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Larry Williams Returns to Jail

January 12, 2012 By SkagitSqueaker 2 Comments

According to a report in the January 7th, 2012 edition of the Skagit County Herald (only available in print or by paying for the “e-edition”), some of Larry Williams family members delivered Christmas gifts and letters from Larry to four of the children who are fostered by their aunt and uncle. There is a court order in place: Larry and Carri Williams are both prohibited from contacting their spouse or their any of their children. In addition, the judge ordered them not to contact the foster parents.

No-contact order violations can occur if the prohibited party contacts the protected party, or asks a third party to do so on his/her behalf. Apparently Larry felt that it was okay for his mother (a third party) to deliver items to his children. Along with some Christmas gifts were letters to the children. One of them contained modified Bible verses from the book of 2 Timothy, where apparently Larry substituted his name for Apostle Paul’s and his children’s names in the place of Timothy. The prosecutors argued that Larry was “framing himself as a martyr to his children” and the judge told him he had violated the order and raised his bail back up to the original amount of $500,000.  The attorney of Carri Williams successfully argued that she had nothing to do with the gifts or letters, so she was not considered to be in violation of the order.  According to the defense attorney, Larry’s mother “over-stepped her boundaries” and the children were not supposed to know that the gifts were from their father. An inmate roster check at the Skagit County Jail shows that Larry was once again booked into custody.

I do not know the details of the no-contact orders, but in my mind there are two possible explanations for why Larry violated the law: 1) Larry lacks common sense and didn’t know any better; or 2) Larry willfully defied the judge’s orders. Let’s say that the court is okay with Larry showering his children with gifts (in spite of the no-contact order) as long as they don’t know they are from him. I’m seriously doubtful of that theory, but let’s pretend that is the case. So Larry purchases the children some very nice gifts and thinks that as long as his mother delivers them and just says they are from “Santa”, all is good.

But there is a problem. You may be able to explain the gifts away as plain ignorance, but what is the explanation for the letters to the kids where he where he substituted himself in place of Apostle Paul? I certainly don’t think that was an accident. I have not seen the letters and I do not know specifically what they contain, but I believe Larry was attempting to pointedly communicate to his children. It is possible that the verses included in these letters were those that encourage Timothy (the children) to remain “faithful” not only to God, but also to Apostle Paul (Larry) and/or contained verses in which Apostle Paul (Larry) describes that he is being punished for his innocent actions because of religious persecution. I believe that the defendant probably has a very twisted version of reality in which he sees himself as a man who was living in the way that God expected him to, yet  has been wrongfully imprisoned for it.  By substituting himself for Apostle Paul, Larry seems to be stating that he too is a righteous victim of religious persecution and pending martyrdom.

I doubt there is any mention of Hana in these letters, but if Larry’s opinion is the same as his spouse’s, then I believe that it’s fair to conclude that they both think that Hana “killed herself” because she was  ”passive-aggressive” and “rebellious”.  As difficult as it is for me to comprehend, Larry and his wife both may really think that the true victim in this case (Hana) perished because she refused to be cooperative or obedient.  Either that, or possibly it is Larry and Carri’s  ”cover story” or alibi about what happened to Hana and the other adopted child in their home.

In my opinion, Larry wrote those letters because he wanted his children to believe that he has been wrongly accused, and he was also trying to persuade them to refuse to testify about the abuse they saw inflicted upon Hana and her little brother. If this is the case, it is likely that the children would have felt emotionally torn between telling the truth or protecting their father.  That is an extremely manipulative and unfair thing to do to a child. Does this man think he is entitled to violate the order because mere human laws do not apply to him, because he is obeying a higher law?  Or is he just lacking the common sense to understand the orders that the judge issued to him in a court of law?

At the end of the day and regardless of the reason, Larry defied the court order. He did this by having his mother help him. I cannot say what his mother’s motives were. Perhaps she was completely unaware that her participation would be viewed as a violation and that her son would be sent back to jail. Perhaps she knew it wasn’t “completely” legal, but made a choice to do it anyways because this is her son, and she will always love him, unconditionally.  I am sure the last few months have been terrible for the entire family, and I am sure they are hoping that the accusation of homicide is just one big misunderstanding. Unfortunately, Hana Williams is dead, and her horrific suffering and tragic death make it difficult for most people to believe it was an accident. I hope this family will be able to accept the likely outcome of the trial.

Lastly, I want to applaud the aunt and uncle who refused the gifts and contacted the court to let them know that the order had been violated. They had the courage to come forward and report this to the authorities. I’m sure it was extremely painful, and I’m sure they wished that they didn’t have to do something that would put Larry (who is part of their family as well) back in jail, but they did the right thing. I am so grateful for that. Thank goodness these wonderful and brave people showed us all that there is still hope for truth, honesty and justice in the world.

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Bail Increased for Larry Williams

January 6, 2012 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

According to Komo News, the bail reduction for Larry Williams was revoked in court today and he is back in custody.  The article doesn’t exactly say that he is back in custody, but it implies it and his name is listed on the Skagit County Jail Roster.

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Motion Denied in the Hana Alemu “Williams” Case

January 6, 2012 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

The Skagit Valley Herald reports that a Motion was denied to suppress investigative photos in Hana Williams death case.  The Williams did not give poor Hana any rights to privacy while she was alive and now they claim to want to protect her privacy.  It looks to me like it’s really themselves they want to protect.  I applaud Judge Susan Cook for seeing through their weak arguments.

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The Williams Plead Not Guilty

October 6, 2011 By Hermana Linda 4 Comments

This has hit the news big time, I will share a few of the stories here for you.

From KIRO TV Channel 7 Oct 6, 2011 and containing a video: Couple in abuse death of teen daughter make first appearance

King 5 News aka NWCN.com has posted the following news article which I will copy here for permanence

Skagit County couple pleads not guilty in death of adopted daughter

by KING 5 News

NWCN.com
Posted on October 6, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Updated today at 12:11 PM

 

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — A Sedro Wooley couple accused of torturing and starving their adopted  13-year-old daughter to death pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.

A judge set bail at $150,000 each for both Carri and Larry Williams. Investigators believe the couple repeatedly starved and beat Hana Williams, a girl they adopted from Ethiopia, and charged both  with asasult of a child and homicide by abuse.

Hana was found dead in her backyard on May 12, naked and wrapped in a sheet. She had been living with her adoptive parents since coming to America from Ethiopia in 2008.

After months of investigation, her adopted parents were charged in connection with her death.

Skagit County Prosecutor Richard Weyrich said Hana Williams’s death ranks right up there for one of the worst cases he’s ever prosecuted.

In the charging documents, Carri Williams talked about how much she disliked her two adopted Ethiopian children, a 10-year-old boy and Hana.

“She died of hypothermia and you know part of that is having lost so much weight over the past year, months…she had lost 30 pounds,” Weyrich said.

According to charging documents, Carri and Larry Williams starved Hana for days, put her in a locked closet, shower room and forced her to sleep outside in the barn in the cold.  She wasn’t allowed to use the bathroom in the house, instead, she used a porta-potty behind the barn.  In addition, Hana was struck daily with a plumbing tool, a tube with a round ball on the end.

Members of Seattle’s Ethiopian community want justice.

“She’s a child whose life was trusted in their hands,” said Azeb Aberra, Ethiopian Community Mutual Association. “And they broke that trust and so it’s heartbreaking to hear this.”

Larry Williams is a 26-year employee with Boeing. He is currently on unpaid leave.

All of the William’s biological children and adopted son have been removed from the home.

Family members in the courtroom Thursday refused to comment.

The Komo News has the following article:

Couple pleads not guilty in homicide of adopted daughter

By KOMO Staff Published: Oct 6, 2011 at 11:03 AM PDT

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – The parents of an adopted girl who died of exposure in her own backyard after she had been starved and abused for months pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday.

Larry P. Williams and Carri D. Williams of Sedro Woolley were arrested last week and later charged with homicide by abuse and assault of a child in the first degree in Skagit County Superior Court.

Each was ordered held Thursday on $150,000 bail.

According to court documents, the couple’s adopted daughter, Hana Williams, 13, was systematically starved, beaten, forced to use an outdoor toilet and sometimes locked in a dark closet for days by the Williams.

Hana Williams was found dead in May – naked, face-down in the mud in her own backyard – after she had spent much of a cold, rainy day outside as a punishment, according to court documents.

Although she died of hypothermia, there were other contributing causes to her death, including severe malnutrition and chronic gastritis, doctors said.

The Williams had adopted Hana from Ethiopia in 2008 as a diseased little girl to begin a new life in America.

Instead, according to court records, she was beaten, starved, forced to sleep in a barn at times and deprived of love and basic necessities.

Child Protective Services said there are reports that Hana had lost a significant amount of weight before her death. And the night she died, she was out in the yard naked on a rainy evening, with temperatures in the low 40s.

Further investigation revealed that Hana had a number of injuries on the night she died, including a large lump on the head, bloody marks and injuries “consistent with disciplinary impacts with a switch,” according to court documents released Friday.

Those same documents describe the hellish life that Hana endured in the months before her death – which included systematic withholding of food, forced times outdoors in the cold or locked in a dark closet, interspersed with regular spankings or beatings with a plumbing tool.

In interviews with the parents and other children in the household, investigators determined that the Williams withheld food from Hana as a punishment for being “rebellious,” court documents say.

In addition, Hana was forced to use an outdoor portable toilet behind the barn instead of the home’s indoor bathroom, and she sometimes was made to take cold showers while naked outdoors under a garden hose, the case file says.

The Williams told investigators that they made Hana use the outdoor toilet because she had hepatitis and they didn’t want any of their other children to become infected with the disease.

Other punishments included locking Hana inside a dark closet for hours or days without food while the parents played the Bible on tape and Christian music for her while she was locked inside, according to court documents.

Hana also was forced to sleep in the barn on some nights or kept outside for hours in the cold without adequate clothing or shoes, court documents say – but she was allowed to wear shoes if there was snow on the ground.

The Williams also confirmed that they used a flexible plumbing tool as a switch to punish Hana and some of the other children in their household.

The children told investigators that Hana sometimes was beaten with a switch for standing more than 12 inches away from where she was told to stand or for speaking without permission.

The Williams’ older biological children were sometimes encouraged to join in administering the punishment by their parents.

A witness told investigators that the Williams got their ideas for the disciplinary measures from a book, “How to Train Up Your Child,” which recommends switchings with a plumbing tool, cold water baths, withholding food and putting children out in cold weather as forms of punishment.

The Williams’ other adopted child, a 10-year-old boy who also was adopted at the same time as Hana, is deaf – and also reportedly showed signs of abuse.

Prosecutors say the first-degree assault accusation against the Williams stems from allegations relating to the boy, who was also from Ethiopia but no relation to Hana.

According to court papers, the Williams also withheld food from the boy at times and switched him regularly – sometimes for not listening to them – even though he was deaf.

After Hana’s death, CPS convinced a judge to pull Hana’s eight brothers and sister – ages seven to 17 – from their Sedro-Woolley home. Those children are all now in temporary foster care. The parents have requested a hearing to fight to get their children back.

This article was found on Reuters.  Pasted here for permanence

Couple accused of starving daughter plead not guilty
By Nicole Neroulias
SEATTLE | Thu Oct 6, 2011 7:37pm EDT

(Reuters) – A couple accused of starving their adopted 13-year-old Ethiopian-born daughter and locking her outside in the cold, where she died from exposure, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to homicide and child abuse charges.

Although investigators found the Washington state couple adhered to a harsh child-rearing regimen prescribed by a controversial Christian parenting book, the prosecutor said Thursday that religion was not relevant to the criminal case.

Larry and Carri Williams, of Sedro-Woolley — a town about halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia — were arrested September 29, more than four months after their daughter, Hana, died of hypothermia in their backyard.

A Skagit County Superior Court judge reduced their bail from $500,000 to $150,000 each on Thursday, and barred them from contact with their eight remaining children, who were placed into foster care in July, or with each other.

Each is charged with homicide by abuse in connection with their daughter’s death, and first-degree assault of a child stemming from mistreatment of her adopted 10-year-old brother from Ethiopia.

If convicted each faces a prison term of between 20 and 29 years, according to state sentencing guidelines.

Hana Williams, adopted from Ethiopia by the couple in 2008, died on May 12 after she was found unconscious outside shortly after midnight, in temperatures hovering around 40 degrees, authorities said.

Investigators say the abuse she endured included beatings, starvation, being forced to sleep outside and use an outdoor toilet, and that she had lost a significant amount of weight since her adoption. Prosecutors said the 10-year-old brother was similarly mistreated.

The parents kept the family isolated from non-relatives, home-schooled the children and followed strict religious principles described in the Christian parenting book titled “How to Train Up a Child,” investigators said.

According to court documents, their 16-year-old son told investigators that Hana “was kept in a locked closet and the only light switch was on the outside of the closet. He stated that his mother would take her out every other day to walk and exercise. They played the Bible on tape and Christian music for her while she was locked in the closet.”

But Prosecutor Rich Weyrich insisted that issues of faith were not a factor in the case against the couple. “Religion’s not an element we have to probe. We have to prove that the children were assaulted, tortured and died,” he told Reuters on Thurday.

Larry Williams, 47, who works for Boeing, and his wife, Carri, 40, a stay-at-home mother, were being held in Skagit County Jail.

(Editing by Steve Gorman and Greg McCune)

 

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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.

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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.

 

 

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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.

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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.

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Pondering the Pearls’ Teachings – Part 10

June 7, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Under Much Grace has published part 10 of her series Why Good People Make Dangerous Choices:

The Schatz Family is Not Unique: Why People Make Dangerous Choices (Pondering Pearl and Lydia Schatz) Part X

In this post she focuses on Philip Greven’s book, Spare the Child: The Religious Roots of Punishment and the Psychological Impact of Physical Abuse.

Please be aware that this post is not for the faint of heart and might be triggering.

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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.

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An Update on the Ernest Willis / Tina Anderson Case

May 26, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Under Much Grace has posted an in depth explanation of the Ernest Willis / Tina Anderson Case.

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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.

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Analyzing the Schatz Tragedy

April 6, 2011 By Hermana Linda 1 Comment

Cindy, from Under Much Grace, analyzes what causes people like Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz to harm their children in a new series:
Why Good People Make Dangerous Choices (Pondering Pearl and Lydia Schatz)

An Introduction

Part I: Virtue In Place of Unquestioned Obedience.

Part II: How Dehumanization (and Declaring War Against Family Members) Causes Moral Disengagement

Part III: Defining Aggression as Normal, Acceptable, and Desired Behavior

An Addendum Note About Lydia Schatz and the Correction She Suffered for a Mispronounced Word: Liberian Adoption and Reactive Attachment Disorder

Part IV: The Milgram Experiment and the Pressure to Commit Evil for the Common Good

Part V: Pondering the Atrocities of the Jewish Holocaust and its Relationship to the Study of Obedience

Bad Apples or Bad Barrels? The Short and Long Versions of Zimbardo on the Lucifer Effect

Part VI: The Calm Before the Storm Following the Schatzes’ “Guilty” Pleas

Part VII: The Breaking the “Diabolical Will” of Infants in the IFB – Even at Hephzibah House

Part VIII: There But For Grace

Part IX: Using the Milgram Study to Understand How Pearl Becomes Appealing

Part X: The Schatz Family is Not Unique

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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.

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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.

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In Memory of Lydia Schatz

February 8, 2011 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Sunday, Feb 6, 2011 was the first anniversary of the death of Lydia Schatz.  Here are the posts I have found in memory of her so far

In memory of Lydia Schatz by ukrainiac in which she gives a brief summary of the story and links to Tulip Girl’s post.

Remembering Lydia Schatz by Tulip Girl who gives an emotional explanation of exactly what happened and how and updates with current trial information. She also reminds us of Sean Paddock who died on Feb 26, 2006.

in memory of lydia schatz by That Mom who gives a short summary and refers us to Tulip Girl and Parenting Freedom.

When Religion Becomes Cult-Like and Deadly from Parenting Freedom which contains 4 quotes from Pearl’s teachings to illustrate the dangers therein.

Who Tells You How to Discipline Your Child? by Stephanie @ My Awful Beautiful Life

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Schatz One Year Anniversary

February 5, 2011 By Hermana Linda 4 Comments

On February 6, 2010, Lydia Schatz died from kidney failure allegedly brought on from corporal punishment. Her parents were arrested and her siblings were questioned. The other children co-operated fully with all adults. They answered questions calmly and completely, explaining how Lydia had been having switching sessions because she would not comply. They explained how they were all chastised with plumbing supply line when they did not obey and how their parents got their parenting advice from the No Greater Joy website.    Sunday marks the first anniversary of this incident. As I do not post on Sundays, I am posting this today.

At the time of the tragedy, I was running a small site where I put all my links on the same page.  I was soon overwhelmed by the quantity of links relating to the tragedy.  On top of that, the server I was using had some problems and kept going down.  A good friend helped me move here by the grace of God.  I figured out how to organize better, but my early work was moved in large chunks.  All that to say that in order to commemorate the first anniversary of the Schatz Tragedy, I am reposting my links regarding it.  Please report any broken links by commenting or you may email me at hermanalinda@whynottrainachild.com

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.

Newer stories about the Schatz story can be found under my Schatz tag.

Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz were charged with murder and torture. The trial is scheduled to start on Feb 28, 2011 after a trial readiness hearing on Feb 17th.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Notable Trials

June 7, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

Notable Trials has a post about the Schatz case:
Child’s death could mean life terms for ‘disciplinarian’ couple in Butte

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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.




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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.

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Pre-trial hearing date tomorrow

May 24, 2010 By Hermana Linda Leave a Comment

This article from the Costa Times has been archived but it has been copied on various pages throughout the web.  Here is one.

Excerpt:

OROVILLE — A preliminary hearing has been set for May 25 to determine if there is enough evidence to try a Paradise couple for the alleged murder and torture of two adopted children.

On Thursday, prosecutors said they intend to call one or more Paradise police officers but no family members to testify during the estimated two-hour pretrial hearing for Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz.

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