ZEARING, Iowa (TCD) — Four people, including a 16-year-old, have been charged in connection with the abduction and severe abuse of an 18-year-old family member who suffered traumatic injuries and malnutrition.
According to a news release from the Story County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan. 27, deputies responded to a local hospital in reference to an adult male with critical injuries who was brought to the facility by 42-year-old Danielle Graham and 20-year-old Aaron Williams. The patient was reportedly conscious upon his arrival but “not alert and unresponsive to stimulus.”
The sheriff’s office learned the victim sustained “life-threatening injuries from abuse, including a brain bleed, rib fractures, wounds in multiple stages of healing, and weighing 70 pounds due to severe malnourishment.”
According to WHO-TV, Danielle Graham told officials the victim, her son, left home in November 2023 after turning 18, and she said she thought he was homeless. Danielle Graham reportedly insisted she didn’t have any contact with him following his departure.
Danielle Graham told investigators the victim returned home in January in “a semi-conscious state, having difficulty breathing, and being unable to speak,” WHO reports. She reportedly stated that she and her other son, Aaron Williams, subsequently brought the victim to the emergency room.
In a search warrant application reviewed by WHO, officials said Danielle Graham’s statements seemed “highly suspicious given the severity of the injuries,” and the victim didn’t have any “cold weather injuries to support the mother’s claims that he had been homeless.” Additionally, the document reportedly says, “There is no evidence at all to support anyone dropping the victim off at the residence since he was incapable of walking.”
According to WHO, investigators recovered videos and text messages from family members, including a video on 16-year-old Kaitlynn Williams’ cellphone from December 2023, showing the victim with athletic tape on his wrists. In the background of the videos, a bunk bed is reportedly seen with I-bolts and handcuffs.
Deputies said relatives allegedly handcuffed the victim’s wrists and ankles to his bed while they abused him. The alleged assaults worsened in early November 2023, causing long-term injuries.
In text messages, Danielle Graham’s husband, 44-year-old Gary Graham Jr., allegedly instructed Aaron Williams to abuse the victim. 16-year-old Kaitlynn Williams also reportedly ordered Aaron Williams to strike the 18-year-old.
According to WHO, the victim told officials he would be handcuffed at night and often beaten at the hands of Gary Graham and Aaron Williams.
The sheriff’s office arrested Gary Graham, Danielle Graham, Aaron Williams, and Kaitlynn Williams on charges of first-degree kidnapping and willful injury.
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