kids ? Cinderfella, Cinderfella syndrome ?

        #1.34 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:29 PM EST

        Scales67 said "If people don't pay enough attention to detail to know the differeince"

        Pot - meet Kettle.

        • 2 votes
        #1.35 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:39 PM EST

        Devil's Son - all of you who are professing that misspellings don't matter are exactly the reason that this country is in deep trouble.

        Yea spelling is our big problem.

          #1.36 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:16 PM EST

          titfourtat

          Why? What about her photo screams whackjob?

          The step-mom's skin lesions may be the result of using meth.

          http://myfox8.com/2012/02/03/photos-faces-of-meth-before-and-after/

            #1.37 - Sat Dec 1, 2012 11:01 AM EST

            These two are a waste of air.

            • 1 vote
            #1.38 - Thu Dec 6, 2012 3:05 PM EST
            Reply

            I do know understand all too well that some people will choose abuse their children.It is heart breaking that such children must suffer at the hands of those who are entrusted with the responsibility and stewardship of of guiding,training and influencing such tender spirits at the most important stage of life. That is why such abuse is particularly terrible It is absolutely incredible that any parents could treat their child this way.They should never have considered having children to begin with.They need to be put away for a very long time and never be allowed to have contact with their child again.

            • 27 votes
            #2 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:03 PM EST

            Windancer...I as well as you am completely insensed with what happened to this child! I feel that once again those afraid of 'BIG GOVERNMENT' are the first to blame the big 'G' when it involves a child...GET a grip we need more protection of our young people as they are our FUTURE!!!

            • 11 votes
            #2.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:17 AM EST

            Mrsc318, How do you try and connect those who want less government control over their everyday lives to this case? You futile attempt to connect these 2 to the republican party is an epic fail. These people were probably on meth and on welfare which means they love big government because big government is their sugardaddy every month with the welfare check. Meth heads lean politically left because the democrat party supports legalizing drug use. Look at every state that has legalized Marijuana in some fashion or another (Medical or recreational). They are all blue states. Other indicators would be the fact that they are from the solid Blue state of Delaware.

            Now, what are your indicators to prove your point?

            BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA

            • 6 votes
            #2.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:22 AM EST

            Ya think this couple really CONSIDERED having children? More than likely they just *let it happen." No one noticed he wasn't in school? Silence. Persons see things, hear things and: they mind their own business! Who said it takes a village to raise a child-it's true. We all need to step up to the plate when it comes to children. All these child abuse accounts are breaking my heart! I only hope that the other family members can really nurture. love and protect these children but...............were they ever aware of this critical abuse of a child and remained silent???? Do you ever wonder why young children are so violent? They ALL need to know that they are IMPORTANT to someone and loved!

            • 20 votes
            #2.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:44 AM EST

            I agree with Astro in that I think she uses meth...she had the worked over facial sores...but the stepdad, looks like a meathead with a sub par intelligence level, not unlike a troglodyte.

            • 5 votes
            #2.4 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 7:20 AM EST

            HI Dave,

            Mrsc's comment about "big government" was about child welfare. If we don't have
            trained staff and the resources to deal with situations like this, the kid would be sent back
            to live with these folks because there is no budget to put him or his siblings anywhere else.

            Also if there had been a larger child welfare system, or if even the teachers at his school or the police
            had been trained and had the resources (including time) to keep track of their students,
            this might not have happened at all, or t least it would not have gone on for tree months.

            • 9 votes
            #2.5 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:18 AM EST

            Meth heads lean politically left because the democrat party supports legalizing drug use.

            Now I've heard it all.... You best take a look at which states have huge meth problems, a lot of red ones in there pal. The mid-west, all red states, have the hugest meth problem.

            http://www.wbez.org/blogs/bez/2012-07/midwestern-states-battle-big-meth-problem-100989

            Legalizing drugs is hardly in the Democratic party platform.

            Also, your attempt to connect meth abuse to legalized medicinal marijuana is a huge FAIL.

            • 13 votes
            #2.6 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:02 AM EST

            Wind, in so many cases the abusers are not two parents...they are one parent plus one stepparent. Sad but apparently true.

            • 5 votes
            #2.7 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:16 AM EST

            People who want pot legalized do not necessarily want other street drugs legalized. An occasional toke is nothing like the addictions and overdoses you see with meth, cocaine and derivatives, heroin or Rx painkillers. Those can have serious affects on the body and mind in very little time. Not so much with pot. Pot use isn't deadly. People who use a little pot don't usually commit crimes to get it.

            Hope those kids aren't permanently damaged by these two morons. This isn't a case of disciplining gone bad. They deliberately tortured that poor kid. I would not be surprised to find that child protective services HAS been called regarding this family in the past and did absolutely nothing.

            • 11 votes
            #2.8 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:24 AM EST

            I agree. HOW did the school NOT miss him for 3 months? It is my hope that some sitting judge does not return these kids to their home. History has shown it does not work out as the courts hope.

            Scarred for life. And yes, these kids are the future. Hope they get the help they need and deserve.

            • 2 votes
            #2.9 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:29 AM EST

            They are to fat to be crackheads................

              #2.10 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:25 AM EST

              OK, lets stick with the idea that someone should have reported this child's absences or condition. Let's keep the Government out of it. Child Welfare services are useless. Their concern's are budget and culpability. Schools are mandated reporters. We see how well that worked. Nobody saw a thing? All the other children kept their mouths shut and appeared "normal"? Not in my experience. Neighbors obviously turned a blind eye. So that brings us to Family . The wonderful family members who allowed this abuse by their silence and refusal to act ,who now have physical custody of these poor children.

              WAKE UP People. We tell the children to tell and keep telling. This happens when no one is listening.

              • 4 votes
              #2.11 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:07 PM EST

              My thought is maybe the school didn't know because the children are possibly home-schooled and that's why a teacher never reported it.

              As Mo-563393 stated teachers are by law required to report anything that they see that might even allude to the endangerment/harm of a child since they are mandated reporters. I know this because both of my parents are teachers and both of my parents on separate occasions have report situations in which a child was or seemed endangered. Now maybe my parents are just some of the few teachers who actually care about their students, but I find it extremely hard to believe that no school would notice a child being gone that long. Especially considering with that many absences the child would be facing truancy and in some of those situations schools do get the authorities involved. So that leads me to believe maybe the children were "home-schooled" with out any actual schooling going on. Also, where is the child's biological mother? Is she in the picture at all? Plus, were the other children treated just as badly....it's such a sad story and if the child was in school I find it extremely sad that the teachers in that district did not notice or care enough to uphold the law (being mandated reporters) which they agreed to when becoming teachers. It's just so sad....I wish the best for the boy and his siblings.

              Ray in Jax just so you know, not all Mid-western states are Red states. Minnesota is a blue state and has voted democratic in the last couple of elections.

                #2.12 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:02 PM EST

                They probably are not even voters!! LOOK AT THEM!! They look like the typical Meth users..This has nothing to do with party affiliation anyway! GROW UP!!! And those correcting grammer and English...REALLY????

                This child deserves a loving home! I pray he finds a family that loves him!

                  #2.13 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:50 PM EST

                  Reporting doesn't always help. Some times a family can be reported over and over by several people and the state never does anything. I have seen this happen and it is heartbreaking to try to provide a stable place for an abused child only to have the state do nothing. Why does the worst have to happen before a parents rights are removed and the children protected? I am so frustrated at this situation.

                  • 1 vote
                  #2.14 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:51 PM EST

                  AJ-1018729 I'm not sure who your comment was directed at when you stated party affiliation has nothing to do with this. I completely agree politics and party affiliation have nothing to do with this at all. I was simply correcting Ray In Jax when he stated that all the Midwest states were red states, since I myself live in a Midwestern state (Minnesota) that has voted democrat in the last 4 elections and has a democratic governor. Ray In Jax brought party affiliation into the equation when he stated that the states with the meth issues are the Midwestern states and they're all red states so it has to obviously be a right-winged issue.

                  The only real issue that has anything to do with this story, is that children are supposed to feel protected and safe when they're with their parents and sadly, this child was let down. This child didn't have the one person (his father) who should protect him no matter what to turn to because he was the one handing out the punishment. It's a sad world when children cannot even turn to the people who are supposed to love them unconditionally and do anything to protect them.

                    #2.15 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:21 PM EST
                    Reply

                    Well hopefully these wonderful parents get lots of time locked up in a small cell too. But of course they will be given enough food and a bed and things to do.

                    • 13 votes
                    Reply#3 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:11 PM EST

                    That poor boy! How can parents be so cruel to their own child, I'll never know.

                    • 18 votes
                    Reply#4 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:11 PM EST

                    Society is changing (for the worst)....the Gov. of Rhode Island will attest to that.

                    BTW: Merry CHRISTmas Governor.

                    • 5 votes
                    #4.1 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:41 PM EST

                    Sad that there are people who wish people a Merry Christmas with anger.

                    • 14 votes
                    #4.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 7:16 AM EST

                    @ TheCollaredCrow..how can anyone be so cruel to any child not just their own..the word Parents are reserved for people that care and love their children..want nothing but the best in life for them..willing to lay down their lives for them..I don't know what to call them but Parents is definitely not the word I would use..

                    • 7 votes
                    #4.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:57 AM EST

                    The actions of these two are all too common! My great grandson, living in Netherland, CO, is such a victim, and there seems to be no one interested in his plight. My grandson (his father) is seldom allowed to talk to him on the phone, and that is how we learned of his plight. The child has been denied his bed, (sleeping on bare floor) and food is doled out discretionary, he is often required to watch others eat while he watches. I could go on and on about what is going on there. Social Services gives the parents a pass, they've been notified by my grandson. They don't find any violations when they invstigate. The boy is threatened, (as are the 3 other children) with severe punishment if they tell anyone. This is a parent and step parent situation also. My grandson continues to try to get someone with authority to step in, but in a year's time, it hasn't happened. It's so sad, this is a sweet little boy, he's way under weight, and has the look of a concentration camp prisoner. No once seems to take that seriously.

                    • 1 vote
                    #4.4 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:21 AM EST
                    Reply

                    How could they treat a child like this? Oh, look at her face. She's a meth user.

                    • 19 votes
                    Reply#5 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:17 PM EST

                    Why is everyone pointing to just the woman, where was the father in all this? She did not act alone, I do find it scary that in most of the cases that you read it is either the step-mother, step-father, boyfriend, etc that are in the picture, maybe all the Disney stories were right!

                    • 7 votes
                    #5.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:49 AM EST
                    Reply

                    ... anyone who hurts children should be thrown to the wolves... this is disgusting... I hope someone in prison teaches them a few lessons..

                    • 17 votes
                    Reply#6 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:19 PM EST

                    Melanie, that would not be fair to the wolves..

                    • 7 votes
                    #6.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:11 AM EST

                    I know that this is a bit bloodthirsty for so early in the morning but I say put them with the general population in prison and they will quickly, with much suffering, learn just how much the world hates child abusers. Just hey... hey... hey...hey... good bye!

                    I hope the boy, as well as his siblings, thrive.

                    • 2 votes
                    #6.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:40 AM EST

                    Just why would you want to punish the wolves like that? They deserve a lot worse than that!

                      #6.3 - Mon Dec 3, 2012 6:05 AM EST
                      Reply

                      I can't purchase a firearm without passing a background check as well as wait a period of time before I can actually take it home. I can't drive a car without passing a written test as well as a driving test. I can't purchase alcoholic beverages unless I can prove I am over the age of 21. I can't adopt a dog from the local humane society unless I sign a contract that I will have the dog fixed and will take care of it for the rest of it's life. I can't travel to a foreign country without a passport which I have to apply for after answering lots of questions about my past history and family. I can't spit on the sidewalk in Thailand without the threat of being thrown into jail. I can't urinate in public, walk naked down the street, call strangers obnoxious names without retribution, paint my house pink if my neighbors think it's wrong...but I can walk into a bar, buy a woman a drink, take her home, bang her and get her pregnant with no problem at all (perfectly legal..no prostitution here)...then, help her raise the child and abuse them until I get caught. See what's wrong with this picture?

                      • 20 votes
                      Reply#7 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:24 PM EST

                      I understand to an extent of what you are saying. I work in a tabbacco & beer store, I have so many coustomers that cop an attitude because I ask for ID, well its my States rule that I have to so get used to it! I never leave the house without ID!! What if I were to be in a horrible accident?, and the only ID left was what was in my purse??? Get over it folks!! It is what it is and frankly at 51 I think its only getting better, mind your P's & Q's and you can go along way! AND SO HELP ME YOU EVER KNOW ABOUT A CHILD BEING ABUSED IN ANY WAY AND NOT REPORT IT well shame on YOU!!! & I hope you rot ...well you know where..

                      • 2 votes
                      #7.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:33 AM EST

                      So are you including the kid's siblings in this? I'm wondering about then mental and emotional state of the 14 year old kid. What did the parents do to that child, or to any of their other children, to keep them from talking? And what about the relatives that they were placed with? Will they be treated any better with them?

                      • 6 votes
                      #7.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:28 AM EST

                      I see what you're getting at, but there's no realistic way to license people to have children. Not all children are planned beforehand (which is not to say they are unwanted). And what would you do if an unlicensed person became pregnant? If someone is deemed unfit, can they try to get licensed again later? Many teenagers would be unfit to be parents today, but once they grow up and mature would make excellent parents. And since teenagers are able to become pregnant, their licensing (or denial of a license) would be an issue.

                      But I agree that horror stories like this make you wonder what kinds of things we can do as a society to stop it before it happens.

                      • 2 votes
                      #7.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:57 AM EST

                      EXPOSURE is the cure. See it report it. Hear it report it. Heck confront the Perpetrator. ' Wow, I noticed Bobbie/ Susie is cowering in fear whats that about? Hey, saw bruises on Johnny's face did he walk into a door? Lenny is looking kinda thin.I'm worried about his health. If the system is not working , work to fix it. Most of us feel powerless to make big changes like that. Asking how a child was injured lets the perpetrator know you are watching , paying attention.

                      It is only my opinion but I really believe if you witness abuse or neglect and do nothing you are as guilty as the person committing the abuse.

                      • 1 vote
                      #7.4 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:34 PM EST

                      I agree that reporting things are key, but even that is hard. My daughter had a friend from a very upscale home, who walked into school every week with bruises. All her friends knew the abuse she lived under. The kids banded together and reported it, but the social services report proved nothing visible so nothing happened. Afterwards, the abuse escalated horribly but the girl would no longer talk about it with her friends and turned away from her friends that tried to help her. A tough situation all around.

                        #7.5 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:40 PM EST
                        Reply

                        who created these monsters ? they should be in that show the living dead.I hope the kids don't have to be subjected to those idiots again !!!!

                        • 6 votes
                        Reply#8 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:25 PM EST

                        To Lewis"""

                        Well I'd put my money on that it was a couple of heterosexuals that created these monsters...either that or god did it ...

                        doesn't the buck stop with him anyway.... he who creates all .. see's all ..knows all

                        • 7 votes
                        #8.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:11 AM EST

                        Then he gave us free will. Some say we chose Free Will. I prefer Free Will to mindless obedience. These Monsters are responsible for their behavior. Society is responsible for the care of the children. If the caregivers don't care we must.

                        Think Foster Care is bad? Become Licensed and improve it from within.

                        • 1 vote
                        #8.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:41 PM EST

                        No, the buck stops with the Father of Evil, not with God. It is not God's will, nor is it in God's plan that those children should be abused. The Bible tells us "Woe unto any man that causes harm to one of these children. He may as well have a milestone around his neck, and be cast into the sea!" In that sense, the buck stops with the punishment of offenders that harm children. IMO, that punishment cannot come too quickly, nor can it be too severe. Our legal system allows far too much leniency to those criminals.

                        • 2 votes
                        #8.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:58 PM EST
                        Reply

                        We all know you can't usually judge a book by its cover . . . but take a real good look at the photos of these two sadistic, sad excuses for human beings -- perfect examples of genetics gone wrong. They get their "jollies" from hurting and abusing kids. Rest assured though, if/when these two douche bags get to prison they'll find out how their fellow bunkmates feel about it and then some. They'll wish they were never born themselves. And if they aren't incarcerated their names and photos can't help but be recognized and perhaps justice will take another form.

                        • 7 votes
                        Reply#9 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:38 PM EST

                        I agree, and usually I try and be a supporter of 'Step' family situations since my children have been in one. What is sad is that it took me years to find out the abuse continued after I left. I hope and pray that this young man will get the help he needs and that the (sadistic bastards) called ...dam can't even type the word.will face the heaviest of most punishments for their actions!!!!!

                        • 4 votes
                        #9.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:45 AM EST

                        I don't think that they got their "jollies" in this. They probably thought that their so-called discipline for whatever they thought he had done wrong, like sassing, was going to be effective, that they weren't beating him. After all, if they would have been in Texas, they would have been beating the kid, and no one would think them the worse for it.

                        What I'm trying to figure out, Mrsc, is your story, as you wrote:

                        What is sad is that it took me years to find out the abuse continued after I left.

                        If it took you years, then I guess I shouldn't be surprised if the relatives are shocked to discover that this was happening to the boy.

                        • 4 votes
                        #9.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:30 AM EST

                        Elk - He had bruises. The boy WAS beaten.

                        • 5 votes
                        #9.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:31 AM EST

                        Elk~ Every state has their sicko's...

                        • 2 votes
                        #9.4 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:31 AM EST
                        Reply

                        So sad that this happens all too often.

                        • 7 votes
                        Reply#10 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:39 PM EST

                        What is sad is that it took me years to find out the abuse continued after I left.

                        Really MrsC? Have you really convinced yourself you had no responsibility to stop the abuse while you were there or even after you were safely out? I may be reading this wrong but how does one leave children in an abusive situation that by your words continued for years? Did you think because you couldn't see it it wasn't happening anymore?

                        • 2 votes
                        #10.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:49 PM EST
                        Reply

                        It looks like they need to be locked in a cell with nothing but a lamp too. No need to feed them either, maybe just a cup of water perday and one piece of bread. Want to keep them alive long enough to have them suffer.

                        • 9 votes
                        Reply#11 - Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:54 PM EST

                        Which is probably why they didn't post bail. Right now, it's safer inside jail than outside.

                        • 2 votes
                        #11.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:34 AM EST
                        Reply

                        What family member were the children given too? Why didn't this family member turn these freaks in? Will the children be safe with this family member? seems to me that there is more wrong here than just the immediate family. where did the Scholl System think this child was? Question after Question for a major society fail.

                        • 8 votes
                        Reply#12 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:04 AM EST

                        Everyone wants the big 'G' out of their life until it involvoes the life of a child....make up your mind!! REALLY

                        • 7 votes
                        #12.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:53 AM EST

                        where did the Scholl System think this child was?

                        My guess is that the parents had permission to do home schooling. Works for some, fails for others. And yet even in my state, where home schooling is common and some kids win scholarships, and others are found dying from abuse or are forced to star in kid porn, home school advocates scream their heads off when the state wants to make sure that the kids are actually being taught something useful, or to check and see if the kid is even alive.

                        • 3 votes
                        #12.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:38 AM EST

                        @ihateliberals-3787409-I know! When is society going to realize that so often, sick people come from sick families! My husband's mother marched into her sister's home and took physical custody of her sister's child when she found out the kid was being abused. Unfortunately, the courts eventually turned the kid back over to his mother and things didn't turn out well. To this day she laments the boy who could have been.

                        PS - don't hate me, i'm a liberal

                        • 2 votes
                        #12.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:51 AM EST
                        Reply

                        They should hang from a bloody tree.

                        • 3 votes
                        Reply#13 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:04 AM EST

                        Why would you want to subject innocent children to such a view?

                          #13.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:35 AM EST

                          Who said children would be invited to watch? I agree that hanging might be the right punishment for this sort of thing. But they need to suffer a while first, like the boy did. And I wouldn't even give them a lamp.

                          • 1 vote
                          #13.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:35 AM EST

                          Elk Meadow, Serious? I would have enjoyed watching UNCLE George swing, No more nightmares. I always tell my Grandchildren that if they are worried about Monsters , watch the news. That's where the real Monsters are.

                            #13.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:55 PM EST

                            ElkMeadow: You and your opinions are just plain weird. Stop posting until you have something intelligent to say.

                              #13.4 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:08 PM EST
                              Reply

                              Ahggggg! I just looked at the mug shots again and i see Chld Molester writen all over their faces.

                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#14 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:06 AM EST

                              ?? This doesn't make any sense. The other kids never said a word to anybody? The 12 year old didn't have any friends that missed him for 3 months? His school didn't wonder where he was? No grand parents?

                              • 10 votes
                              Reply#15 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:28 AM EST

                              If you look up Jeannette Maples from Eugene Oregon you can read about another story very similar to this. The young girl in question was one of four kids to a similar trashy family. The mom had such a hold over the family that the girl died from her abuse and neglect. The mother got the death penallty. They pulled Jeanette out of school and claimed that they were home schooling her. Why does a parent pick one child to abuse? The state workers were neglegent in their duty as complaints had been filed against her parents and they did nothing to protect the child.

                              It is our gladiator society that glorifies television shows that show and revel in the bad behavior of nincompoop celebrities. It is the desensitization of the young people to violence and agressive behavior. It is the neglect of authority that has no teeth and can offer no consequence to criminals. It is many things. It is the uncaring attitude of people who have knowledge of this kind of behavior. It is all of us that are responsible for not standing up and demanding changes to protect the children.

                              • 4 votes
                              #15.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:18 AM EST

                              As I posted earlier, my own great grandson is living in Netherland, CO, and nobody notices or seems to care that he, and sometimes the siblings are being abused. His Dad has called social services several times, begged for intervention that doesn't happen. The kids are threatened with DIRE consequences if they tell anyone about their home life. The older boy, ten, is forced to sleep on the bare floor, and to watch others eat while he is given no food. It's too sad. The mother is under court orders to allow them to talk to their Dad, but she does everything she can to prevent it. She gets away with it. Dad lives out of town.

                                #15.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:08 PM EST

                                lelia, if it is that bad your grandson should go and take the kid back. If he is scared of the child's mother and step-dad, he needs to bring some friends and other family members along. If the mother and step-father hate the boy that much, they won't complain. No need to get the cops or government involved.

                                And if the government does get involved, than maybe they will look closer when they realize things were bad enough that a dad risked jail time to save his baby.

                                  #15.3 - Mon Dec 10, 2012 2:06 AM EST
                                  Reply

                                  We hear this type of story all too often. I always wonder why a relative, a teacher, a neighbor, the parents friends, aren't suspicious or curious as to why they haven't seen the child. Don't the parents ever have visitors or someone asking about the whereabouts of a child? And are the other siblings so terrified that they don't mention a brother or sister locked in a room for months? These stories are so sad and absolutely maddening.

                                  • 4 votes
                                  Reply#16 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:32 AM EST

                                  As I posted above, I'm betting (figuratively) that the kids were being home schooled, so no teachers.

                                  Neighbors move in and neighbors move out. Relatives only call at holidays, if that. Parents friends don't meet them at their house, but at bars and such. It's not that hard to hide a kid, as we've seen in so many news stories. I've known fathers who didn't have custody, who live out of state, who sent money as court-ordered, who never get to see or hear from their kids and have only the mother's word for it that the kids are alive. I'm sure that there are mothers who are in the same boat as regards to their exes too.

                                  You can guess what hell would be raised if a non-custodial parent asked the court for a welfare check on the kids, and how the custodial parent would punish the other.

                                    #16.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 3:46 AM EST

                                    Jan, people know. They don't want the abuser to know they are the one that told. "They might come after me" "They will know it was me" *My family will turn on me"Because of my outspoken abhorrence of child abuse many people have come to me to ask what they should do. I hand them my phone. Local CPS is on my speed dial. I cannot report 2nd hand information.They must take responsibility or live with the knowledge they failed that child and allowed the abuse to continue.

                                    EXPOSURE

                                      #16.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:03 PM EST
                                      Reply

                                      Both failed to post bail and remained behind bars

                                      To hell with bond - keep these losers where they are BECAUSE of what they did. BOND????? Please...the child did not get a chance to post "bond".

                                      • 5 votes
                                      Reply#17 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:06 AM EST

                                      If I had a choce to give these two losers Bond, I would elect to squirt Crazy Glue all over the fronts of their bodies and then Bond them together. Now that's the Bond these two creeps deserve!

                                      • 5 votes
                                      #17.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 5:00 AM EST

                                      1. crackheads generally don't have the money for bail

                                      2. they also don't have friends, only suppliers and customers..neither of which is going anywhere near a jail under their own power.

                                      3. this is a good thing.

                                      • 4 votes
                                      #17.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:16 AM EST
                                      Reply

                                      I was off to bed when I read this story, now with my eyes swollen with tears I will fall asleep fast and no doubt have nightmares. I don't know this child, but I want to wrap my arms around him and keep him safe forever! Is it not sick enough when evil "STRANGERS" prey upon innocent children? For Christ's sake this pos was supposed to be his daddy!!!!

                                      If this boy needs a home I would welcome him in a heartbeat!

                                      • 5 votes
                                      Reply#18 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:21 AM EST

                                      Thanks JACF, My sentiments too. I would gladly adopt this guy if at 80 I were allowed to. I think of some of the tough times I had as a kid, but nothing that I went through comes close to what this poor young man went through. Both parents need to be made examples and persecuted to the fullest extent of the law!

                                      • 6 votes
                                      #18.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 4:47 AM EST

                                      Yes, Sandan. I agree that the parents should be persecuted, but the law doesn't allow that. It does, however allow for them to be prosecuted. Evil people who prey on the helpless should be made to suffer, as they made the children (and/or animals) suffer, and they should never be released back into society!

                                      • 2 votes
                                      #18.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:04 PM EST

                                      Contact your area CPS OR DCFS and become a Foster Parent.

                                      • 1 vote
                                      #18.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:05 PM EST

                                      Jan-772812: Happy now that you've corrected an 80 year old person who was willing to help an abused little boy? No class.

                                      • 1 vote
                                      #18.4 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:15 PM EST

                                      Mikki: It wasn't meant as an insult. And, you don't know how old I am -- I will tell you that I'm over 70 and just might be older than 80!

                                        #18.5 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:46 PM EST
                                        Reply

                                        Here in the West, those two POS would be used as ornaments on an oak tree if I had my way!!

                                        • 5 votes
                                        Reply#19 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:20 AM EST

                                        Probably religous in nature. They think he has a demon or something is my guess.

                                        • 1 vote
                                        Reply#20 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 4:35 AM EST

                                        I would call these parents animals, but even animals don't do this. Is our society becoming more and more sick as time goes on, or is that we're just hearing about these things more readily because of better communication?

                                        • 4 votes
                                        Reply#21 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 5:01 AM EST

                                        very sad...The judge should simply punish them the same way they did this poor kid...3 months in the same room...

                                        • 1 vote
                                        Reply#22 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 5:04 AM EST

                                        Three years in solitary confinement would be appropriate punishment for both of these so called parents.

                                        • 5 votes
                                        #22.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:15 AM EST
                                        Reply

                                        I'll never understand how people can treat others this way, let alone their own children. If they ever get out, they should be prevented from ever having or being near a child again.

                                        • 5 votes
                                        Reply#23 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:19 AM EST

                                        Leave 'em in jail

                                        • 4 votes
                                        Reply#24 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:43 AM EST

                                        Lock them up in a room for months, give them the same treatment. Exspecaily the woman with the zitty face.

                                        • 3 votes
                                        Reply#25 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:50 AM EST

                                        I think in many cases the woman is controlled by the man. Doncha think? I'm for taking a more clear

                                        look at the setting and her roll. Be fair in your estimation of her.

                                          #25.1 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:23 PM EST

                                          Don't underestimate the power of a manipulating, psycho nutcase woman tho... It could have been either of them controlling the situation. But they are both to blame, and even if the justice system doesnt punish them as much as they deserve, they will get their come-uppance eventually. We all will.

                                          My heart goes out to that poor kid... he has no chance now, that kind of abuse just doesn't heal. :( :(

                                            #25.2 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:59 PM EST
                                            Reply
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