Boy forced to stand naked outside after winter storm as punishment: Police
A Pennsylvania couple was criminally charged after a 15-year-old boy told officials he was forced to stand outside naked in below-freezing temperatures last week.
The child told law enforcement officials that his stepfather Joshua forced him to go outside naked as a form of punishment on Wednesday, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.
The temperature outside was in the single digits at the time.
Why It Matters
A cold weather advisory was issued for several counties in Pennsylvania, including Lehigh County, on Wednesday.
"The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken," the National Weather Service said. "Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures."
A snowstorm on January 19 brought around six to eight inches of snow to the area.
What To Know
The 15-year-old told troopers that he was outside for around 20 minutes and his feet were "extremely red from the cold and snow."
Officials said the child appeared to be thin and malnourished.
Who are Tracy and Joshua Dechant?
Joshua Dechant, 36, and Tracy Dechant, 42, are both charged with two felony counts each of endangering the welfare of children. They were arraigned on the charges on Sunday.
Neighbors told officials that the child knocked on their door and asked for help. Once he was inside, the child "would not stop eating."
The 15-year-old and his twin both reported being abused by their mother and stepfather in multiple ways, according to the statement. The victims were allegedly denied food and water, forced to walk around naked and stand outside naked and forced to sleep on the floor.
The children were taken to a hospital. One child weighed 53 pounds, while the other weighed 55 pounds. Medical records obtained by the district attorney's office showed that both gained 10 pounds over the past eight years.
Both boys remain hospitalized. Other children in the home were placed in the care of family members.
What People Are Saying
National Weather Service, in a cold weather advisory issued Wednesday: "Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves."
What Happens Next
Tracy and Joshua are scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on February 3.
At the proceeding, a judge is expected to determine if there's sufficient evidence to send the case to trial.
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