FL - Parents charged in death of 6yr old & abuse of 5 other children Kissimmee 07.13.22

[tlcya]

A Florida couple has been arrested and charged with child abuse after their 6-year old son was found unconscious with his head in the toilet, according to the Osceola Sheriff's Office.

Larry Rhodes Jr., 22, and Bianca Blaise, 25, were taken into custody on July 5, after deputies arrived at the motel room the couple was staying in and found their son, who had swollen eyes and no pulse.
[snip]
Rhodes and Blaise were each charged with six counts of child negligence, batter and abuse, according to court records.

The couple had been living in the two-bed motel with eight other people, including other children.
Florida couple arrested after son found with his head in a toilet bowl

"The kids were isolated in this hotel room" he said. "They didn't go to school and they had no friends."

Regarding the circumstances that led to the 6-year-old's death, Lopez said that interviews with the other children revealed what really happened to him.
[snip]
"The parents were angry he was drinking from the toilet, so they began beating him," he said. "Maybe he was thirsty, he was just trying to survive."

Lopez said both parents then took turns beating the 6-year-old.

He said both parents have now been charged with murder.

Lopez said the other children living in the hotel were also being abused. They were severely malnourished, with cuts and bruises.
'Savages': 6-year-old found unconscious with head in toilet dies; parents arrested

WATCH LIVE at 3 p.m.: Officials hold briefing after parents arrested on murder charges​

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is set to provide an update Wednesday afternoon on two parents arrested in connection with the death of their 6-year-old child and the abuse of five other children.

 

[tlcya]

oh my. watch this presser with caution. There are photos exhibited of the scarring and injuries to the remaining five living child victims. They are not for the faint at heart.

These poor children. Just horrible what was done to their little bodies. they will carry the physical marks the rest of their lives. RIP to their brother. His death may have at least saved the rest of his siblings from a similar fate.

 

[tlcya]

‘Throughout our investigation it was learned the child was drinking from the toilet, but that had nothing to do with why he was not breathing,” Lopez said.

“His parents got very angry because he was drinking out of the toilet and they started to beat him. First the mother beat him. Then the father started repeatedly punching this little boy with a closed fist.”

The boy was taken to the hospital and placed on life support, and his parents were arrested on neglect charges. The boy died some days later, as authorities were piecing together what the children—the survivors are ages 5, 4, 2, and 10 months—endured.

“It was immediately clear the other children were also victims of child abuse,” Lopez said, adding that all of kids were malnourished, small for their age, and covered in old and fresh abrasions and bruises.

Detectives noticed a distinctively shaped mark on their “tiny little bodies” that perfectly matched the sole of a shoe they said was used as a weapon. Blood spatter was found on the walls of the room. One child had a fractured clavicle.
[snip]
The children are now in the same foster home and doing well.

“We were able to take these kids from these monsters and hopefully they will never see them again,” Lopez said.
Florida Couple Charged With Murder in ‘Worst Child Abuse Case’

I'm so sorry big brother, I wish I knew your name Your siblings are safe. Rest in Peace little man.

 

[Tracey4AU]

"Savages" is not strong enough, and hell is not hot enough.

 

[Bhodie]

I try to stay away from child abuse cases. My very first homicide in LE was a 6 month old and it was very difficult. I cant tell you how long I checked on my own child in the middle of the night to see if he was ok and breathing that parental paranoia really kicked in . Probably a little trauma there for me as these cases hurt my whole soul. I have no use for an individual who hurts a child, personally I would be ok if they were never to take a breath again.

 

[tlcya]

Larry Rhodes, Jr. 2022 CF 001914 (all cases consolidated)
trial appears to have been cancelled this year but is set for February

2/27/2023 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
2/14/2023 9:00 AM	PRETRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
10/31/2022 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F	CANCELLED

https://courts.osceolaclerk.com/Ben...Details/3191969?digest=gzlQ5Y1W8RawMvQf0yD9mg

same for Bianca Blaise

2/27/2023 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
2/14/2023 9:00 AM	PRETRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
10/31/2022 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F	CANCELLED

https://courts.osceolaclerk.com/Ben...Details/3191968?digest=7uEIA/phqH8FS7pTk1oh5w

 

[tlcya]

apparently Mr. Rhodes' competency is suddenly in question (eyeroll) (stall stall stall delay delay) next hearing is:

DATE EVENT JUDGE LOCATION RESULT 5/26/2023 9:00 AM COMPETENCY STATUS HEARING CARSTEN, KEITH COURTROOM 4F 5/1/2023 9:15 AM STATUS HEARING CARSTEN, KEITH COURTROOM 4F

https://courts.osceolaclerk.com/Ben...Details/3191969?digest=1EhsU0dFICm6zdGreUHu8A

Bianca's case was continued (eyeroll) shocking (sigh)

6/12/2023 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
5/30/2023 9:00 AM	PRETRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
2/27/2023 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F	CONTINUED

https://courts.osceolaclerk.com/Ben...Details/3191968?digest=VUzJkVhPPrwO0rR/Z+0veQ

 

[tlcya]

Looks like Mr. Rhodes has a competency hearing coming up in July

Request	5/25/2023	NOTICE TO APPEAR
		5/25/2023	COMPETENCY STATUS HEARING SET FOR 07/12/2023 AT 1:30 PM IN 4F BEFORE JUDGE: CARSTEN, KEITH
	Request	5/25/2023	ORDER ON DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO CONTINUE
	Request	5/18/2023	MOTION TO CONTINUE
		5/4/2023	ORDER APPOINTING EXPERT FOR COMPETENCY EVALUATION

Bianca was meant to start trial but it has been continued until next month. I don't see either case being tried any time soon JMO

8/21/2023 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
8/8/2023 9:00 AM	PRETRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
6/12/2023 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F	CONTINUED

 

[tlcya]

per the court site Larry's competency evaluation was filed on 7/10/23 and he has a competency hearing scheduled for sometime today, the 12th.

Bianca appears to still be on track for jury trial on 8/21/23

 

[tlcya]

Larry Rhodes, Jr. 2022 CF 001914 (all cases consolidated)

1	SECOND DEGREE MURDER (782.04 2)	F	F	NO PLEA ENTERED	MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL	07/12/2023
2	AGGRAVATED MANSLAUGHTER OF A CHILD (782.07 3)	F	F	NO PLEA ENTERED	MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL	07/12/2023
3	AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE (827.03 2)	F	F	NO PLEA ENTERED	MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL	07/12/2023
4	NEGLECT OF A CHILD (827.03 2d)	F	T	NO PLEA ENTERED	MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL	07/12/2023
5	NEGLECT OF A CHILD (827.03 2d)	F	T	NO PLEA ENTERED	MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL	07/12/2023
6	NEGLECT OF A CHILD (827.03 2d)	F	T	NO PLEA ENTERED	MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL	07/12/2023
7	NEGLECT OF A CHILD (827.03 2d)	F	T	NO PLEA ENTERED	MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL	07/12/2023
8	NEGLECT OF A CHILD (827.03 2d)	F	T	NO PLEA ENTERED	MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL	07/12/2023

EVENTS
��

DATE	EVENT	JUDGE	LOCATION	RESULT
8/16/2023 10:00 AM	STATUS HEARING	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
7/12/2023 1:30 PM	COMPETENCY STATUS HEARING	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F	HEARING HELD

disappointing to say the least. I want this pig to pay.

Case against Bianca blaise is still moving along at a snail's pace. Case Number:2022 CF 001913

8/21/2023 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
8/8/2023 9:00 AM	PRETRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
6/12/2023 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F	CONTINUED

 

[tlcya]

most recent court activity on Larry Rhodes, Jr.
8/18/2023 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL DISCOVERY
8/16/2023 STATUS HEARING SET FOR 12/20/2023 AT 10:00 AM IN 4F BEFORE JUDGE: CARSTEN, KEITH
8/16/2023 FELONY COURT MINUTES/ORDER STATUS HEARING HELD DEFENDANT PRESENT WITH COUNSEL DEFENDANT HAS NOT BEEN TRANSPORTED TO STATE HOSPITAL YET DEFENDANT STILL AWAITING A BED CASE SET FOR STATUS HEARING 12/10
7/12/2023 EXHIBITS ENTERED INTO EVIDENCE
7/12/2023 CASE CLOSED
7/12/2023 INCOMPETENT TO PROCEED INFORMATION SHEET
7/12/2023 ORDER ADJUDGING DEFENDANT INCOMPETENT TO PROCEED AND COMMITMENT TO DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES


for Bianca Blaise
9/13/2023 NOTICE OF PROVISION OF AMENDED WITNESS LIST
8/8/2023 MOTION TO CONTINUE
8/8/2023 JURY TRIAL SET FOR 12/05/2023 AT 9:00 AM IN 4F BEFORE JUDGE: CARSTEN, KEITH
8/8/2023 PRETRIAL SET FOR 11/17/2023 AT 9:00 AM IN 4F BEFORE JUDGE: CARSTEN, KEITH
8/8/2023 PRETRIAL HELD BENCH CONFERENCE HELD ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COURT, HAVING REVIEWED THE DEFENSE'S MOTION TO CONTINUE, HEREBY GRANTS THE MOTION TO CONTINUE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: A. DEFENSE NOT SUFFICIENTLY PREPARED FOR TRIAL THE NON-MOVING PARTY DOES NOT OBJECT TO THE MOTION TO CONTINUE SPEEDY TRIAL PREVIOUSLY WAIVED CASE RESET FOR PRETRIAL AND TRIAL DEFENSE TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN MOTION

 

[Irishknit]

So October and November in a state hospital to restore competency, status hearing and the yes/no to move forward?

 

[tlcya]

So October and November in a state hospital to restore competency, status hearing and the yes/no to move forward?

that's my take on the docket entries. doesn't seem likely he will be any more ready for trial by the next status hearing since they haven't managed to find him a bed at a psych facility and he is still sitting in jail sounds like

 

[LadyL]

Wow this is so upsetting. So there were other adults in the hotel room that had to have witnessed abuse of these babies. Why no other charges? I hope they grow up with no memory of their big brother dying.

 

[tlcya]

case No. 2022-CF-01914 - the case against Larry Rhodes is now closed and he is marked as unfit for trial

RHODES, LARRY JONATHA JR (1999)

DEFENDANT

2022 CF 001914

CLOSED

Count Description Disposition 1 SECOND DEGREE MURDER (782.04 2) MENTAL/PHYS UNABLE TO STAND TRIAL

Bianca Blaise trial is on track so far to begin 1/22/24 (fingers crossed no more delays get in the way)

DATE	EVENT	JUDGE	LOCATION	RESULT
1/22/2024 9:00 AM	JURY TRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F
1/9/2024 9:00 AM	PRETRIAL	CARSTEN, KEITH	COURTROOM 4F

 

[tlcya]

1/16/2024 NOTICE OF PROVISION OF SUPPLEMENTAL WITNESS LIST
1/9/2024 JURY TRIAL SET FOR 04/01/2024 AT 9:00 AM IN 4F BEFORE JUDGE: CARSTEN, KEITH
1/9/2024 PRETRIAL SET FOR 03/19/2024 AT 9:00 AM IN 4F BEFORE JUDGE: CARSTEN, KEITH
Request 1/9/2024 PRE TRIAL HELD BENCH CONFERENCE HELD BROCK SHIELD PRESENT FOR DEFENSE ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COURT, HAVING REVIEWED THE DEFENSE'S MOTION TO CONTINUE, HEREBY GRANTS THE MOTION TO CONTINUE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: A. DEFENSE NOT SUFFICIENTLY PREPARED FOR TRIAL THE NON-MOVING PARTY STIPULATES DEFENDANT WAIVES SPEEDY TRIAL CASE RESET FOR PRETRIAL AND TRIAL
Request 1/2/2024 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL DISCOVERY
case no. 2022 CF 001913 against Bianca Blaise
https://courts.osceolaclerk.com/Ben...Details/3191968?digest=e638Oz5aMhHDmhWV3JIqrQ

her trial has been delayed until April of this year

 

[tlcya]

I had never seen this. Bianca describes her son's final moments and death to police

RIP Sergio

 

[tlcya]

4/18/2024 NOTICE OF PROVISION OF WITNESS LIST
4/3/2024 NOTICE OF PROVISION OF AMENDED WITNESS LIST
3/26/2024 JURY TRIAL SET FOR 06/13/2024 AT 9:00 AM IN 4F BEFORE JUDGE: CARSTEN, KEITH
3/26/2024 PRETRIAL SET FOR 05/29/2024 AT 9:00 AM IN 4F BEFORE JUDGE: CARSTEN, KEITH
3/14/2024 ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COURT, HAVING REVIEWED THE DEFENSE'S MOTION TO CONTINUE, HEREBY THE COURT, HAVING REVIEWED THE STATE'S MOTION TO CONTINUE, HEREBY THE COURT, HAVING REVIEWED THE JOINT MOTION TO CONTINUE, HEREBY THE COURT, ON IT'S
3/14/2024 MOTION TO CONTINUE
3/11/2024 NOTICE OF PROVISION OF WITNESS LIST
Blaise, Bianca 2022-CF-001913

6/10/2024 9:00 AM JURY TRIAL CARSTEN, KEITH COURTROOM 4F
5/29/2024 9:00 AM PRETRIAL CARSTEN, KEITH COURTROOM 4F
3/22/2024 9:00 AM COMPETENCY STATUS HEARING CARSTEN, KEITH COURTROOM 4F CANCELLED
Rhodes, Larry Jonatha, Jr 2022-CF-001914

 

[PayrollNerd]

These poor kids. What horror they lived in. I hope they don’t retain memories but get help if they do. I hope they’re doing well and feel safe, going to school, making friends, and have happy summer plans.

This child died because he was so desperately thirsty. Evil people, every single one of them. They should all be charged.