The parents of a six-year-old Phoenix boy have been arrested on child abuse charges after their son was found in critical condition at their Phoenix apartment Monday, reports ABC 15 News.
Forty-nine-year-old Benny David Gibson and 37-year-old Jennifer Edna Paul were arrested Tuesday night after Phoenix investigators gathered enough evidence against the two for the Monday morning incident.
Under Arizona state law, an adult who is convicted of a "dangerous crime against children," including child abuse, could be sentenced to a maximum of 24 years in prison. Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional injury and abandonment are all considered forms of child abuse in the state of Arizona.
According to Phoenix police Sergeant Trent Crump, authorities were responding to reports of a child in distress at the apartment when they found the child convulsing and not breathing. He reportedly had extensive bruising to his chest, legs, sides and back, some of which appear to be caused by a belt buckle and/or a wire hanger.
Investigators also allege that the six-year-old's head was shoved against a bedroom door, said Crump.
Neither of the parents was able to give a straight story on what exactly caused the boy's injuries during police interviews.
The boy was immediately transported to Phoenix Children's Hospital and underwent surgery.
Gibson and Paul have both been booked for one count of child abuse, and the Phoenix boy is currently in extremely critical condition with massive brain swelling.
Under Arizona law, if a person who is responsible for the care and treatment of a minor, including physicians and school officials, reasonably believes the minor is being subjected to child abuse, the person is required to report the abuse to the proper authorities. You can reach the Child Protective Services Hotline at 888-SOS-CHILD (888-767-2445).
Related Resources:
- Find a Phoenix Family Law Attorney (FindLaw)
- Little Boy in Critical Condition; Parents Charged with Abuse (azfamily.com)
- Child Abuse Laws State-by-State (FindLaw)
- Sandra Holguin Faces Child Abuse Charges for Leaving 2-year-old in Car (The Phoenix Family Law News Blog)
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