LANCASTER – A Lancaster married couple pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony child abuse charges involving their two children, including a 10-year-old girl who allegedly was locked in a room with a bucket to use when she needed to go to the bathroom.
Titus Chidi Ebubechukwu, 48, and Mary Nkiruka Ebubechukwu, 52, pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of child abuse and one felony count of false imprisonment by violence, according to Deputy District Attorney Theodore Swanson said.
The Ebubechukwus are due back in court on June 9 for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require them to stand trial. They could face up to eight years and eight months in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Titus and Mary Ebubechukwu were arrested May 13 after their 4-year-old son was found walking by himself several blocks away from their home, the prosecutor said. The neighbor who reported the incident told reporters that the young boy was wearing oversized shoes and appeared incoherent when asked his name.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies determined that the defendants were not home at the time, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Their 10-year-old daughter was later discovered inside the home in a room locked with a chain from the outside, and there was a bucket in the room that the girl had to use when she needed to go to the bathroom, according to Swanson.
The 4-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl were taken into protective custody, along with two siblings who were at school at the time of the incident, sheriff’s officials said.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lancaster Station.
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desiree says
Everyone wants to blame CPS but the parents are the ones who abused this child. Teachers and social workers do their best (some do fail) but for the most part, most humans have a heart and care what happens to children. Teachers and social workers are so overwhelmed with so many kids that it is humanly impossible to make sure every child is okay. If you are a mother or father with kids, even you have difficulty keeping an eye on every child at all times. As humans, we can help these teachers and social workers by keeping an eye open for any child who may be going through abuse and in turn report it or bring the abuse to the attention of the teacher or social worker. When a child is abused, very and I mean very few come forward and tell someone about it. They are scared. How a child molester threatens a child, there are parents who threaten their children and because they are abused, you better believe they will not speak up or tell about it to anyone. Pray for these four kids that healing will come their way. No child, regardless of gender or race, deserves abuse. Every child born into this world is born innocent and not one, I don’t care if they are white, black, Hispanic or Vietnamese, not one deserves to be abused. Every single child is innocent and deserving of a good healthy life. As humans let’s all pull together to make this happen. Be good to every child you come in contact with because you never know if that very child is abused in their home. Love them because you may be the only person they ever feel loved by.
Sophia says
Why wasn’t this ten year old in school? Did the teachers of the other two older children in school ever notice anything? Did they (teachers) ever call CPS? I’m praying this is not yet another case of Gavriel Fernandez…my blood is boiling
Nancy P says
ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON DENA PETERMAN (BUTTRAM), THE SCAMMER WHO ADVERTISED FOR SENIOR CITIZENS TO BE IN THE REMAKE OF COCOON? SHE GOT THE SENIOR CITIZENS PERSONAL INFO (SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS, ETC) AND DID INSURANCE FRAUD. I HAVEN’T SEEN IT IN THE NEWS HERE IN THE AV AND THAT’S WHERE SHE IS FROM.
Rude says
Im pretty sure she can speak Delilalala. I guess you’re not understanding she’s coming out of a abusive situation and who knows how long it went on. Besides the fact it’s her parents and although we may not understand I’m sure she loves them, she doesn’t know better. She is ONLY 10. So how bout have a heart. Your comment is very rude.
Sam says
Child abuse in our sleepy little bedroom community of the Antelope Valley???, how unusual.
Delilalala says
So, doesn’t the 10 year old know how to talk? What’s the damn story?!