A Kansas City man, Matthew Proctor, 41, has been arrested and charged with child abuse after allegedly punching his 15-year-old son multiple times, causing him to have a seizure, and continuing the assault as the boy lay on the ground. The disturbing incident took place on Tuesday morning at a residence in Jackson County, Missouri.
The Attack Unfolds
According to a probable cause statement from the Kansas City Police Department, the violence erupted shortly before 11 a.m. when Proctor arrived at a home where his children were staying. Proctor had reportedly become upset after a phone conversation, which led to him showing up at the house.
Proctor allegedly asked for his children, and when his son came outside to confront him, he was punched in the face multiple times with a closed fist.
The 15-year-old boy fell to the ground, and soon after, began having a seizure. Despite the boy being on the ground and in distress, Proctor allegedly struck him two more times in the face. Witnesses, including minors, were present during the altercation and provided consistent statements, helping authorities to piece together the events that occurred.
Disturbing Details and Proctor’s Actions
Proctor reportedly threatened violence prior to the incident, telling someone he would “beat” someone’s “a–” when he arrived. One person at the residence, either the boy or his younger sibling, became concerned, recalling past incidents where Proctor had reportedly “punched the air out of his lungs.”
During the fight, one of Proctor’s daughters attempted to intervene by hitting him in the back. Proctor then allegedly grabbed another child, believed to be his youngest, and left the scene before police arrived.
The Victim’s Condition and Proctor’s Arrest
When officers arrived, they found the 15-year-old boy with swelling and red marks on his face, as well as injuries to both sides of his face and a concussion. He was taken to a nearby children’s hospital for treatment. Proctor, who had fled the scene, was arrested about 35 minutes later at a different residence.
Proctor initially told police that he had been the one hit first and only hit his son once in response. However, when told of his son’s injuries, Proctor suggested that the injuries might have been caused by the boy falling to the ground.
Evidence and Legal Proceedings
A Ring doorbell camera from a neighbor reportedly captured the confrontation, which appeared to support the victim’s account. The video showed Proctor striking his son multiple times, and the boy never appeared to hit Proctor back. The video also captured Proctor continuing to strike his son after he fell to the ground.
Proctor was charged with child abuse, and his bond was set at $75,000. He is facing serious legal consequences and is scheduled to appear in court on August 6.
The case has raised serious concerns about Proctor’s behavior and his potential danger to his children. The violence not only caused significant harm to the victim but also endangered the emotional and physical well-being of others in the household.
As the legal process continues, the court will decide the appropriate consequences for his actions.
