A 26-year-old Missouri woman has been arrested and charged with severe child abuse after allegedly singling out her 5-year-old son for brutal punishments, including beatings, food deprivation, and confinement in a closet. The shocking allegations came to light after a friend staying at the woman’s home in Florissant, about 15 miles northwest of St. Louis, reported the abuse to police.
According to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the friend witnessed repeated instances of “brutal” abuse and alerted authorities on February 17. Police responded to the home and found the child malnourished and injured. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
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The mother, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of her children, faces charges of abuse or neglect of a child causing serious emotional or physical injury, first-degree kidnapping, and additional counts of child abuse. Prosecutors revealed that the woman admitted to using belts, cords, and zip ties to punish her son for sneaking food.
She also admitted to leaving him zip-tied for two to three hours at a time. The friend reported witnessing the mother hitting the child’s knuckles with her phone while forcing him to ball up his fists. She also allegedly locked the boy in a closet, blocking the door with a dresser, and forced him to hold wall squats for extended periods, described as “longer than anyone in the military should.”
In the middle of the night, the friend heard “screaming, crying, and begging for something to stop.” The next morning, the boy was found on the floor with his hands zip-tied behind his back, his pants around his ankles, and covered in bruises. The friend recorded a video of the child’s condition, which was later shared with investigators.
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Other children in the home confirmed to police that the 5-year-old was routinely subjected to such punishments. The mother’s alleged abuse has sparked outrage and calls for justice. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “Defendant admitted that she uses belts, cords, and zip ties to punish Victim for sneaking food.”
The mother is currently in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities are working to ensure the safety and well-being of all children involved. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting suspected abuse to protect vulnerable children from harm.
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