• 22
  • June
    2011

A Colorado Springs father who did not even know he had a child recently took a step toward obtaining custody of his 20-month-old daughter, who had been abused while under her mother's care.

The unusual child custody case began almost two years ago when the 22-year-old man was not told his daughter had been born. The child's 19-year-old mother apparently faked a miscarriage after she and the man broke up and then kept the girl's birth a secret.

In April, the mother was accused of not intervening when her aunt punished the child by binding the little girl's hands and feet with tape and putting her in a cold shower. The toddler nearly drowned and was in a vegetative state at an area hospital for months. The mother and aunt now face charges for first-degree murder and child abuse. The father said news coverage of the alleged abuse was how he first learned of his daughter's existence.

The father has now obtained a paternity test proving he is the little girl's dad. He is now married with stepchildren and has said he would like the chance he never had before - to be a part of his daughter's life. He and his wife were able to visit the girl in the hospital, where they bathed her, read to her and spoke to her.

Recently, the little girl was discharged from the hospital. A judge has allowed her to live with her father and indicated the father has the authority to make medical decisions on the girl's behalf. His request for permanent custody is still pending.

Sources:

•· The Colorado Springs Gazette, "Dad wants custody of toddler who nearly drowned," Lance Benzel, 18 May 2011.

•· KKTV, "Father Continues Battle For Abused Daughter," Alyssa Chin, 16 June 2011.