CO - Zachary Sabin, 11, dies from forced water intoxication, El Paso County, 11 Mar 2020 *arrests*

[borndem]

I just saw this article -- starting a thread.

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Colo. Boy Dies After Parents Allegedly Forced Him to Drink 92 oz. of Water in 4 Hours
11-year-old Zachary Sabin reportedly began vomiting and was later found dead in his bed
By Christine Pelisek and Christine Pelisek
June 18, 2020 03:33 PM

Colorado authorities have arrested a couple for allegedly killing their 11-year-old son by forcing him to drink four 24-ounce bottles of water in four hours.

Ryan, 41, and 42-year-old Tara Sabin are facing first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death and six counts of misdemeanor child abuse charges in the March 11 death of 11-year-old Zachary Sabin.

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More here:
Colo. Boy Dies After Parents Allegedly Forced Him to Drink 92 oz. of Water in 4 Hours

 

[borndem]

Another article:

Parents Arrested: Coroner Says 11-Year-Old Zachary Sabin Died From Forced Water Intoxication
June 17, 2020 at 4:59 pm
Filed Under:El Paso County News, El Paso County Sheriff, Ryan Sabin, Tara Sabin, Zachary Sabin
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) — A man and woman in El Paso County are facing first degree murder charges for the death of their 11-year-old son. The coroner report shows Zachary Sabin died as a result of forced water intoxication. The sheriff’s office arrested Ryan and Tara Sabin Tuesday night, after months of investigation.

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More here:
Parents Arrested: Coroner Says 11-Year-Old Zachary Sabin Died From Forced Water Intoxication

 

[borndem]

It never stops, does it? One more angel flies 'way too soon.

Another article:

Coroner's report: 11-year-old Colorado boy died from forced water intoxication
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) - A man and woman are facing charges, including first-degree murder, for the death of a child.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced the arrests of Sgt. 1st Class Ryan and Tara Sabin Tuesday night. The sheriff's office added the coupled turned themselves into the El Paso County Jail. The arrest is tied to the death of a juvenile on March 11 following a months-long investigation.

11 News learned Ryan is a solider at Fort Carson, and Tara is an employee at TESSA. Tara is currently on unpaid administrative leave of absence.

The El Paso County Coroner's Office reports 11-year-old Zachary Sabin died as a result of "forced water intoxication."

The coroner's report says Zachary was forced to drink four 24-ounce bottles of water over four hours without food. He reportedly began vomiting and was found dead in his bed with oral foam. The coroner reports he also had blunt force trauma.

The pair both face charges including first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and six counts of misdemeanor child abuse.

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More here:
Coroner's report: 11-year-old Colorado boy died from forced water intoxication

 

[LadyL]

According to an arrest affidavit, Tara Sabin, the boy’s stepmother, told authorities he wore a diaper at night because of a hereditary urological problem.

An arrest affidavit says Zachary suffered other physical abuse, as did five other children.

Colorado couple accused of killing 11-year-old son by forcing him to drink water

 

[JerseyGirl]

RIP little buddy.

Zachary was the same age and lived in the same county as Gannon Stauch.

 

[borndem]

According to an arrest affidavit, Tara Sabin, the boy’s stepmother, told authorities he wore a diaper at night because of a hereditary urological problem.

An arrest affidavit says Zachary suffered other physical abuse, as did five other children.

Colorado couple accused of killing 11-year-old son by forcing him to drink water

bbm
Thanks for the article, @LadyL.

Oh, my. Five other children? WTH?? Were the 5 other children living at the same place as Zachary?
If so, what's being done with them? Oh, so many questions.

 

[borndem]

More details in this article:

El Paso County couple arrested in 11-year-old son's death, accused of murder

Erin Prater & Olivia Prentzel THE GAZETTEJun 18, 2020 Updated 7 hrs ago
A Black Forest couple accused of killing their 11-year-old son by forcing him to drink large amounts of water turned themselves in to the El Paso County jail on Tuesday.
[...]
The coroner found blood on his left eyebrow and forehead, according to the report. The 11-year-old also had bruises on his head, arms, shin and buttocks.
The Colorado Department of Human Services had been contacted about the family before the boy's death, according to the agency's website. The agency, which investigates child abuse and neglect, did not disclose how it responded, and a spokeswoman couldn't be reached for more information.
[...]
Another child, whose name was redacted, said he saw Zachary throw up at least ten times. He said it was not unusual for his siblings to stay up past their bedtimes, sometimes up until midnight, until their chores were completed.
Five other children — ages 2 to 15 — were also victims of abuse, the affidavit said.
[...]
Tara Sabin appears to have worked as the chief financial officer for TESSA, a nonprofit that helps self-identified victims of domestic violence,...

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More here:
El Paso County couple arrested in 11-year-old son's death, accused of murder

 

[borndem]

New article -- includes film of his mother and stepfather speaking about Zachary.

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Top Stories
By KRDO News
today at 3:13 pm

Published June 19, 2020 2:20 pm


Mother of Zachary Sabin speaks out after father, stepmother arrested for murder
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The mother of the 11-year-old who died in El Paso County earlier this year is speaking out to the public after the boy's father and stepmother were arrested for first-degree murder.
Angela Tuetken, the biological mother of Zachary Sabin, is making the statement Friday.

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More here:
Mother of Zachary Sabin speaks out after father, stepmother arrested for murder - KRDO

 

[MsMarple]

It never stops, does it? One more angel flies 'way too soon.

Another article:

Coroner's report: 11-year-old Colorado boy died from forced water intoxication
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) - A man and woman are facing charges, including first-degree murder, for the death of a child.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office announced the arrests of Sgt. 1st Class Ryan and Tara Sabin Tuesday night. The sheriff's office added the coupled turned themselves into the El Paso County Jail. The arrest is tied to the death of a juvenile on March 11 following a months-long investigation.

11 News learned Ryan is a solider at Fort Carson, and Tara is an employee at TESSA. Tara is currently on unpaid administrative leave of absence.

The El Paso County Coroner's Office reports 11-year-old Zachary Sabin died as a result of "forced water intoxication."

The coroner's report says Zachary was forced to drink four 24-ounce bottles of water over four hours without food. He reportedly began vomiting and was found dead in his bed with oral foam. The coroner reports he also had blunt force trauma.

The pair both face charges including first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and six counts of misdemeanor child abuse.

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More here:
Coroner's report: 11-year-old Colorado boy died from forced water intoxication

WTF?? From your link:

According to arrest papers, the boy's father told investigators he was supposed to drink water due to his "bed wetting issue." Tara told authorities they made him drink water because his urine was "really dark and really smelly," and that he wore a diaper at night because of hereditary medical problems. She said her husband required Zachary to drink at least two 32 oz. bottles a day.

Ryan told investigators that Zachary was sipping water and throwing it up the night of March 10. Ryan told Zachary to chug the water. At one point, Zachary is believed to have thrown a fit and Ryan allegedly kicked him twice. Ryan says he picked his son up, let him go, and Zachary fell to the ground and hit his head, according to arrest papers. Ryan says he then carried his son outside, thinking the cold air would "snap" Zachary out of his fit.
Coroner's report: 11-year-old Colorado boy died from forced water intoxication

IMO it's telling that the stepmother of a deceased Zachary said his urine was "really dark and really smelly," and that he wore a diaper at night because of hereditary medical problems. To me it indicates that she may have been more upset with his incontinence than worried about his health. And of course she subtly blamed the dad, saying he "required" Zachary to drink at least two 32 oz. bottles of water a day. Reminds me of Leticia Stauch.

And because of the abuse found I call that either parent was trying to help Zachary. Dad's forcing him to continue chugging water even though he's throwing it up? And who the kicks their kid? An abusive parent, that's who!

Rot in prison, ass wipes!

 

[borndem]

You said it, @MsMarple!
How did this little boy wind up with his father and step-mother in the first place? Just visitation? Maybe I somehow missed that detail. Dunno.
And I hope the other children in that house are in a good place now.
Throw away the keys and let them wear diapers.

 

[oviedo]

Disgusting human beings IMO

 

[Cortne]

Another Thomas Valva situation? Rot in hell.

 

[Eloise]

wth? His stepmother worked at a non-profit for DV victims? I can't even.

You said it, @MsMarple!
How did this little boy wind up with his father and step-mother in the first place? Just visitation? Maybe I somehow missed that detail. Dunno.
And I hope the other children in that house are in a good place now.
Throw away the keys and let them wear diapers.

I don't know why his mother didn't have him at the time or if she usually didn't have him, but I wonder if they presented themselves to her as the best carers partly because of Tara's job? Some people put on a public face that's so different from what they're really like, eg the Harts.

 

[Laughing]

Might make sense if the child was supposed to drink 64 ounces of water each day. LAst time I checked, each day has 24 hours.

Sounds like this child fell behind on this "schedule" and the "parents' " solution was to drink it all in a short period of time.

Well, Step-Mom doesn't have to buy those Overnites or change the sheets any more, now does she?

(Although Zach is certainly a unique person, the problem isn't. Find out which agencies in your area support medically fragile children & foster families. Buy a package or 2 of Overnites & drop those off. Your closest CASA office would likely be happy to pass them on to a family that needs them. Home )

JMHO YMMV LRR

 

[Dylansmom08]

Just got caught up on this case and while looking for updates I came across an article that says the murder charge has been dropped against the step-mother. I feel like she should be just as guilty as the father but unfortunately that's not how laws work. I hope she at least gets something done to her because you can't tell me she didn't know what the father was doing was wrong. She could have stepped in at any time just chose not to.

Murder charges dropped for stepmother arrested in 11-year-old's death

 

[borndem]

Just got caught up on this case and while looking for updates I came across an article that says the murder charge has been dropped against the step-mother. I feel like she should be just as guilty as the father but unfortunately that's not how laws work. I hope she at least gets something done to her because you can't tell me she didn't know what the father was doing was wrong. She could have stepped in at any time just chose not to.

Murder charges dropped for stepmother arrested in 11-year-old's death

I totally agree -- she was there, she saw or heard what was going on; I'm sure she had seen it before; and she could have stopped it or called 911 when he was throwing up. Was she afraid to say or do anything, or was she in favor of such torture as well?
Re the laws -- what about accessory after the fact, or aiding and abetting, or something. I feel sure that CO law has some appropriate charge.
Let's hope the DA will sock it to her however the law in CO allows. Grrrr.

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And on a totally other subject, I have this to say:

Welcome to Websleuths,
Dylansmom08 !!​

 

[JerseyGirl]

Case Update: Murder Charges Dropped for Zachary Sabin’s Stepmother; Mother and Stepfather Give Heartbreaking Statements to Media: Suffer the Little Children

 

[Seattle1]

This is a very strange case. Not only was the murder charge against the step-mother dropped -- the dad was eventually granted bail! Extremely unusual for 1st-degree murder charge in Colorado where a defendant charged with murder is typically held until their guilt or innocence decided.

I believe there's some question about the cause of death and the Judge (with discretion) not satisfied with proof evident presumption great for murder.

The defendant (father) was actually in court today -- and has still not been arraigned for this case after more than a year.

Judge: Man charged with 1st degree murder can bond out of jail

Medical examiner 'certain' Zachary Sabin's death was a homicide - KRDO

Docket for: El Paso County - El Paso County Judicial Building
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 records

Date Len Appearance Name Hearing Type Case # Location Division
5/19/21
11:10 AM 2Hr SABIN, RYAN Hearing D212020JV277 El Paso County Mediation Room B23 (Basement)
5/25/21
9:30 AM 1Hr VIRTUAL SABIN, RYAN Arraignment D212020CR3405 El Paso County DIV 21-Room W450 (West Tower)
5/26/21
1:30 PM 1Hr SABIN, RYAN Review Hearing D212020JV276 El Paso County DIV 19-ROOM S404 (South Tower)
5/26/21
1:30 PM 1Hr SABIN, RYAN Hearing D212020JV277 El Paso County DIV 19-ROOM S404 (South Tower)
6/30/21
9:00 AM 1Hr VIRTUAL SABIN, RYAN Hearing D212020JV277 El Paso County DIV 19-ROOM S404 (South Tower)
6/30/21
9:00 AM 1Hr SABIN, RYAN Hearing D212020JV276 El Paso County DIV 19-ROOM S404 (South Tower)

https://www.courts.state.co.us/dockets/index.cfm#results

 

[borndem]

Hmmm, coming right up... Let us hope.
We'll see what happens.
So glad things are happening on this case.
Zach was a talented young boy, according to his birth mother -- she said and remembered so many sweet things about this cute boy.
Normally, the ME's remarks carry a lot of weight in the courtroom; the autopsy report ought to knock the jury out of their chairs. I am so very hopeful that the jury and the judge will sock it to both of them.
A jury trial would not be a good thing for the Sabins, IMO. Foam on his mouth and and stiff, according to Sgt. Sabin, his punisher and abuser (IMO). Nope.
F-o-r-c-i-n-g that child to keep drinking so he can learn to control his bed-wetting. At night? In his bed? With a diaper? Dammit, no. Slammer time can't come soon enuff. Homicide, yes, and child abuse, and cruelty, and all that jazz. To both of them. Both of them.
Keep flying with your angels, Zach, and may your mom find peace and joy in all the good memories of her boy Zach.
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-- First Degree Murder in Colorado -- Excerpt from Statute:
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Murder in the First Degree (Colorado 18-3-102 CRS)
Under Colorado law, first-degree murder is defined as the deliberate and premeditated killing of another human being with malice aforethought. It differs from second-degree murder which requires extreme indifference to human life generally rather than the intent to take the life of a particular person.1

In Colorado you also commit first-degree murder when:

• Someone other than a co-conspirator dies during your commission or attempted commission of arson, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or sexual assault (“felony murder”);
• As a result of your perjury or subornation of perjury, an innocent person is convicted and executed;
• Under circumstances evidencing extreme indifference to the value of human life, you cause the death of another person by knowingly engaging in conduct which creates a grave risk of death;
• You unlawfully distribute, dispense, or sell a controlled substance to a child under 18 on school grounds and the child dies from using the substance; or
• While occupying a position of trust with respect to a child under 12, you knowingly causing the death of the child.

Consequences of Colorado first degree murder
In Colorado first-degree murder is punished by life imprisonment, except that felony murder is punished by 16 to 48 years in prison.
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Source:
First Degree Murder Laws in Colorado - 18-3-102 CRS

 

[Seattle1]

In addition to the murder charge, it appears that the defendant is still facing child abuse charges filed under a different case number:

D212020JV276 El Paso County