There are few things more horrifying than parents who kill their children, but parents who kill their baby, then try to blame it on their toddler certainly qualify.
Last week in Kentucky, Benjamin Senseman was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in the death of his 2-month-old daughter, Chloe, who died from a "severe blow to the head." She was also injured three other times during her short 62-day life -- an autopsy showed she had six broken ribs, a broken arm, and two broken legs.
During the trial Senseman said if he injured the girl, it was by accident and that it could have been his 2-year-old son, Cole, that killed her. Friends and family were called upon to talk about how rough and aggressive the boy was.
How dare they?
To think that in order to save themselves these parents (the mother was charged too, but acquitted) would offer up their son is one of the most selfish things imaginable. There should be extra charges added for that alone.
It's not that a 2-year-old couldn't injure an infant. I know plenty of strong, strapping 2-year-olds that are powerful, and infants are fairly fragile, but three separate medical professionals testified during the trial that the toddler couldn't have delivered the fatal blow.
Even if he could have, it's still the parents' fault. If they knew -- as all these people who testified supposedly did -- how rough he was, then it would be their job to protect the baby. To not be dozing on the couch, as the father said he was when the toddler may have injured the baby. Also, if the boy was so violent, where did he learn such behavior?
Add to that the fact the father told a detective he “forcibly pushed” the baby's head into a playpen a day after her death, and it seems the jury got it right in convicting him. His sentence, however, seems paltry in light of the crime -- 15 years in prison, with the possibility of parole in just three.
There is no way to make up for the guilt they've placed on that little boy that will haunt him for the rest of his life along with the loss of his sister. Surely, someday he'll know what was said about him, and likely wonder if he could have done it ... or if his parents were just offering him up to save their own asses.
Laura Senseman, the mother, was originally charged in the baby's death as well, even though she was at work during the time of Chloe's death. Prosecutors argued she should have known about the abuse. Whether she did or not , the fact that she stood by her husband and let her 2-year-old be accused makes me scared for this little boy's future who is now being cared for by her.
Even if a toddler does injure or kill a baby, do you think the parents should be held responsible?
Image via nky.com
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Comments 49
No, I would not take the blame for my toddler if he had hurt my baby. You could lose all your kids and be labeled a child abuser. In which case you could very likely never see your toddler again.
That said, it's obvious from the story that the toddler isn't the one who did most of the damage, if any.
And it would depend on the circumstances, I mean if a 2 year crawled into a playpen or crib and hurt a baby while say they were in the bathroom, then no, but for the most part it is the parents responsibility to protect each one of their children, even from allowing a child to become an abuser.
I almost cried reading this, and I'm at work...how do "parents" do these things to their kids?! I'm so disgusted. "Parents" should always be held accountable, even if their other child caused the damage. You're supposed to protect your young...ugh.
Should parents be charged if toddler injures baby?
only if it happens more then a few times. Every child that has a sibling a year to 3 years older then them gets hurt a few times before they are able to defend themselves. But if it is purposeful and continuous then the parents should take steps to make sure baby and toddler are never both out of there sites at one time, and find out if there is something going on mentally with the toddler to cause the continued violence.
How pathetic this family is! The father is ONLY getting 15 years and is prolly gonna get out in 3? Not to worry, jails have a way of dealing with baby killers/rapists. The mom wasn't there when it happened, but there were OTHER incidents that might have clued her to what was happening. Wow, I hope that toddler gets the therapy and good family that he deserves. He didn't do anything wrong. Parents are responsible for watching their kids at all times.
Sick & sad!
"LIFE IMPRISONMENT WITHOUT PAROLE FOR PEDOPHILES - DEATH TO CHILD KILLERS!!!"
That poor little boy, and his poor sister. Aren't we always told as Mom's never leave your toddlers alone with your new born? My daughter was 19 months old when my twin sons were born, and while she was very gentle with them, she was never left alone with them! Sometimes older siblings (toddlers) while they may have good intentions for baby brother or sister, they are too young to understand that what they are doing could be dangerous for that baby. Yes, I think the parents should be held accountable, and in this case I think the parents are awful for blaming the toddler, and they should both be in jail in my opinion.
This is why I spaced all of my children almost exactly 5 years. 5 year olds are easier to communicate with than toddlers and are just hitting the age of understanding, so to speak(thus why this is kindergarten age). I never leave my kids alone together though, because it's just not right. They'r KIDS and as their MOM, it is MY responsibility to make sure that they have proper care and supervision. They are now 12, 7 and 2... But I digress... In reading the story, I think the parents hurt that poor baby, not the toddler. 6 broken ribs??? Both legs broken?? AND A BROKEN ARM????? Really?? I am OUTRAGED!!! That these parents...This "mother" especially would just throw her arms up and say"The kid did it. Waddo you want from me? He's a rough lil bastard." What the fuck??