A jury has convicted a couple from Sapulpa of child abuse.
Last May, authorities apprehended Shawn Deatherage and Stephanie Denton after discovering an 11-year-old boy who was bruised, malnourished, and seeking refuge behind a dumpster in Sapulpa.
Court documents reveal that on May 19, 2023, an officer discovered a boy at a gas station, clad only in shorts and notably underweight, tipping the scales at less than 60 pounds.
Reports indicate that the child was suffering from malnutrition and displayed several bruises, one of which was a black eye. Authorities discovered marks on his body that appeared to be scars from cigarette burns.
That morning, the boy’s mother was at the Sapulpa Police Department to file a report regarding her son’s disappearance, as stated in court documents.
Authorities inquired with Denton regarding the circumstances surrounding the boy’s injuries. She claimed she was unaware of how he acquired the bruises and mentioned that the scars resulted from his arms rubbing against the carpet.
Denton agreed to allow police to search her home, where they discovered Deatherage smoking a cigarette. Authorities reported that the boy’s bedroom was missing a doorknob and contained only a mattress accompanied by a sheet, blanket, and pillow. Authorities discovered a magnetic plate intended for a surveillance camera.
The young boy revealed to authorities that he was restricted to his room and made to sleep in his closet. He stated that he was permitted to relieve himself only into a two-liter bottle.
Investigators looking into child abuse reported that the injuries sustained by the boy were a result of Deatherage’s punches, along with scars from cigarette burns. Authorities observed marks on the boy’s skin consistent with being pulled across the carpet, as he reported being dragged by Deatherage.
A young boy has been placed under the care of the Department of Human Services, while both Deatherage and Denton face charges related to child abuse and neglect.
On Friday, the jury delivered a verdict of guilt on both counts, suggesting life sentences for each individual.
Deatherage and Denton will face sentencing in December.