RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (TCN) — Police recently announced the arrest of a couple after a 7-year-old malnourished child “near fatality” was brought to a hospital.
According to the Russellville Police Department, on July 15, officers were notified about the boy, who was at Children’s Hospital in Little Rock in critical condition. Medical staff said the child was “pale, limp, and extremely underweight at just 28 pounds,” and they determined he likely suffered “years of severe, prolonged malnutrition.”
Investigators searched the home of the victim’s parents, Christopher Freeman and Katelyn Freeman. Inside, they reportedly observed living conditions that were “unfit for children.” Police located a closet converted into a makeshift room, where the child had been confined for long durations of time and often bound with rope.
According to authorities, the “closet showed signs of frequent use, including urine and feces on the floor and worn-down walls and door hardware.” Officers reportedly observed clutter throughout the residence but noted that there was plenty of food and several thousand dollars in cash.
Other children in the home allegedly said the 7-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sibling were restrained with ropes as a form of punishment.
Christopher Freeman and Katelyn Freeman reportedly admitted to authorities that they locked the 7-year-old boy in the closet and failed to seek medical care for “fear of repercussions and embarrassment.”
Police called the couple’s alleged actions a case of “physical and mental torture.”
Officers arrested Christopher Freeman and Katelyn Freeman on charges of first-degree battery and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. They remain held in the Pope County Detention Center.
As of July 16, the 7-year-old boy remains hospitalized in critical condition. His two siblings are reportedly in the custody of the Department of Human Services.
In a statement, Russellville Police Chief David Ewing said, “Even though the details of this case are horrific and disturbing, I am extremely proud of the perseverance and professionalism displayed by the officers and detectives of the Russellville Police Department who worked diligently to bring these individuals to justice.”
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