From that article...
According to relatives and former neighbors, Baker was nasty-tempered and willing to use a gun or her fists to settle an argument. They also said her stepdaughter usually bore the brunt of her rage.
"She was always beating her," former neighbor Karen Yount said Tuesday. "I told her to stop but she wouldn't listen to anyone. That poor girl."
I just don't get it. How can you know that someone is "always beating" a child and all you do is tell her to stop but don't go beyond that if she doesn't listen. People have to know that if someone is willing to do that sort of thing within your view, they are doing far worse behind closed doors.
I would call DSS/police every damned day til someone did something. And it they never did, I'd probably get myself arrested trying to get her away from the torture. And it would be worth it!