One of the worst cases of child abuse in TN history

Testimony Begins in Baby Haley Trial
http://www.volunteertv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3531151&nav=4QcHbXgV
(two pictures of poor baby Haley on this page)
<snip>
Tommy Joe Owens got custody of his daughter Haley about a week before Christmas 2003 after swearing out an order of protection, claiming that Haley's mother threatened to kill him and saying "I believe that me and Haley are in imminent danger."

It began what prosecutors now claim were 6 month of an ordeal of absolute torture and abuse.

"Did her face look like this?” a prosecutor asks.

"No,” replies Rose Mary Spicer, Haley’s mother.

"Did she have burns to her back?”

"No."

"Did she have what might be cigarette burns to her privates?"

"No."

Her voice breaking, almost to collapse, Haley Spicer's mother puts context to claims that Prosecutors' graphic, disturbing pictures can't. That Haley's injuries came after her father, Tommy Joe Owens, got custody.



Ugh, this makes me sick. Please hug your kids. :(

I just don't have words to express how horrified I am. :grr: :grr: :grr:


How anybody could do that to a child, particularly a baby, is beyond me.

May Owens rot in prison until the day he dies, and I wouldn't feel an ounce of sympathy if his fellow inmates beat the crap out of him on a daily basis.

A fund was set up by the Sheriff's office for this child to cover any uncovered medical expenses, and all the funds (which are in an interest-bearing account) will be turned over to her when she reaches 18. Prison inmates have been sending donations to the fund. I'm well aware that not every one in prison is an asshole (or even guilty), but it's touching that people in such a bad spot themselves would give up the little they have to try to make this child's future better.

She has a lot of money coming her way, our work sent her money as well. It's unfortunate that she had to go through this, but she has touched by so many people that don't even know her.

I'm not saying that they all have this, but many do. There are lines that are not to be crossed, and woe to the man that does so. Child molestors do not last long in prisons, they are considered the lowest of the low.

I believe in redemption. Even if someone is locked up for the rest of his life, there is still good he can do for others, if he chooses to.

:cry:

I hope that father goes to prison for a long time.

that child is scarred physically and emotionally for life. sadly, though, i have seen worse abuse than that and the parent has never been put on trial, nevermind convicted... i sure hope this a$$hole is.

The whole Eastern part of the state was so outraged by this that I doubt (even if he's let go), he goes unpunished.

but, with my beautiful daughter being born three months ago, stories like this now have new meaning for me. They make me so angry I feel like personally taking people like this and giving them the old "bath tub and a toaster" treatment. I calm down, of course, and realize that isn't rational, but, quite frankly, anyone who abuses a child is a heartless, gutless coward who cannot be punished enough.

:rant: