A Missouri couple is facing charges of child abuse after allegedly forcing their 4-year-old son to sit in a dog crate while the family ate dinner, causing the child severe malnutrition and physical harm.
Patricia L. Siercks, 34, and Joshua J. Gusman, 32, were arrested following a disturbing investigation into their son’s condition, which doctors say was “within days of fatal organ failure” due to prolonged starvation and neglect.
The Discovery of the Abuse
The investigation began in late June when authorities were called to Golden Valley Memorial Hospital after a report of child abuse involving the young boy. Doctors found the child “very thin,” with visible bruises and scratches on his face.
His medical chart showed that he had gained just one pound in two and a half years, and his condition was deteriorating rapidly. The boy was diagnosed with refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition caused by sudden reintroduction of food after prolonged starvation.
Neglect and Malnutrition
According to the probable cause affidavit, the child had been given PediaSure, a nutritional drink prescribed by his doctor to help him gain weight. By March, the boy had gained nearly 7 pounds, but Siercks reportedly stopped giving him the drink because “it was all the victim wanted to have.”
This decision led to a drastic weight loss of 6 pounds between March and June, leaving the boy weighing just 23 pounds — more than 20 pounds underweight for his age.
Further investigation revealed that Siercks admitted to physically abusing her son in the past. She allegedly slapped and punched him in the face after he “threw a fit” during an appointment. She later acknowledged that she had struck him in frustration, hitting him on the left side of his face and eye area.
Abuse in the Family Home
In addition to his malnutrition and physical injuries, the boy was reportedly forced to sit in a dog crate while the family ate, without being given food.
Gusman, who was aware of the abuse, admitted to a Child Protective Services investigator that he witnessed the boy being placed in the crate during meals and that he had intervened to stop the abuse on several occasions.
Doctors confirmed that the child was suffering from “acute childhood torture, long-term starvation, imbalanced electrolytes due to dehydration, and stunted growth,” all signs of severe neglect and abuse. The boy was admitted to a children’s hospital on June 30, where he received immediate medical care.
The Arrests
Following the investigation, Siercks and Gusman were arrested last week. They are currently being held without bond at the Henry County Jail. Siercks has a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, while Gusman was set to appear before a judge on Monday morning. Both face serious charges of child abuse and neglect.
The case highlights the extreme neglect and abuse endured by a young child at the hands of his parents. The child’s suffering, which included starvation, physical abuse, and emotional trauma, has prompted widespread outrage and concern.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boy’s condition, while Siercks and Gusman face legal consequences for their actions.
