5-month-old baby dead after 8 days of neglect

[Lennon]

:cry:

http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/25672.asp

Benjamin Sargent died with his eyes open, fists clenched and strapped into a car seat after eight days without food or water, authorities say.

The 5-month-old was dropped off at his parents’ house on Feb. 4, wearing a bright-blue snowsuit and strapped into his car seat. Eight days later, he was found in the filth-strewn home in the same position, Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons said Wednesday during a bond hearing for the parents, Tracy D. Hermann, 21, and James E. Sargent, 23, both of Peoria, who are charged with murder for their son’s death.

It’s the worst case of child neglect we have seen since the turn of this century,” Lyons said afterward. “(On Tuesday), I told (Peoria Police) Chief (Steven) Settingsgaard that this case even rattled me.

[lazer47]

1. Sometimes capital punishment isn't such a bad thing..

RIP little one...

[Ghost in the Machine]

9. I agree 100%

Police had interviewed Sargent, who at first told them he had moved the baby “once or twice,” but later conceded that he might not have moved Benjamin at all during the week, Lyons said.

Hermann’s last contact with her son was the night before police were notified. Then, she allegedly told police she “looked at the baby in the crib and presumed he was sleeping, so she said she stuck a bottle between the baby and the side of the car seat so that when he woke up, he could grab it and feed himself,” Lyons said in open court.

Hermann then left for Iowa to meet with a man she had met over the Internet, the prosecutor said, noting that she allegedly told police “ Benjamin was not her duty and that it was James’ responsibility.”

These people don't have any place in society... not even in prison society.

[wake.up.america]

2. Please -- if there is anyone out there who can't or doesn't want to take care of their child...

I'll get help.

TOOOOO MUCH for me.

[Contrary1]

4. They can let me know where to pick up these little ones...

My daughter lost twin girls shortly after they were born. The grief doesn't go away.

[JerseygirlCT]

12. I'm so sorry. nt

[mzmolly]

3. Some stories are difficult to fathom.

Beyond horrible.

[LWolf]

5. Good god.

These people are members of my species. :puke:

Are we evolving or devolving? What, exactly, are we evolving into?

[fenriswolf]

6. jeezus christ, what is wrong with people

[Liberal_in_LA]

7. damn...that's sad.

[JerseygirlCT]

8. I'll never, ever be able to understand this.

If you don't want the child, there are so many people out there who would give anything to care for and love him or her.

[Liberal_in_LA]

10. agreed. Just hand the baby over to social services. Don't let it starve.

[DesertRat]

11. Rest in peace, sweet Benjamin

:cry:

[NMMNG]

13. Assholes

:grr:

[zingaro]

14. When there are so very many people out there who'd GLADLY

take in a child who's not wanted, this sort of thing just baffles me.

She could take the time to meet a man over the internet then go to see him but not to tend to her son. He could play video games and feed himself but not tend to his son.

Poor sweet little guy. Bless your heart, Benjamin. Rest in peace.