5-Year-Old who Colored ‘Outside of the Lines’ on Homework was Punished with ‘Cold Showers’ and Duct Tape, Police Say

A disturbing case of child abuse has led to the arrest of a Kentucky couple, Ricky North, 27, and Nichole North, 24, who are accused of subjecting their 5-year-old son to physical and emotional torture as punishment for seemingly minor mistakes, such as coloring outside the lines on his homework. The couple now faces serious felony charges, including child abuse and strangulation.

Horrific Allegations of Abuse and Torture

According to the Middlesboro Police Department, the abuse occurred over an extended period while the boy was in the care of his father and stepmother. Police report that the child was subjected to various forms of cruel punishment, including being “duct taped” by his arms and legs and forced to endure cold showers as forms of discipline. In one shocking instance, authorities say the couple allegedly whipped the child simply for coloring outside the lines on his schoolwork. The abuse didn’t stop there. The couple is accused of slapping and punching the child in the head and face, as well as repeatedly whipping him. In one particularly horrifying act, police claim the boy was held by his ankles and slammed onto the ground multiple times, causing further injury and distress. The pattern of abuse reportedly occurred on several occasions while the child was under their care.

Legal Charges and Arrest

The allegations led to the couple’s arrest on Sunday. Ricky North, the boy’s biological father, and Nichole North, his stepmother, were taken into custody after investigators concluded that their actions amounted to severe child abuse. Following their arraignment, both individuals were issued a $100,000 bond and remain in custody at the Bell County Detention Center. They are facing several charges, including criminal child abuse, strangulation, tampering with physical evidence, and failure to report child abuse or neglect. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather information regarding the extent of the abuse and its duration.

The Condition of the Victim and Ongoing Investigation

At this time, police have not provided detailed information about the child’s condition or his current custody arrangements. The authorities have not disclosed whether the boy has been placed in protective care following the arrest of his parents. The case is a stark reminder of the extreme and damaging effects of child abuse, as well as the importance of recognizing the warning signs of neglect and cruelty in children’s lives. The community remains shaken by the horrifying nature of the allegations, with many awaiting further details as the investigation continues. Both Ricky North and Nichole North are scheduled for preliminary hearings on April 8, where they will face the charges leveled against them. In the meantime, authorities are working to ensure that the young victim receives the necessary care and protection following this traumatic ordeal.