Have some horrible news

[KBear]

Hey everyone,
Some of you on my facebook know a little about this. I had been watching my great nephew for a week and a half, while his mother, Lindsay, worked. She brought him to me, even though his father (who is my husband's 1/2 nephew) didn't work. The father, Jason, has a history of domestic violence and abuse with women. Jason is also on disabiltiy for bipolar and mental disorders, which he refuses to seek treatment for.

On Monday I was supposed to have the baby, Jerry 10 weeks, for the day (I watch him Mon-Fri from 5:30 am- 6 pm). Lindsay never showed up, so a little after 6 am I texted her and she said Jerry was with Jason for the day; but that I would have him on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning Lindsay never showed up with Jerry. Once again I texted her and asked where he was. She texted back that she wasn't coming. I then asked if I would still be watching him. I then found out that Jerry was in the hospital. Throughout this week, I have learned the details of the "accident" (which I don't believe it was).

Jason claims that Jerry had a stomach ache, so he took one of those ice packs that is also a heating pack. He microwaved it for 15 seconds and felt it wasn't warm enough, so he heated it for 3 minutes. Jason claims he then wrapped it in a t-shirt and put it on Jerry's back. He says that Jerry quit crying, so then he flipped the baby over and put it on his stomach. Jason says he then realized that the pack was oozing out and had a leak in it. Jason claims he then grabbed Jerry by the arm and yanked him up. Jason then put him in cold water and then decided to pour peroxide on the burns and to not seek medical help. Jason did not call anyone for help or to ask what to do, he did not even notify the child's mother.

When the mother came home from work, she went into hysterics and panicked upon seeing her child in that condition. She insisted that Jerry be taken to the hospital. They took Jerry to the closest hospital, where he was then careflighted to a nearby Children's hospital. Jason was arrested within a couple of hours for endangerment to a child, negligence, possesion of marijuana and driving without a license (he had left the hospital soon after arriving to go get his phone and food, which in my opinion shows his callousness towards his child's condition.)

Since then, Jerry has been moved to another hospital, to their burn unit. He is in a medical coma and being treated for 2nd degree burns to his chest, stomach, back and splatter burns to his arms, legs and face. I have also found out, through CPS, that Jerry almost died from his injuries. He is now stable and improving. Jerry also has a broken upper left arm, which Jason claims happened when he grabbed the child by the arm. However, this is almost impossible, as infants bones are like rubber and will bend, not break. I have been told it takes extreme force to break an infants bone. Jerry also has fractures in both ankles and both wrists and possible rib fractures. It was also originally thought that the child had possible brain damage; but at this time that is unknown.

We have been unable to see Jerry in the hospital, as CPS has taken custody of him and are not allowing anyone other than police and doctors to see him. We also have minimal information on his condition, only what CPS has told us. My husband and I are trying to get temporary custody of Jerry and would like to adopt him, if and when the parents lose their rights to him. The mother has not been charged with a crime yet; but most likely will be charged with negligence and endangerment to a child, since she knew the father was not a safe person and had no buisness taking care of an infant. The father is jailed and charged with Felony injury to a child, has a 1/2 million dollar bond and the DA is seeking 99 years in prison, with more charges to come when the condition of the child is known.

In no way, shape, form or fashion do my husband and I believe this could have been an accident. We believe the child was intentionally injured and assaulted by the father. We hope he gets the full sentence and is never freed into society again, as he is obviously a sociopath. Unfortunately, some of the family does believe this is an accident and are defending a child abuser. This has been very stressful for us as we are worried sick about Jerry and appaled that a family member did this to him. Please pray for sweet little Jerry and a fast, complete recovery.

Here is a picture of Jerry:

[Cindylou]

Oh, Kathy,

I am just sick with grief and anger over this horrific crime against an innocent, barely out of the womb, infant.......and a relative of yours to boot. I will pray that you and your husband can win your battle to get temporary custody of Jerry in the immediate short term. Do you think your chances are good? You two would, hands down, appear "the most stable" environment for him. Anyone else fighting you for this? Your girls, I would imagine, are also having a very difficult time with this....especially the older, because she can understand better. Except, how can anyone really ever understand a sicko bullying and hurting a baby?? Can't even wrap my head around it. Hang in there and I am available to talk anytime, if you feel the need. You are all in my prayers.

[ajj1001]

Thanks for the update. Been praying for him. People do such dreadful things, its not a perfect world. Praying that the best resolution for Jerry happens.

[treefrog]

Oh Kathy, I am so sorry. I will be hoping for the best for Jerry. This story makes me so sad and angry. I hope the father gets what he deserves.

[Gilbert P]

Hi Kathy

I am sadden for this poor child I will pray for him.

As for the Father a lynching should be in order!!

I hate domestic violence

Take Care

Gil

[Justin]

Gosh. This is horrible. We will be thinking of and praying for Jerry. I do hope justice is served.

[dalhousie]

Oh Kathy, this is too awful for words. I read your post on FB but was hoping the burns weren't too extensive. My thoughts & prayers are with Jerry & hope for the best possible outcome.

[Katie]

Kathy, my heart goes out to you and your family. I'm familiar with domestic violence but the extremity of this makes me especially ill because of the age of this poor baby. Unfortunately we cannot choose our relatives, and it was a very unlucky draw that Jerry got this terrible excuse of a human for a father. I hope he gets exactly what he deserves.

How good are the courts at awarding custody to other family members? You and your husband are wonderful people to open your hearts and home to this little fellow. I hope it turns out well, and quickly at that.

Our thoughts are with you. Is there any word on when he will be out of danger?

[Dave]

Words alone cannot describe the horror of this. We will be praying for the little fella.

[Cindylou]

Kathy, I noticed in the other pictures of him you said his name was Riley, but here it is Jerry. Is there a discrepancy here or is one a nickname? I will keep him in my prayers and please keep us posted......I'm thinking of you at this terrible time.