Teenager Trapped for More Than Four Years Escapes Torture

Teen in Closet, 14-year-old locked in closet, LaRhonda McCall

Once the 14-year-old made his way to an Oklahoma National Guard facility, the jagged scars on his body exposed the story of beatings, burnings and imprisonment he suffered at the hands of his mother and her male friend over the course of more than four years.

A woman was arrested after her 14-year-son told authorities he escaped from a home where he'd been kept for 4 1/2 years, spending most of his time locked in a bedroom closet, police said Monday. A security guard at a National Guard facility in Oklahoma City called police on Friday after the teen showed up malnourished and with numerous scars and other signs of abuse, police Sgt. Gary Knight said. "He was hungry. He was dirty. He had numerous scars on his body," Knight said. "It was very sad."

The teen, wearing only a pair of oversize shorts held up by a belt, walked up to a security guard at the facility around 5 p.m. on Friday and asked where a police station was located so he could report being abused, according to a police report. He told police that scars on his stomach and torso were from where alcohol had been poured on him and set on fire. Other scars were from being tied up, hit with an extension cord and choked, the boy told police. "He had scars covering most of his body," Knight said. "They were basically from head to foot." Source: LaRhonda Marie McCall Arrested: Oklahoma Teen Claims He Was Held in Closet for Years by His Mother, Huffington Post

It is a horrible case, but, unfortunately, stories of savage child abuse are frequent. In this case, though, I have a deep admiration for the victim. I cannot stop wondering what it was that kept his determination to get free and to report his abusers so strong for so many years? You know, even the Samaritans who helped him commented on the victim's kind nature.

Leslie Sanders, another security guard at the armory, said the boy seemed believable and was concerned about the fate of his siblings. "He was very straightforward with his answers," she said. "He still had a good enough heart to ask about his brothers and sisters." Source: Armory Guards; Teen Covered With Bruises, Scars - Associated Press

According to press reports, neighbors did not even know the teen existed. The victim's mother had seven other children who appeared to be well cared for. Abusive parents sometimes target one child, who bears the brunt of the household brutality.

In all seriousness, I pray that this young man gets all the love, professional help and support he deserves. I also hope he writes a book, which will teach all of us about courage and the scourge of child abuse.