Thank you for posting an article that presents the other side of the dispute. However, it doesn't convince me that Matthew belongs with his mother. The statements are all through AC's attorney--what she told them--but aren't accurate, IMO. The article also says:
We spoke with an Alabama attorney who previously represented the father, Andre Richards. She said Richards does not want to make a statement today. But she said a judge in Maryland struck down the wife's claims of abuse as well as her claim for child support and sole custody. The attorney tells also us that the father has full custody of Mathew.
AC's other attorney also said:
"There are efforts in place to get the child with the FBI and DHR. We believe that the child needs to be in custody of DHR," said Revill.
I hope they do turn over Mathew to the DHR and the case is settled once and for all.
Not all domestic violence is committed by the man against the woman. Sometimes it's the other way around. And, not to trivialize the experiences of women who are true victims of domestic violence, but there are some women who make false accusations of abuse. I had an old friend who claimed to be a victim of domestic violence. But, in a court case against her ex, she didn't present any evidence despite claiming she had evidence. She also claimed that other people--neighbors, friends, family and humanitarian organization volunteers were cruel to her (and in some cases threatened violence or stole from her). I found out from personal encounters with her that she manipulates facts and people, and outright lies, to get what she wants. If you asked her about something she was supposed to/promised to do (but didn't want to do), she would either ignore you or tell you, "I have a headache and don't feel like talking about it right now." So, I can see how she may have provoked her husband, but if he did resort to violence I don't condone it. But, the woman clearly had a personality disorder and I now wonder if she wasn't the aggressor rather than her husband. Fortunately, that couple didn't have children.
I don't know that AC has a personality disorder, but she did shoot her ex and has apparently entrusted Mathew to associates who are armed and dangerous. There was probably good reason why the MD courts awarded the father full custody. Yes, there are times when a court awards an unworthy parent custody and denies custody to a good parent, but IMO the actions and associates of AC are worrisome. At this point, no one knows where Mathew is. Unfortunately, some parents see the child(ren) as only a pawn or trophy in a contentious breakup/divorce. Sometimes they would rather the child(ren) be dead than surrender custody to the other parent. I'm afraid this is one of those situations. Mathew needs to be found! ASAP! He needs to be taken from his mother and turned over to the custody of DHR until he is found a safe place to live. His mother should never be allowed to have contact with him again! MOO
lease:
