You are here: Home / Links / Mainstream News

TTUAC linked to Hana Williams’ Death

October 1, 2011 By Hermana Linda 2 Comments

Fox News has connected the dots and has implicated the book, To Train Up A Child in it’s coverage of Hana Grace’s Death in its article, Book advocating extreme discipline may be connected to deaths of adopted children.

I would like to correct one mistake in the article, Michael Pearl is not Amish.

Now to take on this quote:

In the book, Pearl explains how to use a plumbing tool to switch children starting at age one. Pearl advocates giving cold water baths when potty training, putting children outside in cold weather and having them miss meals, all examples of abuse investigators said Hana endured.

They don’t mention that parents are instructed to use a smaller and lighter switch on children under the age of one.(see question 9)

Now, someone is bound to insist that the rest of this quote is a lie.  Here are quotes from the book, To Train Up A Child which you can read online at www.achristianhome.org/to_train_up_a_child.htm.

So, my suggestion was that the father explain to the boy that, now that he was a man, he would no longer be washed in the house. He was too big and too stinky to be cleaned by the babywipes. From now on, he would be washed outside with a garden hose. The child was not to be blamed. This was to be understood as just a progressive change in methods. The next dump, the father took him out and merrily, and might I say, carelessly, washed him off. What with the autumn chill and the cold well water, I don’t remember if it took a second washing or not, but, a week later, the father told me his son was now taking himself to the pot. The child weighed the alternatives and opted to change his lifestyle. Since then, several others have been the recipients of my meddling, and it usually takes no more than three cheerful washings.

Now, there are some flavors or textures that we just have an aversion for. Allow each child one or two dislikes, just don’t let their preferences be too limited. If a child doesn’t like what is on the table, let him do without until the next meal. A little fasting is good training. If you get a child who is particularly finicky and only eats a limited diet, then feed him mainly what he doesn’t like until he likes it.

I have said before that the Williams took these teachings way further than Pearl ever intended with their adopted children. Notice that Pearl said that washing the child outside 3 times should be enough. The Williams made it into a lifestyle. Also, I have never seen Pearl mention making the child stand outside without proper clothing as a punishment. However, they did follow the teachings correctly with their biological children. If the investigations mentioned in this article should show that the biological children were being abused, this will have serious implications for the Pearls’ teachings.

The Williams are due back in court on Oct 6.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Williams Tagged With , , , , , ,

The Williams Arrested For The Death of Hana Grace

September 30, 2011 By Hermana Linda 4 Comments

We have been following the story of Hana Grace Williams who was found dead outside her home last May.  The only reason this story is of interest to this blog is that the Williams were known to be following The Pearls’ teachings with their children before they adopted Hana and her brother in 2008.  Any link between this death and the Pearls’ Teachings is purely speculation and is covered in this post.  To reiterate and clarify, the Pearls’ teachings do not appear to be directly responsible for this death. Pearls’ teachings do not recommend the kind of abuse which is described in the following articles which I  will warn you now are tragic and very disturbing.

The parents, Larry and Carri Williams, have been arrested, charged with abuse leading to her to death ( as well as the abuse of her brother) and are being held on $500,000 bail. Here are links to news stories which report on this:

Couple arrested, charged with abusing child to death from Goskagit.com

Skagit County couple charged with death of adopted child from NWCN.com (which mentions To Train Up A Child and the plumbing line)

Murder charges for parents who left girl outside from The Seattle Times

Adoptive parents Carri and Larry Williams charged with Hana Williams’ death from Quipshots blog

I will remark that if you read the very disturbing sheriff’s report you will note that the Williams speak of rebellious behavior and when the child was clearly in distress they saw her as “pretending that she couldn’t stand or walk.”  The adversarial mindset which they learned from the Pearls is a dangerous one and while a tenuous link indeed, it is still of interest to myself and other readers of this blog.

I would also suggest that the abuse of Hana’s 10 yr old brother does sound very much like what the Pearls teach, except that I doubt that the Pearls would suggest one punish a child for urinary leakage when there is a known medical cause or for not hearing when he is deaf.  If you read that entire report  you will see many of the Pearls’ teachings referenced, however, even I will admit that they took these teachings were taken to extremes which the Pearls did not intend.

Edited to add:
Washington state couple charged in adopted daughter’s death from Fox WXIN

This article contains an interesting quote:

The investigation into the Williams family, including whether the biological children were abused, was continuing, she added, adding that the process can take months.

As far as I could tell, they were following the Pearls’ teachings pretty closely with the biological children so if they should determine that they were abused, this could have serious implications.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Williams Tagged With , , , , , , ,

The Pearls’ Book NOT Banned in New Zealand (Working on Amazon)

September 22, 2011 By Hermana Linda 3 Comments

New Zealand’s Censorship Compliance Unit has decided not to ban nor restrict Michael and Debi Pearl’s book, To Train Up A Child, according to this article in the Marlborough Press.  While I don’t believe in book banning, it seems to me that if a country has that policy, this book should fall into that category and I am a bit confused as to how they reached their decision.

I do believe in encouraging book sellers to stop selling offensive books and so does  Milli Hill at Peaceful Parenting who explains why Amazon should stop selling books which promote Child Abuse, especially To Train Up A Child. This piece includes a long quote from Debi Pearl in which she explains how one should use the switch on a child under one year old.

Note: The petition to which she links is the same one to which I link in my side bar. If you have not signed it, please sign it and share the link. Thank you.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Get Involved, Mainstream News Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Hana Williams Story

September 12, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Non-Profit Radio KUOW aired a piece of the death of Hana Williams, here is the transcript and a link to download the story. Transcript also at https://www.facebook.com/groups/156422897766042/doc/175047785903553/

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Williams Tagged With ,

The “Ministry” of The Pearls

August 29, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

has an article in the  San Mateo Parenting Examiner about The “Ministry” of Michael and Debi Pearl.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News Tagged With , , , ,

New Zealand Considers Censoring TTUAC

August 23, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

The New Zealand Internal Affairs Department’s Censorship Compliance Unit has confirmed that it is investigating To Train Up A Child by Michael and Debi Pearl after a complaint was made according to an article on Stuff called, ‘Violent’ child training book off to censor.  The article  says that it has already been removed from Whitcoulls‘ online store but that other leading book sites are still selling it and that, “Censorship Compliance Unit manager Stephen OBrien said the book’s content would be investigated and, if it was found to be objectionable, it could be either banned, restricted or referred to the human rights or childrens commissioners. ”

Channel 3 News covers the story in Child abuse ‘instruction manual’ could be banned.

Update:  Whitcoulls’ is still selling the Spanish Version of the book.  *doh*

Here is a closer look at the debate regarding the possible banning.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News Tagged With , , , , , ,

The Schatz Story Going Mainstream

August 19, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Brad Hirschfield posts in The Washington Post about the Schatz story and To Train Up A Child in a piece called, Beating children in the name of God.  He exhorts us Christians, saying:

Tragically, this is going on, it must be stopped, and it is precisely those of us for whom the Bible is a sacred and life-centering text that must take the lead in stopping it.

As is always the case, it is those closest to a tradition that should bear the greatest responsibility for it when it is being abused. We cannot simply distance ourselves from “those crazy people”, because “those crazy people” are using the same books we hold dear to commit atrocities, so who better than those who turn to (some of) the same books, to take on the responsibility of addressing the abuses committed in their name?

Amen

Jo Ashline of The Orange County Register also reports on the Pearls’ teachings and the recent controversy in Couple Claims God Wants us to Beat our Children.

I would like to respond to this quote:

During the CNN interview, Mr. and Mrs. Pearl also maintain their innocence in the beating death of Lydia and assure viewers that their training method does not promote anger or abuse, but rather a calm, methodical and effective method of spanking a child into submission.

What the Pearls and their followers fail to understand is that Lydia refused to or was unable to submit and they calmly and methodically spanked her for 7 hours until her tissues broke down.  You know how hitting meat makes it tender, right?  Well, if living flesh is hit long enough, even calmly and methodically, it gets tenderized.  The tissues break down and tiny particles of muscle tissue block the kidneys causing rhabdomyolosis. Please check that link for a more detailed explanation from Under Much Grace.  Rhabdomyolosis was the official cause of her death, by the way.

By the way, I have updated my Quotes from TTUAC page with some quotes from the NGJ website because the quotes were so disturbing to me that I thought they needed to be shared.  It is taking a lot of self control to keep myself from ranting and raving about the quotes, so I’m just going to let the quotes speak for themselves.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , , ,

More Investigation from CNN

August 18, 2011 By Hermana Linda 5 Comments

CNN continues its investigative report of abuse among fundamental Christians and how it relates to the Pearls’ teachings.  Jocelyn Zichterman, who was raised in this culture and started Freedomfromabuse.net, explains the concept of Breaking The Will and how spankings must continue until the child submits even if it takes several hours. This video seems to cut suddenly, I’m wondering if this series will continue.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Other Abusive Teachings Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Transcript of Pearl on CNN including Cut Scenes

August 17, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Under Much Grace features not only the CNN video about the Pearls but a link to the transcript on the CNN site.  As the transcript contains some cut scenes, she highlights those in her post.  For anyone who wants to read just the part of the transcript which contains the Pearl/Schatz story, use CTRL F (on a Windows computer) to search the page for the word, “Paradise.”

Elizabeth Esther also posted about the CNN video and got many interesting comments.

Former Pearl Follower, Becky from Created To Be His, also shared the videos and explained why she does not believe that the Schatzes lost control.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , , , , , , ,

CNN Exposes the Pearls’ Teachings

August 15, 2011 By Hermana Linda 4 Comments

CNN  has done an exposeé on the Pearls’ teachings and has implicated them in the death of Lydia Schatz. This series features a close look at the Lydia Schatz case,an interview with Michael and Debi Pearl as well as an interview with D.A. Mike Ramsey who says that he blames the Pearl’s teachings for Lydia’s death.

Here is Part 1.

Here is Part 2.

Here is Part 3

You can find transcripts here including cut scenes.

They did not really explain why the Pearls’ teachings are implicated because they did not explain what these teachings are.  This goes far beyond a simple spanking debate.  I link to many articles which explain this and have been meaning to put it all together in one post.  I thought I had done it here, but upon taking another look at it, I see that I was waiting until after the  trial to flesh it out.  I’ll put that on my to do list.  Meanwhile, please look at my categories for The Pearls’ Teachings above and the sub categories, especially Counter Arguments.  If you have time, check out posts which dig deeper into the Pearls’ teachings with in depth analysis. I hope that you will also find my tags helpful for narrowing down the information you seek.

Note, here are some quotes from To Train Up A Child by Michael Pearl, the book which started the controversy.

My first collection of news stories.

Reactions in the blogosphere.

More news stories and reactions..

CBS did an investigative report about the Schatz and other child abuse stories.

And then a Plea Deal Reached in Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz Murder Case.

They were sentenced to prison.

All mentions of the Schatz story can be found under my Schatz tag.

 

 

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , ,

Zariah Schatz Speaks in Court

June 11, 2011 By Hermana Linda 4 Comments

Here is a follow up about the Schatzes prison sentence from the Paradise Post. Note the quotes from Lydia’s older sister, Zariah, as well from as Elizabeth Schatz who apparently realized too late that they were on a “foolish path.”  Entire article quoted here for permanence.

Paradise couple gets prison for fatal beating

Father gets two life terms
Posted: 06/10/2011 12:06:11 PM PDT

A Paradise couple convicted of whipping an adopted daughter to death and injuring two other children was sentenced Friday to upper terms in state prison.Butte County Superior Court Judge Kristen Lucena sentenced Kevin Paul Schatz, 48, to serve at least 22 years of two life terms for second-degree murder and torture. Elizabeth Hazel Schatz, 44, was sentenced to serve 13 years, four months for voluntary manslaughter and infliction of unlawful corporal punishment.

Both Schatzes were also sentenced to six months in county jail for misdemeanor cruelty to a child. They were credited for time served.

Addressing the defendants, Lucena said their punishment for whipping their children for hours with a thin, 15-inch length of plumbing supply line was inappropriate. “No civilized society would tolerate that,” Lucena said.

The sentences were largely known in advance because of a plea bargain April 8. The couple had faced charges of first-degree murder and torture and two possible life sentences. Before the sentence was handed down a surviving adopted daughter, 12, addressed the court. With a soft-spoken voice that was often punctuated with tearful sobs, she said her 7-year-old sister, Lydia, meant the world to her and Lydia’s death really hurt.

“Why did you adopt her? To kill her?” the daughter asked.

The Schatzes were arrested after they called 9-1-1 after Lydia had stopped breathing on Feb. 6, 2010. A follow-up investigation by Paradise Police to the Schatz

residence found the other daughter in the house, limping.As part of a punishment for reportedly mispronouncing words, both girls had been whipped for hours by Kevin Schatz with the supply line. Elizabeth Schatz reportedly assisted. Lydia was whipped for about seven hours on Feb. 5, while her sister was punished for similar period the night before. A 10-year-old biological son was also injured.

The repeated whipping caused a breakdown in muscle tissue that severely damaged the girls’ organs.

Lydia was taken to the hospital but later perished from her injuries. The other daughter was hospitalized for similar injuries, but eventually recovered. The older daughter said she would ultimately forgive the Shatzes, but was confused by the actions and condemned their use of corporal punishment.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve what you did to me,” she said.

As the daughter made her statement, the Schatzes sat facing forward, not looking at the girl. They did sometimes bow their heads and wiped their faces. Earlier in the hearing, Elizabeth Schatz asked for the daughter’s forgiveness. She said Feb. 6, 2010, was the saddest day of her life because their actions killed a daughter, severely injured another and tore their family apart. She said she wished that they had paused to consider the repercussions of their actions.

“We surely would’ve deviated from the foolish path we ended up taking,” Elizabeth Schatz said.

Kevin Schatz apologized for what happened.

“I accept full responsibility for the injury and death of my two daughters,” he said.

Michael Harvey, Kevin Schatz’s attorney, said most people know it’s inappropriate to shake a baby, but few had heard of the medical condition that could be caused by the Schatz’s disciplinary method.

“This is a tragic case. It’s an example of trying to do the right thing in a wrong way,” Harvey said.

Kevin Sears, Elizabeth Schatz’s attorney, said the case was a tragedy and didn’t dispute the death or injury. However, he asserted the probation report wasn’t wholly accurate. In particular, he said the hours of whipping were interrupted with periods of prayer and reflection.

District Attorney Mike Ramsey said the Schatzes have often characterized their actions as inappropriate discipline, which he said showed a lack of insight. While acknowledging the death and injuries weren’t intentional, he said their actions, including the whippings and other punishments, were over the top.

“This was beating. This was torture. This was inhuman,” he said.

Kevin Schatz is ineligible for good conduct credits due to the murder conviction, meaning he will serve 22 years before being considered for parole. He was given credit for 310 days served in county jail. Elizabeth Schatz was credited for 387 days of jail time served and could earn an additional 670 days’ credit in prison.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , ,

Schatz’ sentenced to prison

June 10, 2011 By Hermana Linda 2 Comments

From the Paradise Post quoted here for permanence.

Schatz’ sentenced to prison

Father gets to life terms
Posted: 06/10/2011 12:06:11 PM PDT

The Paradise couple who were arrested February 2010 in the beating death of one child and severe beating of another, were sentenced to prison this morning.Kevin Schatz was sentenced to two life terms for second-degree murder and torture and will have to serve at 22 years. Elizabeth Schatz was sentenced to 13 years, four months for voluntary manslaughter and infliction of unlawful corporal punishment. They each were given six months in county jail for misdemeanor cruelty to a child but were credited for time served.

The prison terms were part of the plea bargain with prosecutors. Before pleading guilty to amended charges on April 8, the Schatzes were charged with first-degree murder and torture and had faced two life terms in prison.

The charges stem from the Feb. 4 and 5, 2010 whippings of adopted daughters Lydia Schatz, 7, and her then 11-year-old sister. A biological son was also injured. The Schatzes were using a method of discipline that involved whipping the children for hours with a 15-inch length of plumber’s supply line.

Lydia died of her injuries. The older girl required hospitalization but recovered.

In April 2007, the Schatz’ adopted three children from Liberia. At the time of that adoption, the Schatz had six biological children.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , ,

Ernest Willis Found Guilty

May 28, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Under Much Grace shares the verdict in the Ernest Willis/Tina Anderson case as well as a summary of the  case and some explaination of the teachings which are infused therein.

Also, here is a  News Story in the Daily Sentinel about the testimonies in the Tina Anderson rape case.

And there is a follow up news story here.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Other Abusive Teachings Tagged With , , , , ,

More on the Tina Anderson Case

May 19, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Cindy Kunsman (UnderMuchGrace) reports the latest on the Tina Anderson case and offers a button for your blog.

News coverage from the Concord Monitor here.

News story from the U.K. here.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Other Abusive Teachings Tagged With , , ,

Tina Anderson Case Goes to Trial

May 17, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Reposting this MSNBC report for permanence:

Teen allegedly raped, forced to apologize for pregnancy before her church

Jury selection to begin in 1997 case; church member on trial for raping babysitter

msnbc.com staff and news service reports

CONCORD, N.H. — Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the case of a 15-year-old girl who prosecutors say was raped by a fellow church member and forced to stand before the congregation to apologize for getting pregnant.

Ernest Willis is charged with forcibly raping Christina Anderson twice during the summer of 1997, when she was his children’s baby sitter and he was 39. Lawyers for Willis, now 52, say in court documents that he will admit having sex with the girl once but maintains it was consensual.

Prosecutor Wayne Coull said he expects Anderson to be among the first witnesses called when the trial begins May 23 in Merrimack Superior Court. The trial is expected to last four days.

The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they were victims of sex crimes, but Anderson, now 29, asked that her name be made public.

Former Trinity Baptist Church Pastor Charles Phelps is on the prosecution’s list of witnesses. Anderson told police that Phelps arranged for her to move to Colorado and forced her to write a letter of apology she had to read to the fundamentalist congregation.

She then was told to move into a room in the Phelpses’ home until she was to leave for Colorado, which Anderson said happened within days.

Anderson was home-schooled in Colorado, and gave birth to the baby there, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported. She gave the child up for adoption, the newspaper said.

Phelps is adamant that he reported the allegations to Concord police and was critical of them for failing to act. Police said they tried to investigate in 1997 but couldn’t find Anderson. They didn’t locate her until last year, when friends and Internet posts revealed she was living in Arizona under her married name.

‘Justice needs to be done’
The Union Leader reported that a detective with the Concord police contacted Anderson, the married mother of three more children, after learning of the case through a Facebook page entitled, “Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Cult Survivors.”

Phelps, who now lives in Indiana, said last year that he helped relocate Anderson at her mother’s request. Anderson’s mother, Christine Leaf, has refused to comment on whether she initiated or consented to the relocation. She, too, is on the prosecution’s witness list.

Anderson told the AP earlier this month she is nervous about testifying and having her life rehashed publicly, but added, “It needs to be done. Justice needs to be done.”

In court documents, Coull said he doesn’t object to a motion by defense lawyers Donna Brown and Brooksley Belander to be allowed to question Anderson about sexual abuse inflicted on her by her former stepfather beginning when she was 9 and ending when she was 11.

Coull does object to defense efforts to bar testimony about Willis’ offer to take Anderson out of state for an abortion and his offer to punch her hard in the stomach to induce a miscarriage. Coull said in court documents that Willis’ “willingness to use violence” is highly relevant “and clearly indicative of guilt.”

The judge has yet to rule on those motions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Update here.

 

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News Tagged With , , , ,

When The Child Abuser Has a Bible

May 5, 2011 By Hermana Linda 1 Comment

In Dec of 2010 The Official Newsletter of the National Child Protection Training Center featured an article entitled, When the Child Abuser Has a Bible: Investigating Child Maltreatment Sanctioned or Condoned by a Religious Leader.  They mention To Train Up A Child by Michael and Debi Pearl in the footnotes and include a quote from Beth Fenimore’s open letter to Roy Lessin, How Spanking Changed My Life (Note: this story is very graphic and might be triggering for some. Use your own descretion.)

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News Tagged With , , , , ,

Plea Deal Reached in Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz Murder Case

April 8, 2011 By Hermana Linda 4 Comments

It looks like the Schatz trial is off. There has been a plea bargain.  Here is the story from KHSL-TV:

The Paradise couple accused of beating their adopted daughter to death and critically injuring another will not be going trial after reaching a last minute plea deal with prosecutors. Trial for Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz was to begin Monday, but on Friday afternoon Kevin Schatz agreed to plead guilty to all the charges against him, including first degree murder and torture, in exchange for a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter for his wife.

The agreement means the couple’s children will not have to testify in court. Both entered guilty pleas Friday afternoon. Butte County district attorney Mike Ramsey says Kevin Schatz faces two life sentences and will not be eligible for parole for 22 years. Elizabeth Schatz agreed to the maximum sentence of 13 years, four months. The couple is set to be formally sentenced June 10th. There six biological children and two surviving adopted children remain in foster care.

And here is the more in depth story from the Chico E.R. pasted here for permanence.

Couple plead guilty in fatal Paradise child beating

By RYAN OLSON – Staff Writer
Posted: 04/09/2011 12:05:58 AM PDT

OROVILLE — A trial for a Paradise couple facing murder charges for beating one adopted daughter to death and injuring another ended before it began after the pair entered unexpected guilty pleas Friday.

Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz were expected to go to trial Monday in Butte County Superior Court for the Feb. 4 and 5, 2010, beating of adopted daughters Lydia Schatz, 7, and her then 11-year-old sister.

Lydia died of her injuries; the older girl required hospitalization but recovered.

The Schatzes’ defense team and Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey had spent Friday with Judge Kristen Lucena discussing final motions before starting jury selection. As Ramsey prepared to leave the courtroom, defense attorneys Michael Harvey and Kevin Sears asked him to stay about a possible plea bargain.

Court was called back into session and Kevin Schatz pleaded guilty to one count each of second-degree murder, torture and misdemeanor cruelty to a child. He will serve at least 22 years of a 22-to-life prison sentence.

Elizabeth Schatz pleaded guilty to single counts of voluntary manslaughter, infliction of unlawful corporal punishment on a child and misdemeanor cruelty to a child. She will be sentenced to the maximum 13 years, four months in prison.

Both also face a six-month county jail sentence, and $20,000 fines each.

If the pair had been convicted on the original charges of first-degree murder and torture, they would’ve each faced maximum sentences of two life terms

in prison.

Outside the courtroom, Ramsey said he was satisfied with the verdict and the resolution for the victims — who were reportedly whipped for hours with a length of plumber’s supply line. He remarked that the likely sentences mean the Schatzes would no longer be in control of their children’s lives.

“Now, at least for the children, they can get it behind them,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey said he insisted that the couple plead guilty to the charges instead of pleading no contest — where defendants can stand silent while a judge convicts them based on evidence.

The murder and manslaughter charges were for Lydia Schatz’s death. The torture counts applied for her older sister’s injuries. The misdemeanor charges applied for injuries against a son who was 10 at the time.

Ramsey said the prosecution accepted a lesser manslaughter charge for Elizabeth Schatz because there was evidence she was under the control of her husband during and after the incidents. However, he required that Kevin Schatz plead to murder.

Outside of the courtroom, Sears said his client, Elizabeth Schatz, regretted what happened.

“She feels very remorseful over what happened to her children and she was very anxious to accept responsibility,” Sears said.

Had the matter gone to a jury, Sears said he didn’t believe the panel would find Elizabeth Schatz guilty of murder. He said the bargain’s terms were close to a probable jury verdict.

Harvey said his client took the bargain because it will spare his wife from serving a longer sentence. It also eliminated the need for his children to testify in court — most of the Schatzes’ six biological children and the older adopted daughter were listed as possible trial witnesses.

“He felt that was his duty as a father to his family,” Harvey said.

While there has been discussion about the Schatzes’ whippings being based on “biblical chastisements” drawn from the teachings of a fundamentalist religious organization known as No Greater Joy Ministry, Ramsey said he hadn’t planned to focus on the teachings in his prosecution.

He said he had been prepared to address it if it was raised by the defense.

Sentencing will take place on June 10. The couple remain in custody at Butte County Jail.

 

Staff writer Ryan Olson can be reached at 896-7763 or rolson@chicoer.com.

Also, the Mankato Examiner has an article about the case with the same info plus more background. This article is great for sharing.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With ,

ABC News Exposes Abuse in some IFB Churches

April 8, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

ABC News Exposes Alleged Abuse in some IFB Churches on this News Video. The Schatz story is mentioned as well as the recent Lori Wick Child Abuse Scandal.  Brian Fuller of Trinity Baptist Church condemns the abuse and insists that not all IFB churches are the same.  I agree with him, as my Independent Fundamental Baptist church is nothing like that either.  The very fact that they are Independent shows that they are not all the same.  But I digress.  This video is a tease for tonight’s episode of 20/20 which aired Friday April 8, 2011

More links:

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Other Abusive Teachings Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kidney Damage and The Pearl Method

April 1, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Cindy, of Under Much Grace, explains exactly what Rhabdomyolosis is in, How Do We Track Kidney Failure and Kidney Damage in Children Who Are Trained Using the Pearl Method? She explains that kidney damage is permanent and wonders how many children are living with a chronic yet undiagnosed condition in this important and informative post.

Also, don’t miss this internet radio show about the same topic.

 

Meanwhile, the Schatz trial has been scheduled and both the Chico Enterprise Record and the Paradise Post are running the following story which I will paste here for permanence.

By RYAN OLSON – Staff Writer
Posted: 03/31/2011 12:00:00 AM PDT

OROVILLE — After a couple of postponements, a trial is ready to proceed in the case of a Paradise couple charged with allegedly whipping their adopted daughter to death and torturing another.

Attorneys representing Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz told Butte County Superior Court Judge Kristen Lucena they were ready to begin the trial on April 11.

The trial was initially set to begin in November, but was delayed so attorneys could review thousands of pages of evidence.

A second date for February was set aside in favor the April 11 date.

During Wednesday’s trial readiness conference, Lucena determined the trial would take place in her courtroom.

The prosecution alleges Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz used a length of quarter-inch plumber’s supply line to beat adopted daughters Lydia Schatz, 7, and Zariah Schatz, then 11, during separate “Biblical chastisements” on Feb. 4 and 5, 2010.

Lydia Schatz was taken to Feather River Hospital after the mother reported to 9-1-1 that she had stopped breathing. Zariah Schatz arrived at a Sacramento hospital in critical condition with whip-like marks before recovering.

The Schatzes have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, torture involving great bodily injury and misdemeanor child abuse. If convicted, each could face a maximum sentence of two life terms in prison.

Before the trial date, there will be an April 8 hearing for motions that should be considered before a jury is selected.

At that time, the defense will
have an opportunity to respond to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey’s recent request to include hearsay evidence based on out-of-court statements from Zariah Schatz.

While Zariah Schatz will be called to testify, Ramsey said outside of court that she had also spoken to police and medical personnel after her sister’s death.

Staff writer Ryan Olson can be reached at 896-7763 or rolson@chicoer.com.

THE CASE: On Feb. 4 and 5, 2010, Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz of Paradise allegedly used a whip-like instrument to discipline two adopted daughters in separate incidents. The 7-year-old daughter stopped breathing and subsequently died from her injuries. The 11-year-old daughter suffered serious injuries but recovered.

THE CHARGES: Both parents face counts of murder, torture involving great bodily injury and misdemeanor child abuse.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Links about the Pearls, Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Schatz Trial Delayed

February 19, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

According to the Oroville Mercury Register, the Schatz Trial has been delayed until April 11, 2011.  I will include the text here for permance.

Alleged ‘chastisement’ trial delayed

Staff Reports
Posted: 02/18/2011 10:43:39 PM PST


OROVILLE — Attorneys again asked a judge Thursday to postpone the trial of a Paradise couple for allegedly whipping their 7-year-old adopted daughter to death.

Elizabeth Schatz, 44, and her husband, Kevin, 47, had been scheduled to go to trial Feb. 28. The woman’s attorney, Kevin Sears, said an April 11 trial will work best for attorneys and witnesses.

Deputy district attorney Kelly Maloy, sitting in for District Attorney Mike Ramsey, affirmed the continuance was a joint request.

Judge Kristen Lucena granted the motion.

The Schatzes are charged with murder, torture involving great bodily injury and misdemeanor child abuse involving one of their six biological children.

The charges carry up to two life terms in prison. The couple pleaded not guilty in June. They remain in custody at the Butte County Jail with $2 million bail apiece.

The couple allegedly caused the death of their 7-year-old adopted daughter and serious injuries to her 11-year-old sister during separate “Biblical chastisements” with a whip-like instrument a year ago at the family home.

The Schatzes are charged with murder, torture involving great bodily injury and misdemeanor child abuse involving one of their six biological children.

The charges carry up to two life terms in prison. The couple pleaded not guilty in June. They remain in custody at the Butte County Jail with $2 million bail apiece.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , ,

The Schatz Abuse Story and the Paradise Post

December 31, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

As 2010 winds to a close, I am reflecting on the changes to this website.  I moved to this blog in March during the thick of the Schatz story.  Over the months I found more and more time passing between posts and started filling that time with posts about other controlling groups such as the Patriarchy Movement as well as helpful posts about Gentle Discipline.  I am very thankful to God for how He has been using this blog.  I wish my readers many blessings in 2011.

And now, The Paradise Post has released its Top 10 news stories of 2010 and the Schatz Abuse Story was number one.   I  post an excerpt from their story here for permanence:

Schatz, Smith lead top 10 news

Posted: 12/30/2010 01:00:00 AM PST

Once again the Post staff voted on the Top 10 stories of the Year. This year, the top story is the Schatz family abuse case.

1. Parents arrested in child abuse case

The ugliness of humanity reared its head in Paradise this year when two local parents allegedly beat their adopted daughter to death for mispronouncing a word.

Lydia Schatz, 7, died in February and her parents, Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz, are accused of killing her by using controversial disciplinary methods outlined in a religious training book, “To Train Up A Child,” by Michael and Debi Pearl, founders of the No Greater Joy Ministry.

In the aforementioned book, the Pearls recommend using a rubber quarter-inch plumbing supply line for disciplining a child. Elizabeth called emergency crews on Feb. 6 to report that Lydia was not breathing.

A storm prevented the girl from being airlifted to the hospital by the LifeFlight helicopter. Lydia was being rushed by ambulance to Chico Municipal Airport, but died en route. The autopsy of Lydia shows that the girl died of Rhabdomyolysis, a rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle due to injury to muscle tissue.

Lydia’s 11-year-old sister was also discovered with injuries and sustained kidney failure. She was not originally expected to survive, but made a full recovery after treatment at Sutter Memorial Hospital.

The Schatzes have six biological children and adopted Lydia, the 11-year-old, and a 3 month-old from the Republic of Libera in Africa.

Police said all the children made statements affirming being disciplined by rubber tubing found in the Schatz home.

The parents were charged with murder and torture, each facing life in prison. Kevin and Elizabeth retained separate lawyers and pled not guilty to the crimes.

The case has not been resolved. The Schatzes are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 28, 2011 for a jury trial.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , , , , , ,

Tanja Cilia from Times of Malta

October 29, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

I found a blog entry in The Times of Malta by Tanja Cilia.  I am linking to it because it contains a mention of the Pearls and their teaching in what appears to be a mainstream newspaper site.  This means that now the good folks of Malta have been warned about the Pearls teachings. This blog entry starts out talking about other things and then segues into a discussion of the Duggars, the Quiverfull Movement, and on to Child Training, Proverbs and the like. She also mentions a little about child rearing in Malta.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News Tagged With , , , , , ,

Schatz Trial Delayed

October 22, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

The Chico ER reports that Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz were in court yesterday, Oct 21, 2010, for a pre-trial hearing. The trial has been delayed until Feb 28, 2011. I am including the article here for permanence.

Trial delayed in alleged torture death of daughter

By KATY SWEENY – Staff Writer

Posted: 10/22/2010 12:00:00 AM PDT

OROVILLE — A judge Thursday continued a trial against a Paradise couple for the alleged murder and torture of their adopted child, so attorneys can read the more than 6,000 pages of evidence, with more coming.

Butte County Superior Court Judge Kristen Lucena vacated the November trial date and set it for Feb. 28 in the case against Elizabeth Schatz, 43, and her husband, Kevin, 47.

The pair allegedly caused the death of their 7-year-old adopted daughter and serious injuries to her 11-year-old sister during separate “biblical chastisements” with a whip-like instrument in February at the family home.

Elizabeth Schatz’s attorney, Dennis Latimer, asked Lucena to continue the trial so the lawyers can read through the large amount of evidence and obtain and review what is still expected.

The husband’s attorney, Michael Harvey, joined in the motion to continue.

Deputy district attorney Kelly Maloy, sitting in for District Attorney Mike Ramsey, who is prosecuting the case, said they had no objection.

The Schatzes are charged with murder, torture involving great bodily injury and misdemeanor child abuse involving one of their six biological children.

The charges carry up to two life terms in prison. The couple pleaded not guilty in June.

Ramsey alleges the ridge couple were influenced by a book found in their home written by a fundamentalist Christian group based in Tennessee, supporting the use of a quarter-inch rubberized or plastic “plumber supply

line” to “train” children to be more obedient to their parents and God.

Prosecution also alleges that Lydia Schatz, 7, one of three children the couple had adopted from an orphanage in Africa three years before, died from a breakdown of muscle tissue following a lengthy discipline session in the parents’ bedroom after mispronouncing a word during a home school reading lesson.

After the child stopped breathing Feb. 5 and the mother dialed 9-1-1, Butte County Sheriff’s deputies arrested the parents.

The girl’s 11-year-old sister also allegedly sustained “whip-like” marks to her back, legs and buttocks during a similar parental chastisement the previous day. She was hospitalized with kidney failure but lived.

Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz will return to court Feb. 17 for a trial readiness conference. They remain in custody at the Butte County Jail with bail set at $2 million apiece.

Staff writer Katy Sweeny can be reached at 896-7760 or ksweeny@chicoer.com.

KRCR Channel 7 has also posted about this.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , , ,

Back to the Schatz case

September 23, 2010 By Hermana Linda 1 Comment

This was posted back in May 2010, but I missed it.  It is good coverage of the Schatz story from a Christian news site.  The Schatz family has been on my mind lately since their trial is scheduled for Nov 1, less than 6 weeks away.  They have their trial readiness hearing on Oct 21st.

Here is another old article which I missed back in July.  It brings up the interesting question of a Venue Change.  As far as I know, that is the most recent news.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , ,

Schatz Trial – No update

July 18, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Notable Trials has a update on the Schatz Trial to summarize the case and say that there is no real update.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , ,

Schatz couple to stand trial in November

June 26, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

From the Paradise Post reposted here for permanence

By Elizabeth De Alwis

Posted: 06/26/2010 01:00:00 AM PDT

A Paradise couple will stand trial in November for allegedly murdering one adopted child and torturing another during a “biblical chastisement” session.

Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz are charged with an open count of murder for allegedly beating their 7-year-old adopted daughter, Lydia Schatz, to death with a quarter-inch plumbing supply line in February. They are also charged with torture for allegedly beating their 11-year-old adopted daughter in the same manner, causing whip-like marks and internal injuries including kidney damage which required hospitalization.

The couple appeared in court Thursday morning for further arraignment and the setting of their trial date. Both pleaded not guilty to all charges. They have been in custody at the Butte County Jail on $2 million bail each. Last month, they waived their preliminary hearing. The trial is expected to begin Nov. 1 and last for three weeks. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said having three attorneys – one prosecutor and two defense attorneys – often lengthens a trial. He said it may also take a week just to select a fair and impartial jury. If convicted, both defendants face two life terms in state prison.

Defense attorneys Dennis Latimer of Chico (representing Elizabeth Schatz) and Michael Harvey of Oroville (representing Kevin Schatz) are reportedly continuing their investigation of the case. They have also not ruled out the possibility of trying to move the trial to another county where there has been less publicity.

Ramsey said it appears the couple was influenced by a book found in the Schatz’s home, written by a fundamentalist religious group based in Tennessee, called No Greater Joy Ministries. It was founded by Michael and Debi Pearl. The Pearls and their organization encourage parents to use a “rod,” a quarter-inch plumbing supply line as a “chastisement” tool to train their children to be more obedient.

The Schatzes have six biological children. Both victims were adopted from an African orphanage along with an infant girl about three years ago. Ramsey said he plans to call the Schatz children as prosecution witnesses during the trial.

According to Ramsey, the autopsy result showed that Lydia died due to a rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle due to injuries to her muscle tissue. The scientific name for the cause of death is Rhabdomyolyis. In Lydia’s case, it was reportedly caused by blunt force trauma. The destruction of muscle leads to the release of damaged muscle cells in the bloodstream, which can harm the kidneys and other vital organs. Ramsey explained that the breakdown of the kidneys can cause an increase in potassium, which is associated with cardiac arrhythmia – a change in the rhythm of the heart, leading to cardiac arrest.

According to authorities, Lydia’s death occurred after hours of discipline for reportedly mispronouncing a word during a home school reading lesson. Her 11-year-old sister had reportedly had a similar discipline session the previous day. Police and emergency personnel arrived at the Crestwood Drive home Feb. 6 after the wife called 9-1-1 to report that her 7-year-old daughter had stopped breathing. They found Lydia in full cardiac arrest.

In addition to murder and torture involving great bodily injury, the Schatz’s face a misdemeanor count of child abuse involving their 10-year-old biological son.

The trial readiness conference is scheduled for Oct. 21, followed by the trial assignment hearing on Oct. 28. The trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 1.

***

Terry Vau Dell contributed to this report.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , , , ,

Trial date set in ‘chastisement’ death of girl

June 25, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

From the Chico Enterprise Record I am reposting this here for permanence

By TERRY VAU DELL-Staff Writer
Posted: 06/25/2010 12:12:20 AM PDT


OROVILLE — A Paradise couple are scheduled to stand trial in November on murder and torture charges involving two adopted children.

Kevin Schatz, 40, and his wife, Elizabeth Schatz, 42, pleaded not guilty in Butte County Superior Court on Thursday to the charges, which could carry two life terms in prison.

They are accused of causing the death of a 7-year-old adopted girl and serious injuries to her 11-year-old sister during separate “biblical chastisements” with a whip-like instrument in February at the family home.

The ridge parents remain in custody, with bail set at $2 million each, pending a jury trial estimated to last three weeks beginning Nov. 1.

The wife’s attorney, Dennis Latimer of Chico, said outside of court Thursday they are continuing to investigate the case, but could not comment at this time on the specific allegations.

Latimer and the husband’s attorney, Michael Harvey of Oroville, indicate they have not ruled out the possibility of seeking to move the trial on a change of venue to another county where there has not been as much publicity.

District Attorney Mike Ramsey alleged Thursday the ridge couple were influenced by a book found in the Schatz’s home written by a fundamentalist Christian group based in Tennessee, espousing the use of a quarter-inch rubberized or plastic plumber supply line to “train” children to be more obedient to their parents and God.

Prosecutors have alleged that Lydia Schatz, 7, one of three children the couple had adopted from an orphanage in Africa three years ago, died from a breakdown of muscle tissue following a lengthy discipline session in the parents’ bedroom after mispronouncing a word during a home school reading lesson.

Butte County sheriff’s officers arrested the parents after the mother dialed 9-1-1 when the youngster stopped breathing on Feb. 5.

Her 11-year-old sister also allegedly sustained “whip-like” marks to her back, legs and buttocks during a similar parental chastisement the previous day.

She was hospitalized with kidney failure, and survived.

In addition to murder and torture involving great bodily injury, the Paradise couple face a misdemeanor count of child abuse involving one of their six biological children.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , ,

Schatz couple to be in court Thursday

June 22, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

The Paradise Post reports that the Schatzes are due in court this Thursday, June 24th.  I’ll be watching for updates to post.  To be alerted whenever I add to this site, please subscribe to my RSS feed.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , , ,

Next hearing date set

May 27, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Here is an article with a bit more info.  The Schatz couple waived the preliminary hearing on May 25 and “They will be back in court June 24 for further arraignment and the setting of their trial date.”

Also, if you have a hunger to read any mention of or reference to the Pearls, check out today’s post on Scita > Scienda.




For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , ,

trial date?

May 26, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Not much news today.  The trial date will be set in June.

Here is a good synopsis.  Some of the links are dead, but most of the text is contained therein.

For your sharing convenience:
Filed Under Mainstream News, Schatz Tagged With , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »