Family, school officials and counselors are now speaking out in the wake of a three-year-old boy's brutal murder.
Scotty McMillan, of West Caln Township, Chester County, was allegedly tortured to death last week inside his family's trailer home by his own mother, Jillian Tait, 30, and her boyfriend, Gary Fellenbaum, 23. Authorities said the boy's six-year-old brother was also abused.
Family of the toddlers posted the following statement on a newly-launched website: "Thank everyone for your prayers, and support! We are overwhelmed with gratitude an (sic) love." The post is signed "The McMillan and Tait family."
Also speaking out is the Coatesville Area School District. Authorities said that before Scotty was found dead, his brother had been absent from Rainbow Elementary for two weeks.
Superintendent Cathy Taschner released the following statement: "The district has conducted an internal investigation to examine if school personnel were privy to any indications of abuse and it has been concluded that they were not."
Addressing the absences, Taschner said, "during that time, the district used multiple means of communication to attempt to contact the parent."
On Monday, the Chester County District Attorney's Office told 69 News that investigators have found no indication of wrongdoing at the school. The DA's office is, however, obtaining all of the boy's school records.
In the days since the horrific news broke, the spine-chilling allegations, involving homemade whips and head-smashing, have reached people across the country.
Candlelight vigils have been held across the country for Scotty, while locally, people are raising money and donations for his family and surviving brother.
In Downingtown on Sunday, toys, clothes and nearly $1,000 in funds poured in during a drive organized by the Infamous Ryders of Chester County.
Group President Alex Arroyo told 69 News that the gifts were delivered to Scotty's brother and an aunt, who's now caring for him. Arroyo told 69 News that the boy was "delighted."
Counselors at the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County in West Chester said they're also being contacted by people wanting to donate anything from cash to a burial plot for the family.
"I've heard from people who live across the state and several other states, too," said Peggy Gusz, executive director.
Gusz is advising callers to donate to an official family trust fund that is currently in the works. She also suggests offering donations for the long-term, like grocery store gift cards, as opposed to toys.
She and fellow staff members are urging people to be on the lookout for child abuse in their communities.
"This is a community problem and we as a community really need to look out for these warning signs," said Staci German, a prevention and education specialist.
German listed the following warning signs for people to detect potential instances of child abuse:
Extreme, unexplained changes in behavior
Unexplained bruises or marks on bodyLack of supervision or absence from schoolAge-inappropriate sexual behavior or knowledgeLack of hygiene, severe body odor, personal care
Suspected cases of child abuse should be reported to Child Line at 800-932-0313.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1yrTbGT
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire