IA - 18-year old tortured by family; taken to hospital weighing just 75 lbs - Mar 19, 2024

[Clearsky]

Alarming details revealed about alleged abuse by Zearing family members

ZEARING, Iowa — Disturbing new details in the severe abuse of a Zearing 18-year-old are being brought to light through court documents. On Monday, the Story County Sheriff’s Office anno…

who13.com

On Monday, the Story County Sheriff’s Office announced four members of a Zearing family were arrested in the case. Charges of first-degree kidnapping and willful injury-causing serious injury have been filed against:

• 44-year-old Gary L. Graham Jr.
• 42-year-old Danielle K. Graham
• 20-year-old Aaron Williams
• 16-year-old Kaitlynn Williams

 

[Gemmie]

Hard to imagine why a family of 4 would do this, including a 16 yr girl! Why would they hate the 18 yo so much? Was there something wrong with him, or things he did, so they felt they needed to treat him the way they did? What a disgusting bunch of people.

Investigators found evidence, such as videos and texts, on the electronic devices of family members. Videos from early December of 2023 were located on Kaitlynn Williams’ cell phone, appearing to show the victim with athletic tape on his wrists and very skinny. That is after Danielle claimed the victim had left the home. A bunk bed is seen in the background of the videos with I-bolts and handcuffs/shackles.

The document details text messages from Gary Graham Jr., Danielle’s husband, to Aaron, directing him to physically assault the victim. There were similar messages from Kaitlynn to Aaron also telling him to hit the victim.

In interviews with the victim as of February 14, investigators said he struggled to speak because of the injuries and malnutrition. The victim said he would be put in handcuffs at night and frequently during the day and be beaten by Gary or Aaron.

Alarming details revealed about alleged abuse by Zearing family members

ZEARING, Iowa — Disturbing new details in the severe abuse of a Zearing 18-year-old are being brought to light through court documents. On Monday, the Story County Sheriff’s Office anno…

who13.com

 

[tlcya]

Hard to imagine why a family of 4 would do this, including a 16 yr girl! Why would they hate the 18 yo so much? Was there something wrong with him, or things he did, so they felt they needed to treat him the way they did? What a disgusting bunch of people.

SBM for focus - tlcya

I suspect the two younger members of the accused family members were raised in an environment where the victim was the family scapegoat, had been for a long time, and it was probably very common for everyone to "pile on" to him any frustration they experienced in day to day life. A built in perpetual victim if you will. Scapegoating one vulnerable child within a family is much more common than we'd like to know MOO

LE says the abuse escalated in November of 2023. I wonder if the young man was threatening to leave and they couldn't stand to lose that perpetual victim he represented to them?

The Story County Sheriff's press release

https://www.facebook.com/storycountysheriff/posts/pfbid0TuwK5TQ73byT9w4qdUVUwedNUwM3BydPw7ZstkcQ6Hk5dmjaWSGQwDBYpG3qy6HKl

 

[aliciaJ87]

This is so sad. I cannot even imagine.

 

[spyblond]

A number of unusual aspects to this case. The fact that they boy was not the youngest sibling is interesting, as you would think his age would provide some protection. Also very unusual to include mugshots and names of minors involved....
Incredibly tragic situation. I wonder if there was any sort of religion involved/homeschooling. You would think someone would have seen him.

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Shocking that they brought him to the hospital. A very evil and disturbing case.

 

[ifindedout]

I wonder if the victim has some sort of disability.

 

[aliciaJ87]

I wonder if the victim has some sort of disability.

This is what I was thinking too, seems to be a common thing unfortunately.

 

[vlbay]

Were they stepchildren to the man? I wonder if the oldest tried to stand up to him when his mother married him. absolutely horrific.

 

[tlcya]

one abuser is 20 the other 16. the victim is 18, so I don't think he was necessarily the red headed stepchild per se. I don't know why this poor kid was targeted.

 

[lightofmine99]

4 accused of kidnapping and handcuffing family member to bed as they severely abused him

ZEARING, Iowa (TCD) -- Four people, including a 16-year-old, have been charged in connection with the abduction and severe abuse of an 18-year-old family member who suffered traumatic injuries and malnutrition.

truecrimedaily.com

They look like real winners. Hope it was all worth it guys.

 

[vlbay]

one abuser is 20 the other 16. the victim is 18, so I don't think he was necessarily the red headed stepchild per se. I don't know why this poor kid was targeted.

oh, you're right. The photo of Aaron looked younger to me. I thought he was also a minor.

 

[spyblond]

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Here's the Danielle's (Mom) Facebook. last post from 2016. Interestingly she lists her occupation as a CNA...

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Gary (Dad) Facebook- lots of photos of the kids. last post 2021. The last post is a picture of the kids as well as some kids that I don't believe are his. They are labeled with names. Weirdly, all of Gary's kids have their heads shaved.

4 Iowa family members accused of handcuffing teen relative to bed, beating him until brain bled
Article picked up by Associated Press