An Arizona mother and stepfather have been charged after allegedly handcuffing their 9-year-old son to a dining room table and beating him with a tree branch as punishment.
Alleged Abuse Reported at School
According to police, the incident happened on May 5 after the child got into trouble on a school bus. The boy later went to the school nurse complaining of pain in his arm and chest. He told staff that his stepfather handcuffed him to a table while his mother beat him with a tree branch.
Investigators said the child had visible injuries that matched his claims.
Parents’ Statements
Police said the boy’s stepfather, Staffon Barr, works at a juvenile detention center and allegedly wanted to “show him what happens to bad kids.” The child also said his mouth was covered during the beating so neighbors would not hear him screaming.
Authorities recovered handcuffs and a tree branch from the home. The boy’s sister reportedly told investigators that their parents had used sticks to punish him in the past.
Charges Filed
Rita Barr and Staffon Barr are both charged with felony child abuse and aggravated assault. They remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court on May 13.
