Arkansas parents were arrested and charged with the physical and mental abuse of their seven-year-old son.
The Russellville Police Department's officers were notified on July 15 that a seven-year-old boy was in critical condition at the Children's Hospital in Little Rock. It was later found that the child had been previously admitted to the Dardanelle Regional Medical Center by his parents.
Parents Arrested Over Abuse of Son
Hospital staff described the young boy as being pale, limp, and extremely underweight at only 28 lbs. Officials added that the doctor who examined the boy described his condition as "near fatality" due to years of severe and prolonged nutritional issues.
Law enforcement personnel later searched the child's residence, which is located in the 800 block of Sandstone Circle, and found that the living conditions were "unfit for children." Investigators who searched the home found a closet that was turned into a makeshift room, where the boy is believed to have been confined for extended periods.
Authorities concluded that the makeshift room showed frequent signs of being used, which was indicated by the urine and feces that they found on the floor. They also discovered worn-down walls and door hardware that supported their theory, according to THV11.
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When searching the residence, officials also found that there was plenty of food and thousands of dollars in cash. They discovered that other children were living in the home, who revealed that rope was used to restrain the seven-year-old and a his five-year-old sibling as a form of punishment.
The parents were identified as Chris and Katelyn Freeman, who admitted to locking their son in the closet and failing to seek medical assistance. They said this was because they feared repercussions and embarrassment.
Physical and Mental Torture
An official spokesperson noted that the abuse at the home of the family was a case of "physical and mental torture." Russellville Police Chief David Ewing added that it was likely they would pursue additional charges against the parents, KARK reported.
The parents, 39-year-old Chris and 27-year-old Katelyn, appeared at a probable cause hearing where they sat before Circuit Judge James Dunham. The hearing itself was conducted over Zoom, where officials described the "emotional and physical abuse" of the two boys.
Police authorities revealed that the couple, who are being held in the Pope County Detention Center, are both being held on a $100,000 bond each. When the parents first brought their seven-year-old son to the Dardanelle Regional Medical Center, he had posturing hands, dilated eyes, and did not respond to stimuli, as per Courier News.
