Parents, who kept their children aged 2, 5, 7, and 9 locked in cages for at least four years so they “wouldn’t end up dead” and would beat them hard with a belt when they failed to complete daily chores, were sentenced

Minnesota – In a disturbing case from Minnesota, a couple has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of child torture. The 42-year-old father, identified as Benjamin C., and 40-year-old mother, identified as Christina C., were arrested after authorities discovered their children were being locked in makeshift cages at night for at least 4 years.

The situation came to light in August 2022 when Health and Human Services received a concerning report about the welfare of the couple’s four children, aged 9, 7, 5, and 2. According to the report, the children were subjected to cruel confinement practices by their parents, who claimed it was for their own protection. Following the report, a social worker along with an investigator from the police department visited the family’s home.

Upon their visit, the authorities were confronted with unsettling scenes. Christina, initially cooperative, became defensive when asked about the children being locked up. Her justification for such harsh measures stemmed from a fear of the children harming themselves or each other, citing a past incident where one child had accessed a kitchen knife. Christina claimed that without the cages, the children would “end up dead,” and the responsibility would fall on the police and Health and Human Services.

The investigation quickly revealed alarming conditions within the home: a 2-year-old was found in a playpen covered with a dog cage, and nearby, a bunk bed surrounded by wooden planks confined the 7-year-old and 5-year-old, making it impossible for them to stand up. The setup included only a mattress, blankets, and a “puke bowl.”

The 9-year-old was found with extensive marks throughout her body, but unlike the younger siblings, she was not confined at the time. Interviews with the children revealed a regime of harsh physical punishment and overwhelming chores. The children described being hit hard with a belt by their father and struck even harder by their mother if chores were not completed to satisfaction. The psychological trauma was evident, with one child expressing fear of repercussions for speaking with authorities.

As part of their plea agreement, Benjamin and Christina admitted to the horrific treatment of their children. The plea led to the dismissal of 15 other charges they were facing. The children are now under the care of Health and Human Services, facing a long road to recovery from the physical and emotional scars inflicted upon them. The local police and social services have been commended for their swift action, potentially saving the children from further harm.

The case has resonated deeply within the community and beyond, highlighting severe lapses in child welfare and the critical need for vigilance and intervention in cases of domestic abuse. As this case concludes legally, it opens broader discussions about child protection laws, the psychological assessment of abusive parents, and the mechanisms necessary to prevent such egregious abuses in the future. The community continues to rally around the children, hoping to provide them with a safer and more nurturing environment moving forward.