Judge Ends Parents’ Rights in Starved Boy Case
ST. PETER (AP) — A judge has terminated the parental rights of a Minnesota couple accused of starving their 8-year-old adopted son.
The boy was malnourished and weighed less than 35 pounds when brought to a hospital last October.
In his order, Blue Earth County District Judge Todd Westphal says he's not convinced Mona and Russell Hauer, of North Mankato, intended to starve the boy. But he says he's troubled by their failure to get the necessary medical and psychological care for his eating and other issues.
The judge decided not to terminate the Hauer's parental rights to their other three children, but they'll be subject to more proceedings to determine what further services they need.
The couple's attorney, Jason Kohlmeyer, says they're devastated by the ruling.
The Hauers still face criminal charges.
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