18-Year-Old Hospitalized with Severe Injuries
Zearing, Iowa – Four members of a family in rural Iowa have entered pleas of not guilty in connection with the abduction and abuse of an 18-year-old relative. The alleged victim arrived at a hospital in critical condition, exhibiting severe malnourishment and extensive injuries.
Charges and Pleas
Gary Graham Jr., 44, Danielle Graham, 42, Aaron Williams, 20, and a 16-year-old girl, all residents of Zearing, Iowa, were charged with first-degree kidnapping and willful injury last month. Each defendant submitted written pleas of not guilty, with the final plea being filed by Gary Graham Jr. on Monday.
Juvenile Status and Detention
The 16-year-old girl is being tried as an adult due to the nature of the charges. However, to protect her identity, chosen not to publish her name. Her attorney has filed a motion to transfer her case to juvenile court. Currently, she is being held in a juvenile detention center, while the three adult defendants are incarcerated in a county jail.
Hospital Alert Leads to Investigation
On January 27th, a hospital in Ames, Iowa, contacted the local sheriff’s office regarding an 18-year-old patient admitted in a critical state. The young man was severely malnourished and suffered from a multitude of injuries, including bleeding on the brain, fractured ribs, and widespread bruising and wounds. An affidavit filed in the case states that the teen arrived at the hospital in a “semi-conscious to unconscious state.”
Evidence Points to Ongoing Abuse
Medical professionals examining the victim determined that his injuries were in various stages of healing, suggesting they were inflicted over a period of time rather than a single incident.
Charges Detail Alleged Crimes
The criminal charges against the four family members allege that they knowingly held the victim captive and “while doing so had the intent to inflict serious injury.” The charges further state that the teen “suffered serious injury or … was intentionally subjected to torture” as a result of his captivity.
Protective Measures in Place
A judge has issued an order granting emergency protective services to the alleged victim. This order also prohibits all four defendants from having any contact with the young man.
