Teen parents accused of abuse make first appearance
As the arraignment for Charles Elliott and Erica Shryock began at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, the two Magnolia teenagers accused of child endangerment stood quietly as they awaited the judge to speak. A small crowd made up primarily of law enforcement, court officials, and family also gathered to witness the court proceeding.
Elliott and Shryock were both recently charged with endangering the welfare of a minor-first degree and permitting abuse of a minor after it was discovered by Magnolia Regional Medical Center (MRMC) and Magnolia Police Department (MPD) officials on May 14 that the couple’s 15-day-old baby had been bitten by rodents an estimated 75 to 100 times. According to an MPD affidavit, the infant’s wounds were so severe it had to be taken to Little Rock Children’s Hospital where facial reconstruction surgery was performed to remedy a one-inch diameter wound which exposed the child’s skull.
MPD officials wrote that both Elliott and Shryock claimed they woke up in the early morning hours of May 14 after they heard their child screaming. The couple told police they saw that the child was covered in blood. After consulting with Elliott’s mother, Regina Barton, the infant was taken to MRMC, where numerous rodent bites were discovered on the child’s arms, hands, fingers, and face.
As the arraignment began, Judge Hamilton Singleton of the 13th Judicial District explained the purpose of a first appearance to the two teenagers. He told the accused that the Wednesday morning hearing was not a trial of guilt or innocence, but simply an official court proceeding to determine a bond. Singleton also informed Elliott and Shryock that they had both been charged with two felony counts, the first being endangering the welfare of a minorfirst degree – a Class D Felony which, if convicted, carries a sentence that shall not exceed six years and a fine that shall not exceed $10,000 — and the second being a Class B Felony, permitting abuse of a minor which, if convicted, carries a sentence of no less than five years and no more than 20 years, and fine not exceeding $15,000.
Singleton then questioned 18-year-old Elliott. Upon answering the judge, the court was
informed that Elliott’s highest education level was the eighth grade, and that he had no job, no source of income, nor personal expenses because he and Shryock were currently living in an acquaintance’s home at 214 South Cordelia Street – the scene of the investigation. Elliott also told the judge that he had another child that is in the custody of the Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS has also taken custody of the infant currently in Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Elliott said he had spoken to the agency on Tuesday, May 16. When asked how he lived with no source of income, Elliott told the judge that Columbia County resident Margie “Frankie” Williams was assisting the couple with expenses and providing them transportation.
After Elliott’s and Shryock’s attorney failed to show up, Singleton then appointed the local public defender to their case. He asked
the 19-year-old Shryock a short series of questions similar to those asked of Elliott. She informed the court that she is originally from Union County and that her highest level of education was ninth grade. She also stated that she currently has no source of steady income. The judge then asked if she had any other children. Shryock told him that she did indeed have another child and that it was in the custody of DHS.
The judge asked MPD Sergeant Colton Burks – also an investigating officer of the case – if either Elliott or Shryock had any criminal convictions in their past. Burks informed Singleton that neither of the two teenagers had any adult criminal activity.
Singleton then asked for the state’s bond recommendation. Thirteenth Judicial District Prosecutor David Butler informed the judge that his office was seeking a bond of $50,000 for each of the accused. He also asked that neither of them be allowed in the presence of anyone under the age
of 12.
“These folks don’t need to be in the parenting business at all,” Butler said.
After hearing from the prosecution, Singleton set a bond of $15,000 for both Elliott and Shryock. He also agreed with Butler’s second recommendation and ruled that neither of the accused have contact with any minor under 12 years old.
After the arraignment, Butler took questions from the media. When asked what he thought of the case Butler said, “It’s sad – tearful. It’s one of the worst cases I’ve seen of child abuse in my 30-year career.”
Butler also gave further detail on the severity of the wounds suffered by the infant.
“The child lost a lot of blood, and [was in] a life-threatening situation,” he said. “Thank goodness the child eventually got to Children’s Hospital. It essentially saved the child’s life. In addition to the numerous bites [on the body], the child had bites into the forehead. I cannot imagine the pain associated with that. I can’t
imagine.”
Butler also stated that he and the state felt the incident was no accident.
“Now we’re not saying they intentionally had rodents gnaw on their child’s body, but they let it happen – that’s our position,” he said.
Butler then said the state has reason to believe drugs were involved in the incident, but investigators are currently awaiting toxicology results and cannot say anything for a fact at this time.
When asked what made him file charges against Elliott and Shryock, Butler said the photographs of the infant’s wounds were enough. Butler was almost speechless as he shook his head in disgust and became somewhat emotional as he explained what he saw.
“When I saw the pictures – it’s sad,” he said.
He also stated he would not want to see the photos again.
The next court appearance for Elliott and Shryock is expected to take place next week.
According to Magnolia Police Department (MPD) officials, the condition of the infant is improving. The child is also said to be breathing without the help of a ventilator, and its wounds are healing normally. At the moment, officials are expecting a full recovery from the rodent bites with no significant lasting physical effects. The reconstructive surgery performed by Children’s Hospital doctors to remedy a large wound on the child’s forehead has also succeeded, according to MPD investigator Dustin Cloud.