A father and a stepmother in Delaware face child abuse charges after police say they locked their 12-year-old in a room for three months and physically abused him.
According to New Castle County police, the boy escaped Tuesday night from his home on the 100 block of Brookside Boulevard and went to a neighbor for help.
Police say the neighbor called officers after noticing the boy wasn't wearing any shoes, had bruises on his face and appeared to be malnourished.
During their investigation, police say they learned the child had been kept in a locked room since September and was only allowed out to use the bathroom.
Police say the windows to the boy's room were screwed shut, the door handle was installed backwards and the only furniture available to the boy was a lamp without a lampshade.
According to police, the child was 20 pounds below the average weight for his age.
Police say three other children were living in the home. FOX 29's Chris O'Connell reports the three kids are now staying with family members.
By Wednesday, police say they went to the suspects home, Robert Hohn, 41, and his wife Shannon Watterson, 39, and took them into custody.
The boy is currently being treated at A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:29 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:29:02 GMT
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Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
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Philadelphia Police are looking for a man that sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Germantown.Police say the incident happened just before 11P.M. on May 19th on the 6000 block of Wister Street.The suspect
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Friday, May 24 2013 10:01 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:01:49 GMT
Kasey's bark may be worse than her bite. But Hamilton Township Police say the crook who tried to rob Draper Ellis late Thursday afternoon at his "May's Landing Auto Parts Store" didn't stick around
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Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
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Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
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Friday, May 24 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:30:28 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
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Friday, May 24 2013 4:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:40:06 GMT
Not the prettiest Friday, but we're ready for a great weekend. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. After an early high in the upper sixties, temperatures fall & winds pick up out of the chillier northwest. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks sunny and cool with highs in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, in the 70s Sunday & Monday. Cooler temps at the shore.
(L-R) Shannon Watterson, 39, and Robert Hohn, 41, are accused of locking their son in his room for three months. (New Castle County Police)
