Battered 4-Year Old Boy... the Ultimate Case of Police Brutality?

...you shouldn't have to pay for your love with your bones and your flesh - Pat Benatar, "Hell is for children"

(SALEM) - "They don't want the image of a little boy to be shown because he is so brutalized, they don't want the American public to know what he looks like." Those words from a family friend of a four-year old boy who was beaten to within an inch of his life by an Oregon police officer.

McMinnville Police say investigators believe that the injuries to the 4 year old were a result of physical abuse caused by a police officer named Michael Abo. The rural Oregon law enforcement officer is suspected of violent physical abuse that took place over a series of weeks. Michael Shane Abo is a former Yamhill County deputy who later worked as an unpaid reserve officer in Yamhill, Oregon.

The story begins on December 31st when an ambulance transported the boy to an emergency room. It is unclear why police did not immediately arrest either Abo or the boy's mother, due to the extreme nature of the boy's injuries.

McMinnville Police Chief Ron Noble told Salem-News Friday, that the investigators in this case were doing everything in their power to move the case forward.

The family of the boy told Salem-News that the boy's father is in the U.S. military.

It is difficult to assume that the physical abuse, which I am told took place over an extended period of time, would have missed the attention of the boy's mother.

Abo faces two counts of first-degree Assault which is a Measure 11 Crime, and two counts of Criminal Mistreatment. It is not clear at this point why a charge of Attempted Murder was not included. Perhaps it is because the boy's beating injuries are so severe that his life hangs in the balance.

It began on January 1, 2014, when Yamhill County Sheriff's deputies responded to a medical call at the Abo residence in Sheridan regarding injuries to a 4 year old boy. They did NOT arrest their fellow police officer at the time or the boy's mother, who apparently contends that the boy fell down the stairs, in spite of the critical injuries the boy had suffered.

So begins the problem with this story, which is about a small boy who suffered from a huge problem in a dark uniform.

The child suffered head injuries that have required major surgery. He is covered with bruises and what appear to be rug burns. He reportedly has ruptured bowels. The boy's head injuries will likely prevent him from being able to walk or talk, and he may have lost his vision.

But the Yamhill police officer was allowed to walk initially, despite the serious nature of the boy's injuries.

When I caught wind of this story I began making calls, ultimately connecting with Ron Noble, the police chief of McMinnville, Oregon. We had a lengthy conversation and Noble asked me in a courteous way to hold onto the story and not release it until the next day so as to not compromise their investigation.

I called back the next day as suggested, for an update on the case. I reached a McMinnville Police captain named Matthew Scales who told me in no uncertain terms that he had, "no information," that anything I received would come in the "form of a news release when the rest of the media gets it." I was puzzled and really quite shocked at the hostile tone which seemed very out of place considering the fact that I could have already published the story. I asked if his actions were due to the fact that a police officer was the suspect and if he or his agency were treating the case differently because of this.

I could have gone ahead as many reporters would have, but instead I "played ball" with McMinnville PD strictly because I was told it would help them. It was not a rewarding experience. They had failed to arrest the suspect, Abo at that point. I know they were concerned about what may transpire when they did go to arrest him, since Abo was a fully armed police officer.

I was in touch with the family over this case days ago, though they were reluctant to share information on the record because, as they explained, they "...were told by the District Attorney's office not to speak to reporters about the case."

Alicia Eagan with the Yamhill County District Attorney's Office, is the prosecutor in the case. Friday afternoon, she denied having told family members that they should not talk to Salem-News.com or other news agencies, "We didn't tell anyone that. We don't tell people they can't talk to the media."

I questioned her about this, since it is not the only case I specifically know about in rural Oregon where a family was asked not to talk to the media¹.

I then asked if there was any information she would like me to include in my article, I asked if they are looking for more witnesses and information, since that is what normally happens in a case like this.

I questioned her again, asking why she would not seek additional witnesses to such a horrible crime, and to this she replied, "I am not the investigator, the police do that."

Abo was arrested by federal marshals. Local authorities failed to arrest him at the time the boy was transported to the hospital, and in the end they had the federal government do it, which is an unusual tactic.

The family of the child is devastated. KOIN 6 covered the story today and released the seriousness of the boy's injuries².

McMinnville's Police Chief, Ron Noble, showed a level of professionalism in handling the case that is noteworthy. He knows that reporters do not have to cooperate with police in the handling of a story like this.

Abo's former employer, Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree, failed to return our calls.

It is one of those stories where one of the biggest questions revolve the alleged perpetrator's status as a law enforcement officer. I understand that these alleged actions potentially lower the public's opinion of police, but that isn't our fault, that is just the way it is.

The grandmother of the little boy said, "The things that man did to my grandson, it is unthinkable." She can't stand the fact that her four-year old grandson was beaten within an inch of his life, and his mother failed to protect him.

Abo's bail was set at one million dollars. KOIN noted that Abo seemed distraught, they also talked to a woman who knows Abo, who said, "Anybody is capable of doing anything. But the Mike that I know, no. I wouldn't think that he was capable of doing that."

Controversy Over Boy's Photo

Somehow today, the focus on the story became fixated around the use of the boy's photo on Salem-News.com. An attorney who says she represents the boy, contacted Salem-News.com late last night with the following demand.

“

Dear Editors,

I represent the child-victim of Mr. Abo. In researching articles on this matter I noticed that you included a picture of my client in your article located at http://www.salem-news.com/articles/january042014/boy-hurt.php

Please remove this photograph IMMEDIATELY and any other photographs of this child on your website or any print materials. If you fail to do so, I will take every action available to my client under the law. He is a minor and a victim and has an absolute right to privacy in this matter.

Thank you for your understanding and prompt consideration.

Meghan Bishop

Nitcher & Bishop Law Group

1367 Commercial St SE

Salem, Oregon 97302

Phone: 971-599-3990

Fax: 503-385-1936

MCMINNVILLE OFFICE:

235 NE 3rd St Suite 10

McMinnville, Oregon 97128

”

At Salem-News.com, we despise bullies. The attorney who sent the above letter, managed to convince a talk show host with an obscure Salem radio station to lambaste our news agency over the use of the photo.

The radio announcer "Bill" said we violated the boy's privacy, yet we published the photo at the request of the family... not the mother who allegedly failed to protect the small boy from violence, but from the boy's grandparents.

Our decision to publish the Facebook photo of the four-year old boy allowed people to see what may turn out to be, the ultimate portrait of police brutality.

As a friend of the family of the boy stated, "It makes everyone look bad, the mother should not have posted the picture and should not have tried to elicit sympathy." But she did post it on her public Facebook page and the photo was circulating already without any assistance from us.

An attorney named "Sarah" even called into the radio show to state that we were wrong for using a simple photograph. I think our position is well captured in this statement from our News Photojournalist in Salem, Jerry Freeman:

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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sadbird May 22, 2014 1:10 pm (Pacific time)

First off his father was not in the military. And second you have no clue as far on who much the mother knew it's people like You who make me sick! This mother has been through hell and back everyday and has been by her son side. Abo will have his day in court and I hope he doesn't make it out of jail. But how dare you act like you knew what this mother has went through or is going through or what she knew... People like you must not have many friends to be one who can judge so easy!!!!!

sad anonymous May 21, 2014 8:23 am (Pacific time)

Are there any updates about this case? How is the little boy doing, what is the status of Abo and a trial, etc?

Jacie March 19, 2014 7:49 pm (Pacific time)

There is a brutally beaten 4 year old boy, lying in a hospital bed at this time, who is the ONLY victim in this story. The mother must be held accountable, as well as Abo, for the boy's injuries. Providing the picture of this child reminds us that this story has the human element of a child who has been betrayed by his mother and severely abused by her 'boyfriend'.

Any attempt to minimize this crime, be it by a law enforcement agency, an attorney or even a commenter here, victimizes the 4 year old further. I commend his grandparents for allowing the inclusion of his picture in the article; by doing so they honor him. Take a good, close look at that boy's face, the child you see is forever changed by the actions of a brute, as well as the inactions of the mother and others. Prayers offered for a full recovery for this boy and may he be with those who truly love him, who will protect him. Thank you to the boy's father for his service to our country, I am just sorry it came at such a high cost.

Abo family member February 4, 2014 9:37 pm (Pacific time)

To the anonymous low scum of the earth .. You are clearly lost and mentally disturbed and have no clue what the hell your talking about !! Rape is no part of this and for you to even say this is really disturbing to me and I really don't know why I am wasting my energy and time responding to you

Editor: I am going to remove that other comment. This one will probably be removed afterward as it will not make sense.

Mason January 20, 2014 1:42 am (Pacific time)

I see that from previous comment that you are continuing to look into this story, but have you learned any new information regarding whether or not charges have or will be brought against the boy's mother?

Jill January 14, 2014 9:40 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, is there an update on the boys condition?
When is the next court date?

He was arraigned Monday, I will get that date and post it, I have not had any updates on the boy for a couple of days, sorry, I had to step back from it today but will be back on track tomorrow.

ABO FAMILY MEMBER January 14, 2014 2:43 pm (Pacific time)

First of all I want to make this very clear ... We are good human beings that are devastated and hurt for this sweet boy just as MUCH as all of you so DO NOT assume that we are heartless and make us out to be monsters !!! We pray right along with all of you for his family's pain and strength !

Do you know what it feels like to wake up and your life has changed with devastation because someone that you love dearly is being accused of something of this nature ??

Do you know what it feels like to watch the whole family hurt and how this is affected the innocent ones that don't understand and there is not a damn thing you can do about it ?

Do you know what it feels like to try to comfort the young children in this family that don't understand why so many hatred evil things are being plastered all over the internet and newspaper about their loved one that has not even been to trial or any facts , interviews done on Abo's side yet and so quick to judge when YOU DONT know everything !
Well in case none of you know how it feels ... IT feels like a horrible nightmare and none of us committed a crime but for some twisted reason it makes us feel like we did or wronged because of the way it's presented from the media

I understand the outrage with the magnitude of this but the facts have not been presented and come out and none of you know exactly what happened so when the details and facts are released then feel free to do your judging

There has been so much focus on hatred towards the Abo side and violence isn't going to solve this , nor will the comments of the cruel punishments that should be done to him and in my opinion some of the horrible things that some of you express makes you no better than the crime and says a lot about your character ! Focus should be with prayer for the boy and the ignorance to Abo 's family isn't the answer either

Sad bird January 13, 2014 5:08 am (Pacific time)

Maybe this mother just had her life taken upside down living this so called nightmare. We should respect her wishes too until we know more about her side of the story. You shouldn't go posting her name or picture not Even the little boys picture. He is a victume in all this why put him out there like you have been? My heart hurts for this family and mother to have trusted a man that is apart of the Law is sad. We don't know the full story we need to wait and see what it is before judging. My guess is this mother is by her child's side and hasn't left and if that's the case I couldn't imagine her knowing what was going on. Sometimes we trust people who you would never see causing such harm to our love ones but it happens everyday. We have mothers that kill their own babies and fathers too. Family members that rap their own family members or kill them. This is a very sad case people need to respect this boys and not go posting his pictures and name everywhere.

Curiosity January 12, 2014 4:52 pm (Pacific time)

So where is the so called innocent mother's picture ? We have seen Abo's picture , the victim , the grandfather of the victim , and Abo's father ( that looked like it wasn't a consented picture since he was getting into his car ) might as well get her face out for recognition since she is a piece of this story ....

Anonymous January 12, 2014 4:47 pm (Pacific time)

First off, you have no right to make assumptions about anybody's wishes on the child. The family of the accused has every right to stick up for him until he's proven guilty. Being a reporter you should know that he is a suspect and was taken into custody because he was the only one present at the time of the accident, they have yet to figure out if he is guilty. If he's proven guilty then yes, he deserves time just like anybody else but he does not deserve to have people making threats or wishing his death. It doesn't make you or anybody else better than him. His family wishes nothing but the best for the little boy and his family but we are also devastated. We only hope he did not do this, and ignorant people like you don't make the situation easier to cope with. EVERYONE is hurt by this and all you are is just another reporter that doesn't hold all the details and writes one-sides stories.

I interviewed Mr. Abo's lawyer and attempted to talk to his father, I totally recognize that this man has not been convicted, of course. I truly do not mean to hurt or harm anyone unnecessarily. I also clearly recognize the family's right to advocate for this man, please do not misunderstand. My observation is somewhat unique and I don't want to beat a dead horse, but the LE officer aspect was very concerning, along with the fact that the police were seemingly dragging their heels n making the arrest. At any rate, thank you for your comment.

Irritated January 12, 2014 7:43 am (Pacific time)

No sir, YOU are going on an on about non-issues. Do not target Michael's family. We have nothing to do with this. From the comments you are making it seems like YOU are the one being distracted from the real issue and making comments that have nothing to do with the issue.

Mitch January 11, 2014 10:20 pm (Pacific time)

Wow what a horrible thing for you to assume that I would want the little boy to die and no one to see his face !! Shame on your ignorance !! As a matter of fact I do not know either of them and if I did I sure in the hell wouldn't be reading these comments ! Your a disgrace and call yourself a professional ? You are quick to attack me in such a way that is uncalled for because I voiced my opinion just like everyone else ! It seems that you may be the one that knows or are friends with them because your taking this a bit personal to say that I want this little boy to die without the public seeing his face

Irritated January 11, 2014 9:57 pm (Pacific time)

"I'm sorry people like you want the boy to die without anyone even knowing what he looked like, you must be either a friend of the cop who hurt him.." What a horrible thing to say to someone. So, from this statement, you are assuming the friends of the accused wants the boy to die without anyone even seeing what he looked like. Just to let you know I am a close family member of the accused and his family are just as upset as everyone else in the community. What an awful thing to say. Please do remember this, his family and friends are innocent also!!!

I am saying that the subject is the boy and going on and on about a photo is nothing but a distraction from what is really going on. I am sick of people bickering about non issues, that is right.

Mitch January 11, 2014 5:45 pm (Pacific time)

Yes this is a free country but all the media cares about is their coverage and nothing about who's picture they put out ( the child , family of the alleged .. They didn't commit any crime )

There are specific reasons we carried this photo. This is a story of immense proportions, the photo use is the smallest matter, what matters is what happened to the boy and whether or not justice is served- THAT is what matters. The photo was carried with permission from the family anyway, I'm sorry people like you want the boy to die without anyone even knowing what he looked like, you must be either a friend of the cop who hurt him or a friend of the mother who didn't protect him, what is it?

Jill January 9, 2014 10:27 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, wow! I love how you have delved in to this horrible inconceivable story of abuse to a child.
Many in the community are outraged and concerned how this monster will be prosecuted. Please keep up doing what your doing to get to the bottom of all these unanswered questions. Many tears have been shed with hurting hearts for this precious boy. How does the mother figure in all this? Why is she not being prosecuted?

Thank you so much, we will have more information on the mother in the coming days, that is a very good question.

ruth January 8, 2014 5:20 pm (Pacific time)

Is there any updates today on this case??

Ruth, we covered the bail reduction hearing for Abo today and we do have a story coming forward, Abo was in the courtroom surprisingly, KOIN and KPTV were there also. Abo's attorney wanted bail reduced to $50,000, the judge said she would lower it to $500,000 and the family can't do that, so Abo stays in jail. I have substantial new information that will be released soon.

Debbie January 8, 2014 2:09 pm (Pacific time)

Abo is being held in Washington County not Yamhill Responding to the comment County Jail. This is being done to avoid any conflict of intrest issues from arising in the the case & thank God someone had enough forthought to stop that arguement in its tracks before it could be thought of later down the road. That being said, I for one,(who lives in this county) will watch this case closely. I am so tired of seeing crimenals plea bargined out or given mild sentences to the point that it makes me sick. When a man can be given probation for killing 4 people while drinking & driving because he comes from an affluent family, a woman in AZ. can stab her x-boyfriend 29 times, cut his throat from ear to ear & then shot him & have a jury hung because she was young Or maybe had PTSD, then my heart is heavy that this child will recieve an ounce of proper justice.The other major issue in the cace is the fact that the mother is still walking free. Having lived with an abuser at one time in my life, he knew laying a hand on me was 1 thing but lay a hand on a child of mine & he knew he would draw his last breath. I am sorry but if she didn't go to the hospital brused,bloody & half dead from protecting her child then her ass should be sitting right along beside Abo in jail. sorry now that I'm done venting, i will watch this case with great intrest because i can hold a encil & iI can vote & every judge, district attorney & sherrif that can be voted on i hope will be held to task.

Hmm January 8, 2014 10:03 am (Pacific time)

The major theme of this story is that it was a police officer that committed this heinous crime, but from what is actually written in the article, it sounds like it was a FORMER police officer. This story seems full of holes, in more ways than one. The fact remains that an innocent child was unjustly abused, however, it seems that article was written to sensationalize that. Shame on the author.

Far from the case, the officer according to some reports has not been on duty since August but his name was listed as an active reserve officer as recently as two days ago. Thanks for your comment.

Geoffrey January 8, 2014 12:03 am (Pacific time)

Also, where is abo being held ? Your original article said that it was yam hill county jail, but his profile isn't up on the news register 'who's in jail' section.

Abo is being held in the Washington County Jail

Abo-solutely disgusting January 7, 2014 11:57 pm (Pacific time)

This story needs to go viral. People should post it everywhere they can. Justice needs to be served.

I wonder if the father has been notified, and how he feels about it?

There are many questions and considerable new information flowing in, I will find out about the father, that is an important question. People reading this should post the article on Facebook, Twitter, Digg and Reddit, etc., thank you.

Mother of 3 young boys January 7, 2014 11:31 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, go get them! Make sure every adult who touch this case and didn't act first in the protection of that innocent child is held publicly responsible! Thank you for you commitment and dedication to bring the truth to light.

When our justice system acts like this, in a case involving such a small defenseless innocent, I wonder who protects him, who looks out for his best interest? Who gets him justice for the life he's lost? Thank you for making the public aware and being this sweet little mans voice!

All the best

Mother of 3 young boys

Douglas Heuer January 7, 2014 4:39 pm (Pacific time)

Thanks for the reporting the story. Salem-News was the first I heard of the story. As I talked to others who knew more, they claimed that it was the Oregon State Police who made the arrest. Still would like to know why the Sheriff's dept failed to make the arrest. In a domestic dispute cases, seems that the policy is arrest anyone who got physical or abusive ... is that not the policy in Yamhill County ??? Thanks for your reporting ... !!

From KATU Channel 2 News January 7, 2014 3:59 pm (Pacific time)

The Yamhill County sheriff fired Abo Nov. 19, 2012 after disciplining him and after issuing him warnings several times for failing to appear at trials involving defendants arrested for various crimes, according to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

After Abo was fired, the DPSST opened an investigation, which it does automatically in cases like this.

Abo contended he missed two of the scheduled court appearances because of medical issues.

Still, after its investigation, the DPSST recommended that Abo's law enforcement certification should be stripped.

Abo requested an administrative hearing and a judge reviewed the case but proposed that Abo should be able to keep his certification.

The DPSST is considering the judge's proposal and the case has not yet been resolved.

KATU News http://www.katu.com/news/local/Reserve-officer-abused-young-boy-for-weeks-court-documents-say-238981931.html

Seeking Justice January 7, 2014 1:42 pm (Pacific time)

Tim, Thank you for reporting on this story! People of your caliber are few and far between.

It is clear that the outcry regarding the posting of pictures is an obvious attempt to distract from the actual issue. Victims of tragedies are often shown on television, perhaps not in their injured state though. And the family's approval that you've received is clearly more than enough. Don't be drawn into their attempt to divert attention from the issue.

Thank you

Anonymous January 7, 2014 10:48 am (Pacific time)

Such a tragedy and people care about the photo being posted? WTF?

Anonymous January 7, 2014 9:28 am (Pacific time)

The cop needs the death penalty, and what is all of this about the photo? Are these people serious? Do they have no internal pride? What a bunch of morons and insensitive bag heads, that goes for Vanessa Rieken, Caitlin Jeffery, Jenny Skinner, Erin Mac and Dawn Joz, you people are full of sh*t.

Vanessa Rieken January 7, 2014 8:46 am (Pacific time)

...and by not posting any more "insulting" comments as you are claiming ones like mine to be is censorship, which you so deftly slam in your comment on another person's feedback about the use of the boy's photo. If you do not wish to post my critique of your journalistic prowess and knowledge of state law (I studied it I'm familiar with it) that is fine. I'd be happy to instead send the feedback directly to the editor as well as a copy of the law and your story so they can see what a shoddy reporter they have working for them providing a "political opinion" piece that isn't even remotely political in nature. I will also include the screen shots of your belligerent and badgering replies to people who comment anything that is contrary to your personal stances. You are an embarrassment to your profession and your rude treatment of those who disagree with you further highlights your blatant disregard for all opinions other than your own, or fact that contradicts your long-winded and weak drivel.

You're a commenter, you don't write for us, write it all down and flash it on a screen for all I care. You're right I do blatantly disregard these crabby remarks over the use of a picture, it is ridiculous. Salem-News.com is a world news agency and we, like groups in other parts of the world, don't cow-tow to a band of torch carriers, sorry. For the record once again the commenter seemingly has no concern for the child or for justice.

Vanessa Rieken January 7, 2014 8:38 am (Pacific time)

This was one of the most poorly written pieces of "journalism" I've ever read. First of all, the author has NO grasp of Oregon state law as evidenced by his ignorant statements regarding what charges were and were not filed against the alleged perpetrator, as well as the manner in which he was arrested, etc. Secondly, when did this article become about the authors ATTEMPTS at getting information and not about the crime, criminal, or victim? I honestly don't care one iota about the controversy over the used picture. There is hardly a shred of viable information provided that is not directly quoted from other news sources, and no useful information about the actual story. The author's banal attempts at providing commentary on a story that warrants none, as well as writing an article containing little to no substance is an embarrassment to journalism, this periodical, much less a testament to his "25 years' experience. "

Caitlin Jeffery January 7, 2014 7:03 am (Pacific time)

This story is completely heartbreaking and, as a mom, is one of my worst nightmares. That being said, if anything happened to my child I would not want their picture posted even if my family approved it. What Abo did was terrible, but by posting the boy's photo you are doing your own injustice to this child and it is just as bad as posting his name.
My biggest issue with the article though is how you have made it about you. You have gone away from the point which is that a terrible thing happened, the authorities are doing their best to manage a tough situation, and nothing anyone does will be able to change what happened to this boy. Instead when reading it, it felt like you were having a tantrum and that your arrogance and pride were the biggest theme of the story and comments.
I hope this boy is able to get beyond this someday and the story, as other media outlets have portrayed it, will teach parents to be more aware of the people their children are with. It breaks my heart for any child or adult to go through this.

If you did this to your child I would blast the picture out too, because somebody in your family who despised the abuse would get in touch with me and send the photo over, that is how that works. The authorities are "doing their best" you say, they needed to come to terms with what they had and act responsibly and we are fortunate that this guy is in custody and didn't bail since they gave him days to think about what he should do. Thanks for beginning your comment in context about the boy as that is what matters.

A mother January 7, 2014 6:32 am (Pacific time)

I am not surprised that the police failed to arrest this individual or the mother. I am also not surprised of the statements of the prosecutor. I was a child victim of abuse in that city. Even when I was taken into state custody they failed to arrest my birth mother. In fact they gave her custody of me again later and the abuse continued. At that point I was a teenager and attempted to defend myself against her. The police arrested me instead of her. Every time I defended myself they would do this. So instead I would leave to the safety of a friend's house. For that reason they would also arrest me. Finally, when I was released from their court system I left the state with a vow never to return to the crooked town of McMinnville. I have undergone much therapy and have grown past my experience in that town. I am now blessed to have a wonderful life with 4 children and an Army husband. I also do service work with at-risk youth. My experience shaped my decision to start grad school next year to get my LPC. Despite the horrific nature of this story I am not surprised of the manner in which law enforcement has handled the situation. The mother also needs to be charged. It was her responsibility to protect her child. It is likely she was being abused as well, but she still had a responsibility to protect her child. I think the assault charge needs to be changed to attempted murder. I pray that this poor child survives.

Thank you for sharing this.

Pogisa January 7, 2014 2:23 am (Pacific time)

Thank you for writing this article and sharing this story. It's nice to read TRUTH!! And it's nice to see the face of the little child my friends, family, community and i have been praying for... Thank god for you and Salem news for this article!! From experience THEY don't tell you to not talk to the media... It's more like, "we can't tell you to not talk to the media, but we strongly suggest it because sometimes the media can hinder the investigation"... Pray for this child and his family!!

Anonymous January 7, 2014 1:55 am (Pacific time)

police mentality is getting out of hand, and so is police brutality...

Jenny Skinner January 7, 2014 1:27 am (Pacific time)

The writing was so bad, it was hard to finish. That being said, I thought photos of under-age children could not be (or usually were not) published to protect them? Is this a professional courtesy (obviously not by this self-proclaimed professional) extended by the news industry or an actual law? Also, even if the Grandparents wanted the photo published, they have no grounds to do that. Even if the mother is not doing her job to protect the child, he is now in state custody...not grandparent's custody

Only a handful of people would agree, and I'm not one of them. As for the "bad writing" part, that is just a cheap shot. I'm not sure what country you are located in, but you clearly don't know the first thing about U.S law. It is sad that you feel compelled to put your two cents in when you have such a muddled understanding of what you are referencing, but then everyone has an opinion and you know what they say about opinions.. So it is your conclusion that the only thing that matters is the photo, not the child. For the record, any other insulting or ridiculous comments like this one will be flushed.

Anonymous January 7, 2014 12:46 am (Pacific time)

Gross, what are these people bitching about the picture for? THey are sidetracking the issue, the picture is fine, the family apprved it, these people writing here have ulterior motives, I'm quite sure of that. The ONLY thing that matters is that boy's health and life, not his "privacy" as he lays there dying, these people should screw themselves.

Erin Mac January 7, 2014 12:24 am (Pacific time)

Wow, as a democrat and high school English teacher, you totally figured me out. I

I think your comment was cut off, please send the missing part and I will add it, thank you.

Erin Mac January 7, 2014 12:09 am (Pacific time)

What a sad story. I must admit though, I'm confused. Ms. Bishop explains in her letter that she represents the child, not the mother, but you describe her as the mother's attorney. It's unfair for you to accuse her of bullying when she is only looking after her young client. I understand that something horrible has happened and certainly journalists play a huge role in holding the authorities and court system accountable to bring justice to and for the parties involved, but can't you do your part without publishing photos of the child?

It would be a disservice to the story, what you are asking for is censorship. So I appreciate your point, but the world should know what that little boy looks like and that was the wish of family who were not involved in administering the abuse. They are the credible people in this story and they want their grandson's image published so it is published. Thank you.

Dawn Joz January 6, 2014 11:27 pm (Pacific time)

What happened to this child is absolutly appalling and I hope justice is served over and over again for the monster that committed this crime. I do wonder, however, do you also post pictures of rape victims? Do you think that we would not have felt sympathy and be utterly appalled at the story itself? Do we really need to see the picture of this poor child and throw his victim rights right out the window? I don't care if his picture was on every other news station or even if his ENTIRE family said post his picture, someone has to stand up for the victim. This form of Click-bait media is disgusting and immoral. The fact that you go to great lengths to justify your posting the picture tells me that you know on some level it's wrong. When you OUT a victim, you take away their right to tell their story and to live without judgement. He is a child now, but he hopefully will recover from these injuries. Will people approach him about the injuries he sustained? Will they bring it up years from now? When he is dealing with the psychological damage this has caused will he have a hard time moving forward since everyone knows what happened? You are irresponsible and I am disgusted. Also, I find it very childish that you are "withholding" the name of the childs attorney and yet you posted her name, law firm, address, phone number AND fax number at the bottom of her letter. An oversite, I am sure.

The boy is laying in a hospital fighting for his life, This is a free country, the mother posted the photos on FB and the grandparents gave me permission to use them. You must be with one of the law firms or you listened to that radio station and allowed your mind to be filled with smalltime ideas about how media works from an unqualified source. I have been in this business for 25 years, ten solid years in Internet news. Yes, I absolutely have published photos of rape victims, dead ones, and their families did not mind because in the event I am referring to, I proved to the world the vicious crimes the Sri Lankan military committed against the Tamil people. That boy DESERVES to be known in this world so that when people look at him they can look at that cop and see something they would not see if I hadn't published the image(s).
You haven't mentioned the perp, why is that? I am glad we ran that photo and we'll do it next time to because that little boy, who we are told will never walk or talk or probably be able to see again due to the alleged physical animalistic abuse of that "cop" - he is at no disadvantage because of the picture, only the person or people who hurt him are, and you are quite obviously on their side and that is creepy.

Have a nice day.

Gail Shephard January 6, 2014 10:09 pm (Pacific time)

Absolutely excellent reporting Tim! The Public needs more like YOU! These 'sadistic authoritarian' personalities should be weeded out and treated with frequent massive doses of Fluoride! Forget the Prozac. The Mother was most likely either also abusive as the Father or the other side of the coin, made to fear for her life if she said anything. Much of the public is outraged and shocked at the Police that have taken on the aggressive style Military look. That in itself is terrorism. They look the part and some become monsters in and out of uniform, they can't turn it off. I'm pretty sure this little guy is not an isolated case, it just happened to be brought to light due to the severity. How many children are mistreated day in and day out and stay silent? How many Teachers stay silent day after day? By law they must report abuse, no excuse! I had a classmate friend back in the 60's who's Dad was a Police Officer and she was always being slapped and knocked around and what a horrible home life in constant turmoil. She begged me and a few others daily to go home with her and spend some time, just so her Dad couldn't beat her. Back then what could be done? It was just an Ugly Family Matter and a horrible comparison as my Parents were always positive and loving to my Brother and I. Just so very sad for children to grow up in such a violent way. I think some end up just as, if not more violent than their Parents. History shows for the most part, the more we evolve, the worst kind of animal we've become. (Elvis Costello - What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding)...sigh. I hope this little guy never wakes up to face again such pain, both physical and mental.

A Dad January 6, 2014 9:51 pm (Pacific time)

This is revolting, it looks like the police and the DA are changing their stories and making this as difficult as they can. I don't know what their "investigation" could entail, sounds like a simple open and shut case, but leave it to the small town police to turn it into a bigger mess than it was to start with

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