Child Abuse Victim Unable To Testify At Stepfather's Hearing
CLYMER, Pa. (KDKA) -- An Indiana County man accused of beating and severely injuring his 6-year-old stepson was in court today for a preliminary hearing.
But when the star witness took the stand, he was unable to speak.
What allegedly happened to the boy inside the White Township townhome shocked even veteran doctors and law enforcement.
"As one of the doctors told me, it was one of the most significant cases of child abuse in Indiana County she's ever seen," said Indiana County District Attorney Patrick Dougherty.
Charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder is the boy's stepfather, 26-year-old Brandon Green. His hearing was moving along Wednesday until the victim took the stand to testify.
He simply couldn't speak, and the hearing ended.
"We don't want this child to be victimized again," said Dougherty. "It's one thing he was hurt so significantly in the first place, but to put him through the trauma to testify, we're going to do all we can to avoid that in the future."
What the child couldn't say during the preliminary hearing is in the criminal complaint. It says inside the townhouse, Green said the boy fell down the steps.
However, the criminal complaint says the boy told officers: "I got in trouble. I wouldn't take my medicine. Brandon kicked me in the stomach… he had his boots on… he kicked me in the face twice."
The child's mother, Stephanie Green faces charges for allegedly lying to police to keep Green from going to jail. She's free on bond. However, she may end up helping the prosecution.
"She may be someone who could provide additional testimony and evidence at the next preliminary hearing," said Dougherty.
All counts against Brandon Green have been refiled. He remains in the Indiana County Jail on $100,000 straight cash bond.
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