A woman in Kentucky, Mary Hall, 42, has been arrested for child abuse, kidnapping, and assault after a young boy in her care was found with serious injuries. The child, who had not been seen since December 23 when school went on break, returned with visible injuries, including chipped front teeth and a busted nose. School authorities reported the case to the police after noticing his condition.
According to a police report obtained by WYMT, the boy told officers he had been packing wood and riding his bike but did not explain how he got hurt. When investigators questioned Hall, she claimed the boy had been playing outside or might have injured himself in his sleep.
Further investigations revealed disturbing details. Authorities learned that the boy was often denied food as punishment and appeared to be very hungry. Other children in the home, who were treated differently, were used to report on his daily behavior. Witnesses reported that the child looked pale, very thin, and unhealthy. At school, he ate so much that he would get sick and vomit, suggesting he was not given enough food at home.
When police searched Hall’s house, they found a small locked room referred to as “the dark room.” The lock was placed on the outside, making it impossible for the child to leave. Inside, there was only a mattress and a lamp in the corner. Doctors later confirmed that the child showed signs of torture.
Police removed the boy from Hall’s care, and she was officially charged.
In another shocking case in Kentucky, a mother named Sandra Skidmore, 31, was also arrested for child abuse. Police say she strangled and assaulted her child, who then called 911 for help. The incident happened at their home on Liberty Road in Lexington.
The young girl told police she was scared after her mother hit her multiple times. Officers said Skidmore grabbed the child by the back of her t-shirt, causing the collar to tighten around her neck, making it hard for her to breathe. The assault left marks on the child’s neck. Police also reported that Skidmore hit the girl three to four times with an open hand, leaving red marks and scratches.
Skidmore was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault and second-degree strangulation.
Both cases highlight the serious issue of child abuse and the importance of reporting any signs of mistreatment to authorities.