According to reports, on January 29, a woman who works at Jake’s Diner called the authorities from the eatery to tell them that her husband was abusing her at home.
During the police investigation, they visited the family’s New London, Connecticut apartment.
While inside, officers found the 10-year-old and reported that he was “living in squalor, inhumane conditions.”
They alleged the child lived in a room that could be locked with a deadbolt from the outside. There was plastic covering the floor and a blanket in the room. It was suspected that the boy was trapped inside and neglected for long periods.
The youngster reportedly looked severely malnourished, and it was reported that his BMI was 6%. He was covered in bruises, displayed injuries to his ears, had hair loss, and was unable to walk without pain.
When the authorities talked to the child, he said he was often locked in dark, small places for days at a time. He said he was not given water, and he was not allowed to regularly use the bathroom or clean himself. He described several situations where he was beaten resulting in him believing he was going to die. The youngster said the abuse had been ongoing for months.
The police reported that they found blood stains inside a closet where they believe the boy had been locked on multiple occasions, and they asserted the blood came from the child being beaten.
The stepfather is the main suspect in the investigation, but the boy’s mother also faces multiple charges.
The 41-year-old man is facing felony first-degree strangulation, felony second-degree assault, felony unlawful restraint, felony cruelty to persons, and misdemeanor reckless endangerment. He currently remains incarcerated on a $750,000 bond.
The child’s 38-year-old mom is facing charges of felony conspiracy to commit first-degree strangulation, felony conspiracy to commit second-degree assault, felony conspiracy to commit unlawful restraint, felony conspiracy to commit cruelty to persons, and misdemeanor reckless endangerment. She was released from custody after posting a $250,000 bond.
The Department of Children and Families reported, “This is the first allegation of physical abuse received regarding the individual who has been subsequently arrested.”
The youngster is being cared for by his aunt.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.