5 mo old dead after being left in car seat for 8 days

[darcie]

Parents of Baby Left Alone in Car Seat for 8 Days Face Murder Charges

*snipped*

The charges state the parents' actions or lack thereof, were "brutal and heinous . . . indicative of wanton cruelty," factors that could mean they face up to 100 years in prison if convicted.

The 5-month-old was dropped off at his parents' house on Feb. 4, strapped into his car seat. Eight days later, he was found in the same position, said Peoria County State's Attorney Kevin Lyons during a bond hearing for the parents.

"He died from starvation due to neglect from these two defendants, his parents," Lyons said. "It's the worst case of child neglect we have seen since the turn of this century."
The charges state the parents' actions or lack thereof, were "brutal and heinous . . . indicative of wanton cruelty," factors that could mean they face up to 100 years in prison if convicted.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331732,00.html


I can not imagine...Playing video games, watching TC and feeding themselves. 100 years in prison is to good for them.

What in the world is wrong with people?

[desmom]

This just makes me sick. The IL prison system residents are going to love these two.

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/022108/TRI_BFRH57AL.064.php
Benjamin Sargent died with his eyes open, fists clenched and strapped into a car seat after eight days without food or water, the county's top prosecutor said Wednesday.............

Hermann's last contact with her son was the night before police were notified. Then, she allegedly told police she "looked at the baby in the crib and presumed he was sleeping so she said she stuck a bottle between the baby and the side of the car seat so that when he woke up, he could grab it and feed himself," Lyons said in open court..........

Hermann then left for Iowa to meet with a man she had met over the Internet, the prosecutor said, noting that she allegedly told police "that Benjamin was not her duty and that it was James' responsibility."

[desmom]

http://www.week.com/news/local/15849117.html
There is a photo of Baby Benjamin. He was precious. :rose:

James Sargent's grandfather spoke to News 25 by phone. He said he thought his grandson truly loved baby Benjamin. The grandfather says when he spoke to his grandson Wednesday that Sargent was in tears. But he's not sure whether they were tears of remorse or self–pity.

[mommyjosie]

Why the He!! didn't they give the baby up. I longed for a baby for over 20 years before I finally had my son at age 40! Believe me, many many people would have given their right arm for the privelege of having that baby, and given him/her a loving home!

Oh my God!

[mommyjosie]

Why the He!! didn't they just give that baby up.
I longed for a baby for over 20 years before I finally had my son at age 40!
Believe me, many many people would have given their right arm for the privelege of having that baby, and given him a loving home!

Oh my God!

[Marcia3]

I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop here.

Which will it be, for a defense?

Child abuse suffered by both parents, bi-polar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, poor potty training for both, video game addiction?

[darcie]

Here is Benjamin's obituary. I can't beleive that they put:


*snipped*
Benjamin is survived by his loving parents; a sister, Natalie-Grace Hermann of Peoria;

http://www.legacy.com/pjstar/Obituaries.asp?Page=SEARCHRESULTS




May you rest in peace sweet Benjamin.

[Amy S.]

I do believe this is the (or one of the) worst cases that I know of.

Lincoln, IL (http://www.lincolncourier.com/story.asp?SID=25644&SEC=8)

[Jinxie]

OMG! SICK, sick people in this world. :flamemad:

[CANDYKISSES]

Originally posted by Amy S.
I do believe this is the (or one of the) worst cases that I know of.

Lincoln, IL (http://www.lincolncourier.com/story.asp?SID=25644&SEC=8) [/*]

I have no words.

:rose: :rose: :rose:

RIP BENJAMIN SARGENT.

[Dragonfly]

8 days!!!! That's just sick and awful!!! :flamemad:

[FoxySly]

Snippets from the OP's link:

PEORIA — Benjamin Sargent died with his eyes open, fists clenched and strapped into a car seat after eight days without food or water, the county’s top prosecutor said Wednesday.

There Benjamin sat for eight days, most of which both Hermann and Sargent were home, “playing video games, watching TV, feeding and caring for themselves,” Lyons said afterward.


There is much more at the link but WARNING do not read if you have just eat, this is truly a sick horror story. What pathetic sick POS to let this happen to a precious baby.

:rose: R.I.P. Benjamin :rose:

Sly

[JD1974]

Originally posted by Amy S.
I do believe this is the (or one of the) worst cases that I know of.

Lincoln, IL (http://www.lincolncourier.com/story.asp?SID=25644&SEC=8) [/*]


I thought they left him in a car, I was like how are they going to explain 8 days!!! Then I seen he was right there in the house with them, they watched and heard him starve to death. I am curious how the 3 year old survived to be that old. What a couple of POS.

[ppkpdp05]

ALSO SAID THAT THE MOM CLAIMED SHE WENT TO CHECK ON THE BABY AND THOUGHT HE WAS SLEEPING SO SHE PUT A BOTTLE NEXT TO HIM IN THE CAR SEAT. HE WAS 5 MONTHS I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU GUYS BUT MY LITTLE ONE WAS CERTAINTLY NOT FEEDING HIMSELF AT 5 MONTHS. ALSO SAID THAT HE WAS 10LBS AND WEIGHED 8 LBS AT BIRTH.

THIS IS THE MOST DISGUSTING THING I HAVE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE. SHOULDN'T THERE BE SOME KIND OF SCREANING BEFORE WE LET PEOPLE TAKE THEIR KIDS HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL OR SOMETHING. I KNOW THAT'S NOT REALLY FAIR TO THE PEOPLE THAT ADORE THEIR CHILDREN AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN BUT IT WOULD STOP A LOT OF THIS CRAP IN THE WORLD. I'M JUST SO SICK OF HEARING ABOUT KIDS DYING AND NOT EVEN GETTING THE CHANCE TO BECOME THE GREAT PERSON THAT THEY COULD HAVE BEEN!

THIS IS SO FRUSTRAING TO ME AS A MOTHER! :flamemad:

[anais2005]

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/bolingbrook/state_news/x288019564

pictures of parents,

[duncan]

Poor baby.

[CANDYKISSES]

Originally posted by anais2005
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/bolingbrook/state_news/x288019564

pictures of parents, [/*]

Am I just looking for EVIL or do the eyes instantly jump off the page at you?

I am so appalled and saddened I really just can't even address what they have done to this baby. It makes me CRY to even think about it.

JMO.:(

[CANDYKISSES]

Originally posted by ppkpdp05
ALSO SAID THAT THE MOM CLAIMED SHE WENT TO CHECK ON THE BABY AND THOUGHT HE WAS SLEEPING SO SHE PUT A BOTTLE NEXT TO HIM IN THE CAR SEAT. HE WAS 5 MONTHS I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU GUYS BUT MY LITTLE ONE WAS CERTAINTLY NOT FEEDING HIMSELF AT 5 MONTHS. ALSO SAID THAT HE WAS 10LBS AND WEIGHED 8 LBS AT BIRTH.

THIS IS THE MOST DISGUSTING THING I HAVE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE. SHOULDN'T THERE BE SOME KIND OF SCREANING BEFORE WE LET PEOPLE TAKE THEIR KIDS HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL OR SOMETHING. I KNOW THAT'S NOT REALLY FAIR TO THE PEOPLE THAT ADORE THEIR CHILDREN AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN BUT IT WOULD STOP A LOT OF THIS CRAP IN THE WORLD. I'M JUST SO SICK OF HEARING ABOUT KIDS DYING AND NOT EVEN GETTING THE CHANCE TO BECOME THE GREAT PERSON THAT THEY COULD HAVE BEEN!

THIS IS SO FRUSTRAING TO ME AS A MOTHER! :flamemad: [/*]

hammer You betcha. We need a license to FISH, HUNT, SELL HOMES, BUT YOU CAN HAVE A BABY and NEVER HAVE A CLUE about raising them.

:flamemad: I AM TOTALLY ENRAGED thinking about this and what should happen to these two inhumane beings.

[Brooke]

Originally posted by anais2005
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/bolingbrook/state_news/x288019564

pictures of parents, [/*]

Your link does not work :(

[ppkpdp05]

Originally posted by CANDYKISSES


hammer You betcha. We need a license to FISH, HUNT, SELL HOMES, BUT YOU CAN HAVE A BABY and NEVER HAVE A CLUE about raising them.

:flamemad: I AM TOTALLY ENRAGED thinking about this and what should happen to these two inhumane beings. [/*]

I'M GLAD SOMEONE ELSE FEELS THIS WAY. I HAVE THOUGHT THIS FOR A VERY LONG TIME LIKE SOME KIND OF PSYCHIATRIC SCREENING OR SOMETHING. IT SEEMS YOU JUST HEAR MORE AND MORE ABOUT THIS KIND OF THING! LIKE MOMS LEAVING THIER KIDS IN THE CAR AND THEN SAYING THEY JUST FORGOT THEM! I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN JUST FORGET ABOUT YOUR KID I THINK ABOUT MINE ALL DAY EVEN WHEN I'MAT WORK HE'S ALWAYS THE FIRST AND LAST THING ON MY MIND SO MUCH THAT SOMETIMES I FEEL I SHOUD JUST GO HOME AND TAKE THE REST OF THE DAY OFF. WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO? :shrug:

[anais2005]

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/bolingbrook/state_news/x288019564

try again, the first one still works for me

[Nova]

These two should burn in he$$ ... :flamemad:
Their behavior so CRUEL and CALLOUS. They aren't worthy of being referred to as human beings ... they are ANIMALS.

For Benjamin :rose:
RIP Little Angel

[anais2005]

http://www.week.com/news/local/15849117.html

baby Benjamin, photo

[Pretty Leaf]

Link worked for me

I just threw up, for real

:flamemad:

[JD1974]

Originally posted by Marcia3
I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop here.

Which will it be, for a defense?

Child abuse suffered by both parents, bi-polar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, poor potty training for both, video game addiction? [/*]


I am really sick of seeing the bi-polar thing on here. I have been bi-polar probably all my life, only medicated for 2 years. I have SIX kids all of them are accounted for! The ones who are in school are on the honor roll. It is hard as heck to be bi-polar but I am sick of people throwing it out there as an excuse or seeing it out there as a joke to what maybe someone will use.

ETA There is NO excuse for what these people did.

[duncan]

Originally posted by CANDYKISSES


hammer You betcha. We need a license to FISH, HUNT, SELL HOMES, BUT YOU CAN HAVE A BABY and NEVER HAVE A CLUE about raising them.

:flamemad: I AM TOTALLY ENRAGED thinking about this and what should happen to these two inhumane beings. [/*]



Unworkable, I do understand your frustration, I say we admit sex ed in public schools is a total failure and return to teaching no sex before marriage.

[CANDYKISSES]

Who here wouldn't have taken that baby into your home and loved him unconditionally?

What a travesty. There is no soul left in some humans, of that I am convinced.

How could you possibly walk by that baby who had to be sitting in his own waste, and stick a bottle beside him?

I really just can't get over this, I can't. The sadness is all the way down in the pit of my stomach. Benjamin should be rolling around, smiling and playing with his sweet baby toes.

WHAT A HORRIFIC CRIME and I would want nothing less than the same treatment for these two monsters.

JMO and I know it is not popular.:flamemad:

[duncan]

Originally posted by anais2005
http://www.week.com/news/local/15849117.html

baby Benjamin, photo [/*]


Thank you, he was perfect. :rose:


The comments were a good read too.

[FoxySly]

:flamemad: Unbelievable that monsters like this exist :flamemad:

What hell this precious infant endured while those in charge of him played video games!

And what nightmares for those officials that had to deal with this horror.

One article said the 3 year was living with relatives but now in custody of Child Services. I now wonder about those the 3 year old was living with.

I'd like to see these two locked up in a cell wallpapered with photos of precious Benjamin, his dead little fist clutch tightly. And I pray they never play another video game.

I can not understand a mind that would rather play a video game than playing and taking care of their own Child. Being a Mom was/is the greatest joy in my life.

:( Sly
' '
' '
' '

[ppkpdp05]

Originally posted by CANDYKISSES
Who here wouldn't have taken that baby into your home and loved him unconditionally?

What a travesty. There is no soul left in some humans, of that I am convinced.

How could you possibly walk by that baby who had to be sitting in his own waste, and stick a bottle beside him?

I really just can't get over this, I can't. The sadness is all the way down in the pit of my stomach. Benjamin should be rolling around, smiling and playing with his sweet baby toes.

WHAT A HORRIFIC CRIME and I would want nothing less than the same treatment for these two monsters.

JMO and I know it is not popular.:flamemad: [/*]

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU THAT'S THE OTHER THING IF YOU DON'T WANT A BABY ADN YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LOVE AND CARE FOR IT THEN GIVE IT TO SOMEONE WHO WILL AND CAN! THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT WANT CHILDREN AND CAN'T HAVE THEM! GIVE THOSE PEOPLE A CHANCE!

FOR THE LOVE OF PETE! THIS IS JUST TERRIBLE!

[TobyWong]

OMG:flamemad:
This is so unimaginable!!! In the home with the baby!! Gave him a bottle to feed himself the day before the police arrived? And she did'nt notice him dying!!!!
I did'nt see evil in her eyes, I saw complete stupidity and arrogance. Hopefully that will be taken care of in prison. I cannot believe how much tax money is spent on POS like this. On every police force there should be a terminator for cases like this!! JMO

[FoxySly]

Originally posted by CANDYKISSES
Who here wouldn't have taken that baby into your home and loved him unconditionally?

What a travesty. There is no soul left in some humans, of that I am convinced.

How could you possibly walk by that baby who had to be sitting in his own waste, and stick a bottle beside him?

I really just can't get over this, I can't. The sadness is all the way down in the pit of my stomach. Benjamin should be rolling around, smiling and playing with his sweet baby toes.

WHAT A HORRIFIC CRIME and I would want nothing less than the same treatment for these two monsters.

JMO and I know it is not popular.:flamemad: [/*]

I would have taken him! I tell my Son I should get his first born for growing up on me.

And your ideal that these monsters should go through what they put precious Benjamin through is what should be done IMO.

Sly

[happy2bme]

Fly with the Angels sweet Benjamin. You are in a much better place.:rose:

[CANDYKISSES]

Originally posted by FoxySly


I would have taken him! I tell my Son I should get his first born for growing up on me.

And your ideal that these monsters should go through what they put precious Benjamin through is what should be done IMO.

Sly [/*]

So Sly, do you see something almost haunting in the eyes of both these people?

They look so dark, but maybe it's the camera angle since I seem to see it in both or maybe I have my radar on high alert for EVIL these days.

Every time I pull up little Benjamin's photo, I cry. I've shown it to all three of my grown kids now and it's totally foreign to them too. They are of that age group but can't think of anyone they know from school or life now that would be capable of such a heinous act.

Also, that photo looks like he weighed more than ten pounds. I wonder when that was taken and how much weight he lost as he starved to the weight of ten pounds?

:flamemad:

[CANDYKISSES]

Originally posted by ppkpdp05


I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU THAT'S THE OTHER THING IF YOU DON'T WANT A BABY ADN YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LOVE AND CARE FOR IT THEN GIVE IT TO SOMEONE WHO WILL AND CAN! THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT WANT CHILDREN AND CAN'T HAVE THEM! GIVE THOSE PEOPLE A CHANCE!

FOR THE LOVE OF PETE! THIS IS JUST TERRIBLE! [/*]

Baby Benjamin deserved so much better and I hope they checked every avenue to see why SS didn't have custody of this baby.

Also, I want to know who had the three year old and why SS had to take her.

I would scoop that little one up in a hurry and never look back.

[n/t]

Poor baby. I don't know what to say. Just breaks my heart knowing what he went through. :(



:rose:

[GOTACLUE?]

Originally posted by JD1974



I am really sick of seeing the bi-polar thing on here. I have been bi-polar probably all my life, only medicated for 2 years. I have SIX kids all of them are accounted for! The ones who are in school are on the honor roll. It is hard as heck to be bi-polar but I am sick of people throwing it out there as an excuse or seeing it out there as a joke to what maybe someone will use.

ETA There is NO excuse for what these people did. [/*]

i think that she as meaning that the "parents" will try to use that as a defense...which means it gives people who have bi-polar a raw deal....it happens more than we would like to admit. some people of no use of a brain when it comes to something like this...just to get their own butt off. imo

for you JD :rose:
and for baby ben :rose:

[Amy S.]

Yes, I would have taken that baby, even though my youngest is 19 and my kids are on allert that my child raising days are over.

I note that the "father" was adopted. It seems that the news always throws that it - but I always wonder if their was something genetic, that we don't know about.

And did you read that the "mother" appears to be "put out" due to the court proceedings?

[ppkpdp05]

Originally posted by Amy S.
Yes, I would have taken that baby, even though my youngest is 19 and my kids are on allert that my child raising days are over.

I note that the "father" was adopted. It seems that the news always throws that it - but I always wonder if their was something genetic, that we don't know about.

And did you read that the "mother" appears to be "put out" due to the court proceedings? [/*]

WHAT DOES PUT OUT MEAN THOUGH? I FEEL PUT OUT ALL THE TIME WITH WORKING 40 HOURS A WEEK AND EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE DAY I HAVE TO DO. I STILL LOVE AND CARE FOR MY BABY. HE'S NUMBER ONE NO MATTER WHAT THE OTHER THINGS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE!

IS THAT WHAT THEY MEAN BY PUT OUT?

[Amy S.]

In IL. social services is called DCFS.

My husband used to work in the governor's office and all of the reports of child neglect went across his desk, every morning. He finally had to quit looking at them (it wasn't his job, at all).

Child abuse is awful.

I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around this one.

I wonder if they drugged the baby? He would have been screaming, after just an hour or so.

[Amy S.]

PPK - here is the quote about how the "mother" is acting - "“Police noted that she seemed callous and somewhat annoyed with the process, something similar to what she showed in the courtroom today,” he said."


She had been out of town to meet a man that she had been writing to on the Internet.



:flamemad:

[FoxySly]

Originally posted by CANDYKISSES


So Sly, do you see something almost haunting in the eyes of both these people?

They look so dark, but maybe it's the camera angle since I seem to see it in both or maybe I have my radar on high alert for EVIL these days.

Every time I pull up little Benjamin's photo, I cry. I've shown it to all three of my grown kids now and it's totally foreign to them too. They are of that age group but can't think of anyone they know from school or life now that would be capable of such a heinous act.

Also, that photo looks like he weighed more than ten pounds. I wonder when that was taken and how much weight he lost as he starved to the weight of ten pounds?

:flamemad: [/*]

Candy, I was already so prejudice against these two breathing POS I can hardly see beyond my rage. I don't know if I see evil but right now I feel evil and want to do evil to these two. I think I need to step outside for a walk, brush & love on my cat & dog right after I call my Son and tell him how much I love him & talk to my youngest Grandson that is not in school yet.
Candy, right now I can't hardly see for the tears.

Sly

[ppkpdp05]

Originally posted by Amy S.
PPK - here is the quote about how the "mother" is acting - "“Police noted that she seemed callous and somewhat annoyed with the process, something similar to what she showed in the courtroom today,” he said."


She had been out of town to meet a man that she had been writing to on the Internet.



:flamemad: [/*]

THANKS SEEMS THESE TWO HAVE MORE PROBLEMS THEN JUST NOT BEING ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THIER CHILDREN WHICH IS THE NUMBER ONE JOB ANYWAYS!

[Missti]

How did this person in the "garage" not hear this child crying?

I can't imagine the pain in the baby's little empty tummy...while they ignored the cries and played video games?

People fly to China and Russia paying thousands of dollars to adopt a child...and these two ignore a baby and cause death.

There is no excuse, mental illness or not - and I will never ever believe that BOTH of them had a mental illness causing them to do this.

There is NO justice in a case like this.


:rose: for the little angel

[ppkpdp05]

Originally posted by Missti
How did this person in the "garage" not hear this child crying?

I can't imagine the pain in the baby's little empty tummy...while they ignored the cries and played video games?

People fly to China and Russia paying thousands of dollars to adopt a child...and these two ignore a baby and cause death.

There is no excuse, mental illness or not - and I will never ever believe that BOTH of them had a mental illness causing them to do this.

There is NO justice in a case like this.


:rose: for the little angel [/*]

WELL SAID:beer:

[CANDYKISSES]

Originally posted by FoxySly


Candy, I was already so prejudice against these two breathing POS I can hardly see beyond my rage. I don't know if I see evil but right now I feel evil and want to do evil to these two. I think I need to step outside for a walk, brush & love on my cat & dog right after I call my Son and tell him how much I love him & talk to my youngest Grandson that is not in school yet.
Candy, right now I can't hardly see for the tears.

Sly [/*]

Maybe that's my problem too Sly, maybe I knew what had to lurk within these two and I projected it into their photo. I am terribly saddened by this one.

Please let there be justice for this baby and let the three year old be safely kept from this lot forever. :rose:

[Snoopy50]

The only comfort I can find is in knowing that God opened His arms and took this little angel home with Him. He will be loved and cherished in Heaven, something he obviously knew nothing about here on Earth.:rose:

[Amy S.]

I just realized that this baby could not have lived 8 days without fluids. So, how long was he dead, in an 80 degree room?

And for those of you not familiar with Peoria, IL - it has been below 20 degrees, there. So, the heat was turned up that high in the house, for some reason.

[Anakerie]

That poor little baby! How horrible for him...

Question though.. Who the heck "dropped him off" and left him sitting there in the living room for the "garage" guy to find and move?

[ppkpdp05]

Originally posted by Amy S.
I just realized that this baby could not have lived 8 days without fluids. So, how long was he dead, in an 80 degree room?

And for those of you not familiar with Peoria, IL - it has been below 20 degrees, there. So, the heat was turned up that high in the house, for some reason. [/*]

ARE YOU THINKING THAT THEY NEW HE WAS DEAD FOR AWHILE AND JUST NEVER CALLED ANY ONE AND TRIED TO HIDE IT? THAT'S INTERESTING, THAT WOULD SHED SOME LIGHT ON THE FACT THAT NEIGHBORS SAID THEY SAW THE MOM ACTING STRANGLEY THE PAST FEW DAYS, WALKING UP AND DONW THE STREET AND OUTSIDE FOR PERIODS OF TIME WITH NO COAT? HMM MAKES A PERSON THINK?

[interested]

Originally posted by ppkpdp05


ARE YOU THINKING THAT THEY NEW HE WAS DEAD FOR AWHILE AND JUST NEVER CALLED ANY ONE AND TRIED TO HIDE IT? THAT'S INTERESTING, THAT WOULD SHED SOME LIGHT ON THE FACT THAT NEIGHBORS SAID THEY SAW THE MOM ACTING STRANGLEY THE PAST FEW DAYS, WALKING UP AND DONW THE STREET AND OUTSIDE FOR PERIODS OF TIME WITH NO COAT? HMM MAKES A PERSON THINK? [/*]

From the OP's link:

Hermann then left for Iowa to meet with a man she had met over the Internet, the prosecutor said, noting that she allegedly told police “that Benjamin was not her duty and that it was James’ responsibility.”


Oh I believe in my heart this soulless piece of trash knew her baby was dead, didn't care except to make sure it was the waste of the air it takes to keep him alive father who took the wrap & not her. After all, Ben wasn't her duty, she only brought him into the world.

[Amy S.]

I think maybe it was "garage man" that dropped the baby off - and then noticed he hadn't been moved for 8 days. moo

[JD1974]

Originally posted by GOTACLUE?


i think that she as meaning that the "parents" will try to use that as a defense...which means it gives people who have bi-polar a raw deal....it happens more than we would like to admit. some people of no use of a brain when it comes to something like this...just to get their own butt off. imo

for you JD :rose:
and for baby ben :rose: [/*]

Yes, that is what I meant. I am sick of people using it as an excuse.

[Marcia3]

Originally posted by JD1974



I am really sick of seeing the bi-polar thing on here. I have been bi-polar probably all my life, only medicated for 2 years. I have SIX kids all of them are accounted for! The ones who are in school are on the honor roll. It is hard as heck to be bi-polar but I am sick of people throwing it out there as an excuse or seeing it out there as a joke to what maybe someone will use.

ETA There is NO excuse for what these people did. [/*]

JD, I am very sorry if I offended you, or anyone else, with my post. I really didn't mean to do that, and I should be more sensitive to those who have a legitimate diagnosis of bi-polar disorder.

I'm also sick of scumbags who kill using anything as an excuse. In my head, unless you are at war or your life is in imminent danger from someone, you have no right to kill. Period.

Of course these wretched people who allowed this child to die have my head pounding. Why? I just don't understand it.

Again, my apologies. You are dealing with something that is a challenge, IMO, and shouldn't have to read smart-alecky posts like mine.

:rose:

[wandering]

I hope they get the DP. I know lots of people who would've loved to have that baby. I would have loved it myself.


:(
, ,
, ,
, ,

[Cooper]

Originally posted by CANDYKISSES


I have no words.

:rose:

RIP BENJAMIN SARGENT. [/*]


My response as well.


:rose:



Respectfully,


Cooper

[Cooper]

Originally posted by rugratzmommi
I hate to be associated with the human race sometimes!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331732,00.html [/*]


Animals, especially dogs, can exhibit traits that humans strive for.. such as unconditional love, affection, and forgiveness.



Respectfully,


Cooper

[mommyjosie]

Also think about the fact that the baby was dropped off wearing a blue snow suit. He was found in the sme snow suit in an 80 degree room, eight days later!! think of how swealtering hot he must have been, sitting in his own waste in a snowsuit! and they have the nerve to say he was survived by his loving parent, yeah, right!

[ms1950]

I have read these articles and looked at the pictures. There are a lot of mothers here on the boards, what can we do to stop this from happening to the children? As a mom I can not even fathom this. A poor infant, left for 8 days. It is inhuman!

There is no possible existing punishment that will ever be able to even remotely come near "justice" for this child.

I wonder now, is there no limit to the evil in the world? We all seem to recognize this as evil. Now what can we do about it?

jmo

[Luckys_Wife]

They should both die the same way their baby did....slowly! IMOO I hope they fry!!

[txfemale45]

Prison is too good for them they well get food and water and not have to set in a diaper that is never changed..... and the prison will be cleaner than their house....

[momof6]

I feel so sad! How hard is it to feed and cuddle a 5 month old? I sure hope they get it for murder!

Do these two not work? How can you have a job and play video's for 8 day's?

I bet they were on welfare or social security (for some lame excuse). It makes me sick that my hard earned money goes to creeps like them.

[tcdaver]

I would like them tied up in a chair and just let them die.

TC

[texski]

Originally posted by Amy S.
I just realized that this baby could not have lived 8 days without fluids. So, how long was he dead, in an 80 degree room?

And for those of you not familiar with Peoria, IL - it has been below 20 degrees, there. So, the heat was turned up that high in the house, for some reason. [/*] i bet they were on some kind of welfare and the taxpayers were paying their heating bill, thats why the temp was set that high. i know i could not afford it.

[datagal]

Originally posted by Angelina
:flamemad: Oh the irony of the father's myspace page title. What a liar!

http://www.myspace.com/lord_aragorn67

The mother's myspace page. Word is spreading and people are leaving messages for her in her "OMG" blog.

http://www.myspace.com/assassinous_nightshade

They both listed themselves as proud parents.

Warning, there is strong language left for her in the comments section of her blog. Usually, I wouldn't support such strong comments, but I do in this case.

Dear God, I just noticed this woman has another child that is 3 years old. It is listed in her pics. [/*]


Thanks for the links. I find it ironic that her myspace quiz says that her weakness is : Being too nice.

What horrible parents.

[akika666]

Originally posted by texski
i bet they were on some kind of welfare and the taxpayers were paying their heating bill, thats why the temp was set that high. i know i could not afford it. [/*]
certainly not defending them, but I used to live in an old victorian that was used as a multifamily (multi-college student actually) dwelling and the heat was either ONNNNNNN or off. It came on full blast when the landlord chose, usually sometime in Nov, and off sometime in April. some rooms were freezing and we needed space heaters, some rooms were saunas and we needed a window open all winter. We assumed it was an antiquated boiler, and the little dials on our radiators were totally rusted or painted over. That was the 80's and oil prices weren't cheap but not like now.
Landlord probably made a fortune off us and our security deposits; we were young, and had not a care in the world, especially no babies.

By the way if you look on her Myspace, on the picture page, there is a pic of the couple with their baby daughter... he's no prize, but if you look in their eyes, there is no hint of the blackness and evil you see in their mugshots. Pictures don't show everything.... something (METH???) must've happened to turn these humans into monsters....?

[wandering]

Originally posted by akika666

certainly not defending them, but I used to live in an old victorian that was used as a multifamily (multi-college student actually) dwelling and the heat was either ONNNNNNN or off. It came on full blast when the landlord chose, usually sometime in Nov, and off sometime in April. some rooms were freezing and we needed space heaters, some rooms were saunas and we needed a window open all winter. We assumed it was an antiquated boiler, and the little dials on our radiators were totally rusted or painted over. That was the 80's and oil prices weren't cheap but not like now.
Landlord probably made a fortune off us and our security deposits; we were young, and had not a care in the world, especially no babies.

By the way if you look on her Myspace, on the picture page, there is a pic of the couple with their baby daughter... he's no prize, but if you look in their eyes, there is no hint of the blackness and evil you see in their mugshots. Pictures don't show everything.... something (METH???) must've happened to turn these humans into monsters....? [/*]Seeking an explanation for inhuman behavior?

Giving birth doesn't make one a parent.

[akika666]

Originally posted by wandering
Seeking an explanation for inhuman behavior?

Giving birth doesn't make one a parent. [/*]
nope, no explanation exists. just saying don't go nuts about the way someone looks in one picture, cuz there's always another that shows a different potential. Just talking about pics.

There is no explanation for this, no amount of drugs i can envision to make these people do this, unless they were in truly verifiable medical comas the whole eight days, which clearly they weren't.

[wandering]

It appears we have learned nothing from the past.

http://www.vinland.org/scamp/institute/childabuse.html

[akika666]

Originally posted by frazzledgear


I am appalled by this story and it wrenches the heart and stomach to read it. But unless you want a Brave New World and Big Brother society -enough with having to get a license to have a child. Are YOU willing to leave it to another person to decide whether you are fit enough to raise children? Someone else knows better than YOU? Who would that be? Never read about mental health experts who end up committing suicide themselves -clearly mentally unhealthy themselves when they do?

...snipped only for length... [/*]

ITA ITA ITA I could not have said it any better. Thank you. Remember the constitution keeps us ALL free. :patriot:

[GardenGirl]

This is one of the worst stories I've ever read.
what has happened to our youth in this country? How could 2 young people be so out of touch with reality?
It is beyond comprehension, and speaks to a cold detachment that should scare us all.

Poor baby.
GG

[walton]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23302575/

James Sargent's adopted mother says the last time she saw her grandson,Benjamin, he was laying in his crib with a blanket and looked healthy. Rosemary Sargent says she dropped the child off on February 4th. And although rescue crews found the baby in his car seat wearing the snowsuit she had just bought him, when she left the child, he was asleep in the crib wearing clothes and under a blanket.

[walton]

The grandmother said that Benjamin looked healthy other than the "little rash" that he had. How does a 5 month old baby weighing 10 pounds look healthy?

She also said that the last she saw Benjamin he was wearing clothes and under a blanket in his crib.

Who is the garage man? Where does he fit into the picture?

[Chele72]

I can not even begin to describe the torturous things I would love to do to both of these piles of filth.

I have to go hug my 5 month old daughter to bits now.


:rose: For poor baby Benjamin



Chele

[tcdaver]

This story has totally sickened me. They had to be aware that the baby wasn't touched all that time. How could anybody be so cold to an innocent child, who needs their support. I read those Myspace comments and they will probably never see them. What could ever be done to ensure something like this never happens again, I just don't know! This will stay with me for a long time, what a nightmare and how evil can one be.. all of the sudden I'm at a loss for words........

TC:(

[interested]

From the above link:

"He suffered from depression since he was a freshman in high school. They diagnosed him with ADHD and bi–polar and he has spent time at Zellar (Mental Health Center) when they had it."


And there we have it folks, you knew it wouldn't take long.

Hyperactivity, depression & manic mood swings will make it permissible to leave your infant to starve to death while sitting in his own waste for 8 days.

[Missti]

Originally posted by interested
From the above link:




And there we have it folks, you knew it wouldn't take long.

Hyperactivity, depression & manic mood swings will make it permissible to leave your infant to starve to death while sitting in his own waste for 8 days. [/*]

Amazing isn't it? They can use that as an excuse to cause this childs death but...

They sure could figure out HOW to get an apartment, pay the rent, get groceries or take out and feed themselves, get to a store to choose and purchse video games and equipment, set up that equipment, and play those games. They also figured out how to get the money for those games (applied for the social benefits they get or whatever they get for money...).

The list could go on and on.

Too many times we see people use the excuses of addiction or depression (or whatever) for the wrongs they have done, yet when it comes to the things they want or need for themselves they seem to manage just fine.

It's sickening. IMO

[Missti]

Originally posted by datagal



Thanks for the links. I find it ironic that her myspace quiz says that her weakness is : Being too nice.

What horrible parents. [/*]

I just saw that too....yeah...she's really "nice" alright.

Wonder who this "guy" is that she was going to meet from the internet?? Did she actually get to where she was going??

[MyrDawn]

Evil, pure EVIL, is the only way to describe that pair. When I read "Collier ordered the two held without bond, pending a hearing Friday afternoon..." my thought was it should have said 'ordered the two held without FOOD or WATER, pending a hearing Friday afternoon..."

Poor little Benjamin. He suffered so horribly!
:rose:

[JD1974]

Originally posted by Missti


Amazing isn't it? They can use that as an excuse to cause this childs death but...

They sure could figure out HOW to get an apartment, pay the rent, get groceries or take out and feed themselves, get to a store to choose and purchse video games and equipment, set up that equipment, and play those games. They also figured out how to get the money for those games (applied for the social benefits they get or whatever they get for money...).

The list could go on and on.

Too many times we see people use the excuses of addiction or depression (or whatever) for the wrongs they have done, yet when it comes to the things they want or need for themselves they seem to manage just fine.

It's sickening. IMO [/*]


I stated on the other thread that I am bi-polar, all my life. It is NO EXCUSE for what these two did. I have six kids, oldest will be 18 in May, youngest 4 on Monday, I have never harmed my kids ever! When I need a break I have a support system, hubby, mom, even my 18 year old and it seems they did also if the grandma had taken the baby. It is hard yes, but never even on the worst days I can imagine did I just not feed my kids or ever think of hurting them.

I am usually on the defense side, but on this one there is just no way. They KNEW this baby was dying, they heard him screaming..my god how could they listen to that? And HOW did the 3 year old survive to that "old age"?

[interested]

Originally posted by JD1974



I stated on the other thread that I am bi-polar, all my life. It is NO EXCUSE for what these two did. I have six kids, oldest will be 18 in May, youngest 4 on Monday, I have never harmed my kids ever! When I need a break I have a support system, hubby, mom, even my 18 year old and it seems they did also if the grandma had taken the baby. It is hard yes, but never even on the worst days I can imagine did I just not feed my kids or ever think of hurting them.

I am usually on the defense side, but on this one there is just no way. They KNEW this baby was dying, they heard him screaming..my god how could they listen to that? And HOW did the 3 year old survive to that "old age"? [/*]


JD, I saw your post on the other thread, I'm sorry you took it personally, I know that's not how it was intended.

It isn't the honest hard working person who truly has a medical issue that has people up in arms, it's the cookie cutter defense that has become so predictable we saw it coming a mile away and know in our hearts there doesn't even need to be a medical history for it to be dredged out & successful.

The list is to long to post of past cases successfully defended this way & I can name a few that were allowed to go on and kill again after a short hospital stay.

Mental health issues aren't new, what's new is those that use it & accept it as a plausible excuse for everything including murder, negating any responsibility for the perpetrators in these horrific crimes.

As you know, it's a difficult road, but it doesn't justify this type of behavior and it shouldn't be expected behavior from those who are truly afflicted.

[akika666]

no, clearly, no matter what diagnosis(es) they were labeled with, there is no way two adults could've let this happen without being guilty of murder. Bipolar, add, whatever, I'm a mental health practitioner, and never seen TWO people both so out of touch with reality that a baby would die of neglect in the same room. One, yes, I could stretch my credulity to listen to the story at least, but two.... it is basically a conspiracy to commit murder.

I wonder how the three year old was cared for.

[txfemale45]

I am sooo sooo sick of it is not my fault defense......

[akika666]

i'm not being facetitious (sp?) when I say that we basically ARE animals. When I was a kid, my hamster had a litter of i dunno, maybe 12 babies. She immediately developed mastitis and about 2 nights later she just up and ate about half the babies while I was asleep. Her mastitis cleared up and the rest of the babies grew up fine. Nature took its course. The hamster had no choice, she was acting on instinct to save at least some of her babies.

At least as humans we have ability to solve problems IF we choose, and to try to improve our lot and that of our offspring. We don't have to act on impulse or instinct - we have reason and hopefully morality to inform our reason. Some individuals choose to abdicate reason and behave savagely, but I'd still rather be a human IMO.

[aubrey04]

Originally posted by Amy S.
I do believe this is the (or one of the) worst cases that I know of.

Lincoln, IL (http://www.lincolncourier.com/story.asp?SID=25644&SEC=8) [/*]

That is absolutely horrific to read. If they did not want the child -- there are many couples who want a kid badly but can't conceive on their own.

Hell, I would take the baby in. I am sure thousands of people would have offered a nice home for the baby. It does NOT make sense. Hell, drop it off at a hospital - if you are that desperate to abandon your child...or an adoption agency/orphanage.

Dying of dehydration and starvation? That poor baby survived a long, agonizing death- I am sure.

[walton]

From the MSN link: Rosemary says Benjamin was safe and sound when she dropped him off the week before. "I don't know what happened when I left. He was in his bed, not his car seat."

From the opening posters link:

“The person from the garage tells police that Benjamin was found just as he had left him eight days earlier,” the prosecutor said.

:confused:

[akika666]

Originally posted by walton
From the MSN link:

From the opening posters link:



:confused: [/*]
ITA, something is not adding up. SOMEONE is guilty of SOMETHING, but we need to get some reliable facts regarding WHO.

[katybar22]

Originally posted by Missti


Amazing isn't it? They can use that as an excuse to cause this childs death but...

They sure could figure out HOW to get an apartment, pay the rent, get groceries or take out and feed themselves, get to a store to choose and purchse video games and equipment, set up that equipment, and play those games. They also figured out how to get the money for those games (applied for the social benefits they get or whatever they get for money...).

The list could go on and on.

Too many times we see people use the excuses of addiction or depression (or whatever) for the wrongs they have done, yet when it comes to the things they want or need for themselves they seem to manage just fine.

It's sickening. IMO [/*]

There will be lots of "reasons". But there is no excuse.

[wandering]

Originally posted by akika666

nope, no explanation exists. just saying don't go nuts about the way someone looks in one picture, cuz there's always another that shows a different potential. Just talking about pics.

There is no explanation for this, no amount of drugs i can envision to make these people do this, unless they were in truly verifiable medical comas the whole eight days, which clearly they weren't. [/*]They are so done. They fed themselves, played video games, etc. They weren't wandering around disoriented.

Two POS! :cuss:

[walton]

http://www.week.com/news/local/15754992.html


In one of the video links it shows the house that this couple lived. The garage does not look like it would legally or otherwise contain an apartment. The garage appears detached from the house. The garage man couldn't see the baby from there.


http://www.week.com/news/local/15816102.html

A person who 'stayed' with others in the garage of the defendants told police that he was the one who observed Benjamin in the car seat, and on the living room floor, and that it was he who found this odd and so, he placed the child (while in the car seat) in a baby crib in a bedroom.

[interested]

Originally posted by akika666

ITA, something is not adding up. SOMEONE is guilty of SOMETHING, but we need to get some reliable facts regarding WHO. [/*]

At this time, I assume Grandma dropped baby off, garage man took him out again at some point.

There doesn't need to be a conflict in what's been reported, Gran says she has no idea what happened after she left.

[Chele72]

I would love to know who bundled him up in his snowsuit and put him in the car seat IF he was indeed left in the crib under blankets as the gram has stated.

Either way, I'm sick of reading this ****e and it absolutely disgusts me to no end. Every time I click on something like this, which is VERY rarely since I had my daughter 5 months ago, I just bawl and my other half gets very upset. He's threatened more than once to block this website from me. :(

I'm so sick of hearing the excuses for this kind of thing, there is NO excuse I don't give a rat's tush what the excuse might be. There is NOTHING to defend yourself from leaving your 5 month old child to starve to death. Nothing at all.

It's a good thing I am not a guard where these two wastes of oxygen will be, because I am sure they would have several very nasty ACCIDENTS if I had anything to say about it. I hope the image of his beautiful face haunts them for every second of every day of the rest of their miserable, worthless lives.


:flamemad:

[Annie143]

I do think there is a lot about this case that doesnt make much sense. He only weighed 10 lbs @ 5 months........!!?! that should have told someone something right there, IMO ! The grandmother may be .....? Poor little fellow, it makes my heart break.

Benjamin :rose:

Dying of dehydration and starvation? That poor baby survived a long, agonizing death- I am sure. This took 8 days for little Ben to die. Poor Chandler Grafner took 2 months and only weighed 34 lbs @ 7 yrs old, with beatings included. Why, why do people do these things to children ?

I hope this prosecutors follows through with the vigor he seems to be feeling at this time. Justice will be served. It wont bring little Ben back but neither will his killers walk away from this crime.

[MystryPhobia]

Originally posted by Snoopy50
The only comfort I can find is in knowing that God opened His arms and took this little angel home with Him. He will be loved and cherished in Heaven, something he obviously knew nothing about here on Earth.:rose: [/*]

Amen to that Snoopy50.

That is the only positive in a story like this. It is gut wrenching to know what he may have gone through. Hopefully God spared him and took him before he had to endure too much of the pain. I hope.

I don't buy that the mother went in there the night before and gave him a bottle and THOUGHT HE WAS SLEEPING. They said his eyes were open and his fists clenched... ARE YOU KIDDING ME.. that she thought he was sleeping? She KNEW and she did nothing.. instead she left to meet up with a man she met over the internet.. most likely in the hours that her child was dying of starvation and dehydration.

I think.. given the circumstances of the crime and the fact that they sat there while this child screamed for his life.. and did NOTHING.. this crime warrants the death penalty and I hope that they get it. This was not parents that lost it because of a crying baby. This isn't a p.p. depression problem. This was a sick and disgusting thing to do to someone that they KNEW could not do one thing to save his own life.

I am COMPLETELY outraged and sickened by some of the humans that live on this planet with me. WTH is going on these days?

[jtazzy]

This really breaks my heart so much. I have a sister n brother in law that found out last year they can NOT have children. My sister has always wanted children (I really think from the day she was born:) ).

When I had my son, my sister was in the delivery room with me. She was my shining star. She is like his second mother... and it tears my heart out to know she will never mother a child of her own and yet these..can't call them people or even humans, but THINGS starved their 5 mo old baby to death. My sister would have love to be able to be given the chance to have her own child and these THINGS.... don't even give a rat's a#$ about theirs.

I am fixing to be a grandmother for the first time and let me tell u something right here and now...if I for ONCE thought my grandbaby looked healthy but SMALL..........I would personally take him in for a check up... If I even thought for one minute my grandchild was being neglected, the other grandmother n I and my sister would have that baby snatched up so fast our kids head would be spinning...

Then we would all beat the crap out them LOL....

LIL Ben... you are so much loved by all of us out. Anyone one of us would have taken you in a heart beat if given the chance.

[jtazzy]

http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showthread.php?threadid=325093

don't know if the link will work, but there is already a thread started on Baby Ben..

[mommyjosie]

From what I understand, the grandmother droped the baby off on Feb 4th. On Feb 12th the baby's father called. The little girl was apparently given to a family member by the mother, but it didn't say how long ago. The little girl has been removed from the family member.....

[walton]

This article was written today.

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/022308/TRI_BFS4P5LK.064.php
"He was not left in his car seat," the distraught grandmother said. "When I left that house, he did not have a snowsuit on him. I got that for him when we were out. I took him out shopping and we went out to eat."

"I left at 9:30 p.m. that night. I got him ready for bed, changed his diaper, put some ointment on his bottom and gave him a bottle. He wanted to be rocked so I rocked him, gave him some more bottle and then his dad put him into the crib without the car seat, and covered him up with a blanket. Then I left because I had to go home and get to sleep because I work third shift."

[walton]

Originally posted by Amaryllis


I say she is lying.......She dropped him off maybe by leaving him in the floor in his carseat....I don't believe for a second he was ever out of that carseat in different clothes and laying under a blanket...bullsh!t.......hammer ..MOO! [/*]

There are a lot of things that are not adding up.

According to all that has been printed Grandma lived maybe 10 minutes from this home. She stated that she went over there to "pick up the car" and then bought Benjamin his snowsuit and went out to eat.

Why did she have to pick up the car?
Did she take Benjamins sister with her? or was Benjamins sister left alone at the house? There have been things printed that Benjamins sister was in the care of another relative but in todays article it stated that Benjamins sister was removed earlier this week.

Grandma said she had talked to her son about Benjamins "rash" but didn't go over to the house. Which means they heard the phone ring. But not a baby cry?

Who was staying in the garage? Who called the cops? Maybe there was no garage man.

How did Tracy get to her internet boyfriends home? How did she get back?


There have been cases where in all the shuffle people have forgotten their child in a car seat in the back of a car, only to be found later in the day. Could it be?


James Sargent and Tracy Hermann to the best of my knowledge haven't said a word about being bipolar or having mental illness. It was the Grandmother talking about James issues when he was younger.



A whole lot of hmmmm.

[Annie143]

See, I differ here. I tend to believe the grandmother, at this time.

Is that because I am a grandmother ? Maybe. She just seems so positive.

He could have been put back in the carseat the next morning after she left him that night. That would still have been several days for him to have been uncared for, would it not ?

I think drugs were a factor and just plain and simple disregard for their child. I think the bunch in the garage were druggies and lowlifes as well. No one was really looking after the baby. The garage man apparantly "noticed" the baby and moved him around but I think they were all stoned to the hilt and with whatever else they were taking, no one gave him a thought.

JMOO

[interested]

Originally posted by walton


There are a lot of things that are not adding up.

According to all that has been printed Grandma lived maybe 10 minutes from this home. She stated that she went over there to "pick up the car" and then bought Benjamin his snowsuit and went out to eat.

Why did she have to pick up the car?
Did she take Benjamins sister with her? or was Benjamins sister left alone at the house? There have been things printed that Benjamins sister was in the care of another relative but in todays article it stated that Benjamins sister was removed earlier this week.

Grandma said she had talked to her son about Benjamins "rash" but didn't go over to the house. Which means they heard the phone ring. But not a baby cry?

Who was staying in the garage? Who called the cops? Maybe there was no garage man.

How did Tracy get to her internet boyfriends home? How did she get back?


There have been cases where in all the shuffle people have forgotten their child in a car seat in the back of a car, only to be found later in the day. Could it be?


James Sargent and Tracy Hermann to the best of my knowledge haven't said a word about being bipolar or having mental illness. It was the Grandmother talking about James issues when he was younger.



A whole lot of hmmmm. [/*]

http://www.week.com/news/local/15816102.html


This article gives horrific detail in the form of the prosecutors statement to the court. It answers some, but not all of your questions.

Ben's three year old sister was "given" to a family member some time ago, but we don't know how long ago. The prosecution is moving to permanently sever Tracy's parental rights and has removed that child from the "family member" this week.

The "garage man" has been questioned at length and says baby was in exactly the same position he was in when he placed him in his crib.

James Sargent (the sperm donor) called police who found baby Ben unresponsive.

Given the condition of Baby Ben stated by the prosecutor, there's no way in the world that child wasn't screaming until he had no strength left to scream.

It's a heart wrenching statement from the prosecutor, don't read it if you're sensibilities can't take it. I wish I hadn't although hiding from it won't change it.

[akika666]

Originally posted by Annie143
I do think there is a lot about this case that doesnt make much sense. He only weighed 10 lbs @ 5 months........!!?! that should have told someone something right there, IMO ! The grandmother may be .....? .[/*]

Well, on that one point, I have to caution you. My first was a full term average size baby, and for the first 18 months of her life she was the SLOWEST grower and WORST eater I've ever seen. She was healthy, met her milestones, never got sick, but I was a literal emotional physical and mental wreck, trying to cram my breasts into her mouth every 15 min (learned for future reference for my second baby: you can give a baby a nipple, but you CANT make her drink) and then finally giving up on breastfeeding, trying to shove a bottle in her mouth all day long when all she wanted to do was play. When we gave her baths she looked like a starved ethiopian chicken. I was always worried that people would think she was neglected. Test after test was normal, normal, normal and all the Dr. could say was :shrug:

Weekly visits to the pediatrician, sleepless nights, hand wringing all added up to a healthy, happy kid that was barely 16 lbs when she turned one, but now is an average size first grader starting to get a little bit of a poochy tummy (would never mention that to her, I'm so happy to see meat on her bones). So now when I see a "scrawny chicken" baby, I don't judge. it could be just a late bloomer like my Emmy.

Also, I have no background on this particular baby, but if he were premature, his weight wouldn't have been much of an issue at 5 months either.

[akika666]

i can't conceive of ignoring a baby's crying for as long as this angel must've cried. even if it's a baby you don't love, don't even know... the SOUND of a baby crying triggers a basic NEED to STOP the crying in most adults, doesn't it?

[annalyzer]

Originally posted by Amy S.
I just realized that this baby could not have lived 8 days without fluids. So, how long was he dead, in an 80 degree room?

And for those of you not familiar with Peoria, IL - it has been below 20 degrees, there. So, the heat was turned up that high in the house, for some reason. [/*]

I wondered why they mentioned the room being 80 degrees and then remembered that the baby had on a snowsuit !

[interested]

Originally posted by akika666
i can't conceive of ignoring a baby's crying for as long as this angel must've cried. even if it's a baby you don't love, don't even know... the SOUND of a baby crying triggers a basic NEED to STOP the crying in most adults, doesn't it? [/*]

Only those with an ounce of humanity, obviously the missing component in this case.

[interested]

Originally posted by akika666


Well, on that one point, I have to caution you. My first was a full term average size baby, and for the first 18 months of her life she was the SLOWEST grower and WORST eater I've ever seen. She was healthy, met her milestones, never got sick, but I was a literal emotional physical and mental wreck, trying to cram my breasts into her mouth every 15 min (learned for future reference for my second baby: you can give a baby a nipple, but you CANT make her drink) and then finally giving up on breastfeeding, trying to shove a bottle in her mouth all day long when all she wanted to do was play. When we gave her baths she looked like a starved ethiopian chicken. I was always worried that people would think she was neglected. Test after test was normal, normal, normal and all the Dr. could say was :shrug:

Weekly visits to the pediatrician, sleepless nights, hand wringing all added up to a healthy, happy kid that was barely 16 lbs when she turned one, but now is an average size first grader starting to get a little bit of a poochy tummy (would never mention that to her, I'm so happy to see meat on her bones). So now when I see a "scrawny chicken" baby, I don't judge. it could be just a late bloomer like my Emmy.

Also, I have no background on this particular baby, but if he were premature, his weight wouldn't have been much of an issue at 5 months either. [/*]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331732,00.html

Peoria County Coroner Johnna Ingersoll said Wednesday the baby weighed 10 pounds when he was found by police. He was nearly eight pounds at birth, she said.

Nearly 8 lbs at birth, it's safe to say baby Ben was not premature.

Two lbs gained in 5 months of a normal healthy baby? I'm afraid I can't find my way to be as charitable in my judgments.

I raised two children, my second was the picky eater from day one. By the time we'd been to the second well baby check up (about 2 months old) baby wasn't meeting weight gain goals and Dr. added a supplemental bottle to his diet. If there was a weight gain problem, the prosecutor would know because the pediatrician would know. Damn, this Grandmother should have known, she raised at least one.

OTOH, the new Mom I work with was terribly distressed last week, her 1 year old had been sick and lost his "budda belly" in a matter of a few days due to nausea and lack of appetite.

I think baby Ben went through all his body fat resources prior to death, which only prolonged his agony. Less body fat, less time to linger before you starve.

[Annie143]

I'm sorry for bursting out laughing during such a serious topic but, akika666, your post about this child When we gave her baths she looked like a starved ethiopian chicken. just made me howl with laughter.

My grandson, who is 4 yrs old, is 46" tall and only weighs 37 lbs. He, also, looks like a plucked chicken and that is being charitable. He is all eyes and ears and feet.

akika666, that whole post made me smile. I'll bet that is how you survived, your sense of humor. :)

trying to cram my breasts into her mouth every 15 min (learned for future reference for my second baby: you can give a baby a nipple, but you CANT make her drink) :)

[walton]

http://www.pjstar.com/php/index.php?/news/peoria_parents_accused_of_killing_child_waive_bond _hearing/

Hermann and Sargent are accused of allowing their son, Benjamin, to go without food or water for eight days while leaving him in a car seat. The baby was left in a snowsuit he was wearing when dropped off at the home by his grandparents.


I wanna believe the grandma, I really do. But she isn't telling the whole story.
Grandpa hasn't said anything. Is he the garage man?

Did the right hand think the left hand brought the baby in and didn't? And remembered a couple of days later?

Is this why the couple was seen outside without coats looking down the street? They were looking for someone to bring the baby back?

Grandma brought up Jeffs mental issues real fast. It usually isn't the ones that are sick that bring it up. They are too sick to know better. No offense meant to anyone but they just don't know.

The reason no one answered the door from the garage is because there was no one living in there. It was unattached and unheated.

Garbage piled up in the backyard can't be ignored. The way the cops described the inside of the house can't be made up. Having the little girl cared for by other relatives isn't something one can ignore. Grandma saw what she wanted to see.


jmo

[Ex-urbanite]

They probably came outside without coats to escape the heat and crying.
If this case goes to trial, I would NOT want to be a jury member.
They will show autopsy pictures, quite possibly, of the poor baby's body that was destroyed by sepsis. I would not want to be in that courtroom. If they have any good advice, they will plead guilty and avoid trial.
My mother lives near Peoria, and grew up in that area. Sad that trash like that exists. Everyone in her town is really upset.

[ms1950]

I have read all the posts thus far and all the news articles and the MySpace pages of both of these "people".

Some questions with as yet no answers:

Let get real. No one "forgets" about a baby! Babies cry! There is no way that these two animals (I like that word better) played video games, ate, slept and whatever else they did for 8 days and not have realized that baby was in that car seat in that crib! So what happened?

The mother claims she did not want the child and places the responsibility of the child into the father's hands. WHAT? If that is the case did they argue about who's responsibility it was and then decide neither one of them wanted it?

The grandmother says she had no reason to believe the baby would come to any harm. How unreasonable is that given what has happened? Did her son suddenly become irresponsible? doubt that.

The others "living" in the garage could very well be true. This scenario plays like a nightmare. All these people around, even one who claims to have moved the baby, and no one noticed that the baby was dying? Or was it not their responsibility either?

The mother is living with the father of this baby and then goes off to Iowa to meet a man she met on the internet? What is wrong with that picture? Obviously, the father of the child did not care about her or the baby.

The house was a mess. The grandmother says 8 days prior it was not. Please grandma, I'm not buying that! Your son, and your grandson lived in filth and you knew it. That kind of carnage takes time.

The baby was tied into the car seat with a rope. WHAT? Who ties their baby in a carseat? There was intent there!

The mother placed a bottle next to the baby so that when he was hungry he could feed himself. WHAT? Everyone knows a 5 month old can not feed himself, especially the mother! Was the baby dead when she did that? The baby's eyes were wide open and his fists were clenched! No way this happened the night before the police arrived.

Is this sick scenario a game of who's responsibility is it with grandma playing a part as well? Where is the mother's parents? How did these people afford rent and food? Did either of them work?

I pity the fool in Iowa who now knows what kind of woman came to "visit" him. I wonder if he knew about the baby?

jmo

[akika666]

Originally posted by interested


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331732,00.html



Nearly 8 lbs at birth, it's safe to say baby Ben was not premature.[/*]

thanks for the info, ITA.

Originally posted by interested
Two lbs gained in 5 months of a normal healthy baby? I'm afraid I can't find my way to be as charitable in my judgments.

I raised two children, my second was the picky eater from day one. By the time we'd been to the second well baby check up (about 2 months old) baby wasn't meeting weight gain goals and Dr. added a supplemental bottle to his diet. [/*]

Oh exactly... so did ours... but how do you get the baby to SWALLOW the supplemental bottle... that was something I never grasped. We were thisclose to giving her some kind of feeding tube, thank god she didn't end up needing it, but it was scary at the time.

Originally posted by interested
If there was a weight gain problem, the prosecutor would know because the pediatrician would know. [/*]

Probably, but maybe it's too soon to have received all the medical records yet. I know that can take awhile. Just a possibility. But I agree the overwhelming probability is that he lost all the weight trying to survive, and probably hadn't seen a pediatrician for months. It's just awful.

[akika666]

Originally posted by RachelRose
...snip for length...
I hope they take the witness stand. i would really like to know their thought processes - did they keep thinking oh I'll feed the baby in a little bit, after I . . . do whatever . . . or did they never have any intention of thought to take care of him? [/*]
It would be awesome if they took the stand but they never will. I can't believe this will even ever go to trial, but with such unsympathetic parents, I can't imagine an atty allowing them on stand.

I would also LOVE to know the thinking process as well... I just can't wrap my mind around any sentient creature completely ignoring what must've been frantic, desperate screaming from this poor babe.

[akika666]

Originally posted by interested


Only those with an ounce of humanity, obviously the missing component in this case. [/*]
Even those without an ounce of humanity have a drive to STOP the crying... ie, "shaken baby syndrome"

[interested]

Originally posted by akika666

Even those without an ounce of humanity have a drive to STOP the crying... ie, "shaken baby syndrome" [/*]

So true, I actually hadn't thought of it that way.

So this pair is soulless, heartless & lacking so much as an ounce of humanity.

I feel badly for the grandfather of James, he seemed a decent man in great pain. It has to be difficult coming to grips with the fact this is your family responsible for this.

[ms1950]

Originally posted by akika666

It would be awesome if they took the stand but they never will. I can't believe this will even ever go to trial, but with such unsympathetic parents, I can't imagine an atty allowing them on stand.

I would also LOVE to know the thinking process as well... I just can't wrap my mind around any sentient creature completely ignoring what must've been frantic, desperate screaming from this poor babe. [/*]

Why would it be "awesome" if they took the stand?

You are in the mental health profession I believe? That would explain your interest in the "thinking" pattern. Do you really think there was a "thinking pattern" going on here? What makes you think the participants were at home the entire 8 days? Maybe they left and let the baby die alone?

jmo

[walton]

Originally posted by interested


So true, I actually hadn't thought of it that way.

So this pair is soulless, heartless & lacking so much as an ounce of humanity.

I feel badly for the grandfather of James, he seemed a decent man in great pain. It has to be difficult coming to grips with the fact this is your family responsible for this. [/*]

I agree. How incredibly hard it will be for this man when all the pieces are put together.

Grandma mentioned at different times about Benjamins rash. She was so concerned with Benjamins "rash" that she asked James about it up until they found Benjamin.

And yet she never questioned the rope being used for " straps" in the car seat?

Grandma also mentioned that she had to leave that night at 9:30 because she needed to get "some" sleep as she worked third shift. Does anyone know what she does?

[interested]

Originally posted by walton


I agree. How incredibly hard it will be for this man when all the pieces are put together.

Grandma mentioned at different times about Benjamins rash. She was so concerned with Benjamins "rash" that she asked James about it up until they found Benjamin.

And yet she never questioned the rope being used for " straps" in the car seat?

Grandma also mentioned that she had to leave that night at 9:30 because she needed to get "some" sleep as she worked third shift. Does anyone know what she does? [/*]

Don't know where Grandma works, I'm sorry. I tried to find it, but it doesn't seem to be published information yet.

The rope used to strap Ben into the car seat...........

I've got to wonder how old this car seat is. When I was raising babies, many moons ago, there were two shoulder straps that came down and indeed you used the cars seat belt through a loop in those straps and fastened baby and the seat with the seat belt in the car.

Today, the car seat belt straps in only the car seat, and it's usually a difficult task to do so properly.

The seat has a self contained strapping system that latches shoulder straps to the one that comes up between babies legs.

If this was a current car seat, there wouldn't have been a need for this "rope". If I wanted to double my car seat for a baby seat in the house, I would need some type of belt to strap baby in, but that's not how they're made these days.

Could they not even bother getting a proper car seat for him & had no other in house seat for him? Did Grandma have to pull out James' old car seat from the basement so she could take him out?

Did they do anything for this child in the five months they were blessed to have him?

[Ex-urbanite]

My eldest child was failure to thrive, and it took a month for her to get back to her original birth weight....so at 4 weeks she weighed a bit over 7 pounds... I worked and worked to get her to eat, and finally was successful at nursing her....
it was very difficult, and I ended up having to sleep with her in order to get her to nurse, sometimes in her sleep. The crying also was not easy to deal with, as she was quite colicky....
I cannot even fathom what these monsters did to this child....it just horrifies me...

Even if this case does not go to trial, my heart goes out to the investigators who must study the pictures of the poor baby....man's inhumanity to man.....

What sort of grandmother would not check back on her grandchild, especially if she did not hear from the parents?

More to this story than we know at this time....

[akika666]

Originally posted by ms1950


Why would it be "awesome" if they took the stand?

You are in the mental health profession I believe? That would explain your interest in the "thinking" pattern. Do you really think there was a "thinking pattern" going on here? What makes you think the participants were at home the entire 8 days? Maybe they left and let the baby die alone?

jmo [/*]
sorry, I think "interesting" would be a better word to use, I use "awesome" too liberally as my language has been contaminated by my kids.

Who knows what/if any thought process there was? I have no knowledge of what took place, how could I? Of course they could've left the baby alone - but what did they THINK? Did they repress the fact that the baby existed and therefore go out and live their lives without a thought? I dunno.

Since I am interested in how this type of tragedy occurs, and how it can be prevented, I want to know HOW it happened. At least if these people took the stand, they could attempt to explain themselves, and we could evaluate the story for ourselves. Since I can't imagine that they will take the stand, I don't see how we will ever know IF thinking took place, during, or after. You can tell alot about someone's reasoning just from the lies that they tell.

[ppkpdp05]

Originally posted by frazzledgear


I am appalled by this story and it wrenches the heart and stomach to read it. But unless you want a Brave New World and Big Brother society -enough with having to get a license to have a child. Are YOU willing to leave it to another person to decide whether you are fit enough to raise children? Someone else knows better than YOU? Who would that be? Never read about mental health experts who end up committing suicide themselves -clearly mentally unhealthy themselves when they do?

There is NO other human being I would turn over major decisions for MYSELF like this. And those who would -either NATURALLY assume of course, THEY would pass with flying colors and its only the dregs of society like these two people who would not be allowed to reproduce -or don't trust their own judgment to make major decisions for themselves!

How about requiring parenting classes for all pregnant couples instead of having some elite decide if others are fit to raise children. Taught by both child development professionals and mental health professionals -who are then required to report any people they suspect are not up to the job, with follow-ups done by Child Welfare to make sure the baby is well taken care of after delivery?

The notion that some people are SOOO "elite" they are capable of making a major life decision for ME - a total stranger -instead of me making it myself - makes me want to vomit. It isn't the dregs that will caught up in such a system -but far more people who just don't meet their elitist requirements. People THEY have decided just don't make enough, don't have the level of education THEY think they should, don't have a high enough IQ, aren't attractive enough, or have a "poor" genetic history, etc. Please apply at a later date, huh? Then what? Enforced sterilazation -or do we force them to have an abortion if its too late for that?

It is one thing to want to see prospective parents as well equipped as possible for the job -and quite another to REQUIRE a license to have children, which relies on the opinion of SOMEONE ELSE instead of the individual. Sorry -the overwhelming and vast majority of adults in the world do not require a nanny, have never required a nanny - and don't want one. And they certainly have NO desire to turn over the major decisions in life -like whether to have a child -over to someone deemed to be an "elite" who is merely pretending THEY know better than you. The notion that "government" knows better than you is hogwash. Government is just OTHER PEOPLE -so which other people are you going to turn over YOUR LIFE. Especially since they are just HUMAN BEINGS like you -with their own set of problems and issues? No less likely to have some significant problems in THEIR life. So who do we "appoint" to keep an eye on those elite people to make sure THEY are qualified to run their own lives before allowing them to try and run MINE? [/*]



That sounds like a good idea and I didn't mean that someone should have a lisence to have a baby I am just frustrated with people like this! It hurts me inside to even think about it.

Sorry if I seemed a little over zealous about it. I think the parenting classes and things like that are a better solution to the problem!

[tcdaver]

One thing I think is true with what Tracey said, she went into where baby Ben was and she left a bottle..
Thats it, I bet she discovered Ben was dead, she knew she had to get out of there.
So she took off to Iowa for an excuse, so she would not be present when the police discovered the brutal news about baby Ben....
So I bet she took flight and hoped James would soley be blamed, thats why she claims it was not her responceability.

What do you all think???

TC

[akika666]

Originally posted by tcdaver
One thing I think is true with what Tracey said, she went into where baby Ben was and she left a bottle..
Thats it, I bet she discovered Ben was dead, she knew she had to get out of there.
So she took off to Iowa for an excuse, so she would not be present when the police discovered the brutal news about baby Ben....
So I bet she took flight and hoped James would soley be blamed, thats why she claims it was not her responceability.

What do you all think???

TC [/*]
I think that's a very strong possibility. Good thinking.

[interested]

Grandma seems very concerned that everyone know she took good care of baby Ben..........

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/022308/TRI_BFS4P5LK.064.php

That petition, filed by Lyons' office, offers some insight into Hermann. The petition, which has not yet been proven, claims Hermann told authorities she didn't want Benjamin and wanted to give him up for adoption. It goes on to state that she had no part in the feeding, bathing or changing diapers of the infant.

Rose Sargent said her son told her last month Hermann wanted to put the child up for adoption. Rose Sargent was unable to care for him because of health constraints. That was the last she heard about adoption, she said Friday night.


Mom wanted to give baby up for adoption. Had already given one of her children away. Is it possible Grandma who'd told James she could not adopt baby because of her health, had actually been caring for baby 24/7 and returned baby Ben to them on 02/04 because they hadn't made adoption arrangements and they hadn't made any move to take him back home themselves?

That pic we saw was a very happy healthy baby. I find it hard to believe the parents suddenly went from caring to unconscious overnight.

[TobyWong]

Originally posted by tcdaver
One thing I think is true with what Tracey said, she went into where baby Ben was and she left a bottle..
Thats it, I bet she discovered Ben was dead, she knew she had to get out of there.
So she took off to Iowa for an excuse, so she would not be present when the police discovered the brutal news about baby Ben....
So I bet she took flight and hoped James would soley be blamed, thats why she claims it was not her responceability.

What do you all think???

TC [/*]
Sounds about how I'd expect this POS to act. Cause it's just so normal to hook up online AND have to go far away to meet him.?. This poor baby withered away to death. Cried itself to death. I can't even tell you how much hate I pour upon these people,and all the others like them.:rose: for Ben

[walton]

http://www.myspace.com/assassinous_nightshade

I don't understand how to work the whole myspace page but on the right side of the page are a couple of entries describing herself.

A few things I found interesting.

1. Have you been on stage in the last month? First entry- yes. Updated entry- no

2. Which do you prefer Pepsi or Coke? First entry- Coke!!
Updated entry- Coke!!

3. Have you ever been beaten? First entry- yes (bad soon to be ex husband)
Updated entry-yep and now that son of a gun is all alone (wipes a nonexsistan tear)

4. Number of drugs taken in last month- are we talking drugs like the doctor gives you when you have a cold or the bad stupid **** stupid people do to forget their stupid lives?
Updated entry- Have you taken drugs in the last month?- i do not do drugs ... and i don't take meds though somepeople think i should be on them lol


There is quite a bit more over there but I couldn't see any dates.

She also mentioned that she isn't a smoker, she is allergic to it.

For those that are keeping secrets, they must think that these stories are better than the truth. Lord help those that know the real truth and can't bring themselves to tell it. Secrets never last and they will hear Bens cries until they are told.

[txfemale45]

What did Tracy take off to Iowa for to get pregnant again?
She does not know what birth control is for...

[beespence]

This story, like so many others make me sick. I am at a loss for words.

[TobyWong]

Originally posted by txfemale45
What did Tracy take off to Iowa for to get pregnant again?
She does not know what birth control is for... [/*]
Why are you saying that? Don't tell me she IS pregnant?? I had'nt read that. Why would she do that to a new child and even for herself. She has to know what a horrible human she is??

[txfemale45]

Tobywong

I never said she is pregnant, I said she went there to get pregnant..... she does not know what birth control is for... and if you don't use it no it does not work....

[Annie143]

everytime I try to bring up the pjstar, it just hangs. So, I have never seen his picture.

To me, he looks scared of who ever is taking the picture. The look in his eyes is distrust.

Does anyone else see that?

I have a client in a bad section of town. He has had a problem with prostitutes hanging around his place of business. One day when I had gone down to see my client, as I was leaving, a young woman was using the pay phone and had a baby boy in a baby carrier beside her. He was a cute little boy and I started talking to him. That little fellow wanted to smile and interact but he kept looking at her very fearfully and hesitately. She never responded to him. I got the impression he was very distrustful of people. He looked about 6 mos to a year old I think. I have never forgotten that little fellow.

[walton]

http://www.trutv.com/shows/body_of_evidence/dayle_hinman_bio.html

I would be interested to know what Dayle Hinman would have to say about this case.



According to Tracys myspace page someone signed in on the 25th.

[ppkpdp05]

Did anyone else notice that the mom has a countdown on her myspace page about leaving for England in three days? Can she?

[interested]

Originally posted by ppkpdp05
Did anyone else notice that the mom has a countdown on her myspace page about leaving for England in three days? Can she? [/*]

No, she's been arrested and charged with murder. She cannot leave the country unless she does so illegally. It would be very difficult to fly anywhere given airport security these days.

[ppkpdp05]

Originally posted by interested


No, she's been arrested and charged with murder. She cannot leave the country unless she does so illegally. It would be very difficult to fly anywhere given airport security these days. [/*]

That's what I thought just making sure if I were law enforcement I would keep an eye on this one! Just saying!

[TobyWong]

Originally posted by txfemale45
Tobywong

I never said she is pregnant, I said she went there to get pregnant..... she does not know what birth control is for... and if you don't use it no it does not work.... [/*]
Thanks I got it, three days later:)
Anybody have any new info?? TIA

[txfemale45]

And if he was crying they would have turned the tv up to drown out the sould....


RIP :rose:

[Heidi J.]

:rose:

[wandering]

Originally posted by akika666

Even those without an ounce of humanity have a drive to STOP the crying... ie, "shaken baby syndrome" [/*]A starving baby doesn't have the strength to cry, they'd just eventually whimper. :rose:

[wandering]

Originally posted by desmom
http://www.week.com/news/local/15849117.html
There is a photo of Baby Benjamin. He was precious. :rose:

[/*]The baby looks healthy here. I think the grandma was taking care of him most of the time. She bought him a snowsuit that day, and the so-called parents didn't even notice he had it on.

[interested]

Originally posted by wandering
The baby looks healthy here. I think the grandma was taking care of him most of the time. She bought him a snowsuit that day, and the so-called parents didn't even notice he had it on. [/*]

That's why I asked if anyone else thought gran had just returned baby that day after telling James she couldn't adopt him due to health concerns. They told her they wanted to put him up for adoption about a month ago IIRC.

Someone else said they thought Baby Ben looked frightened of whomever was taking the pic.

I see a happy healthy baby and think Gran was taking care of him all along and only brought him back to force the adoption plans. As long as she kept him, they had no need to do anything on that front.

Just tossing it about, I don't think they went from caring parents to this level of neglect overnight.

[wmills6@caro]

I thought he looked very wary in that picture, too.

Poor angel.

[walton]

http://www.peoriacountystatesattorney.org/practice%20develop.sargent-hermann.htm

March 6, 2008 Both defendants pled not guilty

May 12 - Jury trial

[Marcia3]

Originally posted by walton
http://www.peoriacountystatesattorney.org/practice%20develop.sargent-hermann.htm

March 6, 2008 Both defendants pled not guilty

May 12 - Jury trial [/*]

Thanks, walton, for the update. At this point, it appears that these two are going to go to trial in May. I wonder if a deal will be made.

[Heidi J.]

Originally posted by Marcia3


Thanks, walton, for the update. At this point, it appears that these two are going to go to trial in May. I wonder if a deal will be made. [/*]

I hope not. Ben died a very slow painful death. It breaks my heart to think a mom could do this to their child. I hope they both rot in h3ll. I would jump infront of a Mack truck if it would save the life of my child. I did not plan either of my kids, but when I was pregnant, I realized I had to grow up. I had another life depending on me. What is so hard about getting a baby a bottle!!

This story just really gets me. This is happening way too much. I think the Government needs to look into controlled birth control!!:flamemad:

[Noelle13]

This whole case is just atrocious on so many levels... There just are no words...

[walton]

http://www.pjstarjobs.com/stories/030708/TRI_BG00F54D.064.php

PEORIA - A South Peoria couple who allegedly starved their 5-month-old child to death last month pleaded not guilty Thursday during a very brief hearing.
Tracy Hermann, 21, and James Sargent, 23, appeared individually before Chief Peoria County Circuit Judge Stuart Borden. They didn't say much, nodding to acknowledge the judge. Hermann folded up the indictment after she was handed a copy by her attorney.

Sargent, who appeared to have gotten a haircut recently, looked far better than he had at the earlier bond hearings, where he looked disheveled and dazed.

[Lis73]

This poor precious baby boy, I can think of so many people who would've been more than happy to take care of this child, I would've taken care of this baby. These constant cases of neglect is becoming more and more frequent, it's heartbreaking.


:rose: :rose: For baby Ben, I know God is taking care of you now and you're being treasured for the wonderful precious gift you always were.

[txfemale45]

My grandson will be one this friday and all you have to do is feed him change his diaper and keep him clean (I have nicknamed him Monk) he is a happy baby and no trouble he plays with his toys and jabbers... and when he looks at you he smiles that just melt your heart....

RIP :rose:

[Annie143]

My grandson will be one this friday and all you have to do is feed him change his diaper and keep him clean (I have nicknamed him Monk) he is a happy baby and no trouble he plays with his toys and jabbers... and when he looks at you he smiles that just melt your heart.... this made me smile.... what a lovely picture you painted...:)

[lorjac]

How do these POSs stand there and plead NOT GUILTY???? Hmm, he didn't starve himself.... HE didn't beg them NOT to feed him, HE didn't ask them to completely ignore him.

Losers...

Right now my daughter has a 102 fever and a cough like crazy and I have rarely left her side today or last night.... I cannot imagine ignoring my child for 8 days when they are RIGHT there in front of you!

[MandyMutton]

Originally posted by Marcia3


Thanks, walton, for the update. At this point, it appears that these two are going to go to trial in May. I wonder if a deal will be made. [/*]

State has no reason to make a deal. The baby's body is all the evidence they need to convict and gain the harshest punishment.

Neither of them is fit to live among society.

[txfemale45]

If the DA makes a deal with either of these so called parents the people of that town need to make sure they are not re-elected even if they run for dog catcher....

[sheltiemom]

Originally posted by AnnieBean


I can't even stomach to read the links or look at the picture.
I am sorry I even read the headline...extremely disturbing story. We have cheerleaders maiming a schoolmate in a fight, gee their mom says they are "sorry..." GRRRRRR!!!:cuss: SORRY? Now an 8 yr old is beaten up by kids in her class and among other injuries has a fractured hip? This injury will affect her for the rest of her life!!!! And a Baltimore art teacher is beat up by kids in her class because she was kind enough to let them listen to music while working on their art, and one student turned the volume up, and the teacher called her on it, and she and others beat the teacher up. The prinicpal says she did wrong..she should have walked out into the hallway instead of saying to the student, as she was attacked "I will defend myself!". Student isn't even suspended. Teacher says she will never return to that school again.

I might move to a cave high in the mountains of somewhere far away....jeez.... [/*]


------------------------

What has happened to our education system!? Is not the basic definition of TEACHER is to TEACH!!! Of course parents have the basic responsibility - but so often the parents take the child's side and do not teach and demand good behavior of their child. That definitely leave the teacher at a definite disadvantage, especially when the peincipal and board of ed are more interested in good stats for the school rather than supporting their teacher and penalizing the bad behavior.

The child should be kicked out of this school, arrested and sent to juvie. The cheerleaders should all be suspended even if it means repeating the current term (since it is so near the end of school year). Youth need to be taught there are consequences in life for bad behavior and breaking society's laws.

I hope this teacher takes the child, parents, principal, and the board of ed to court.

Sorry I got off the subject of the current case at such length. I just get so tired of this sort of daily news.

These two (sorry I cannot call them parents) need to punished to the fullest extent of the law. I prasy they will never be blessed with another child. My niece grieves because she has not been so blessed with a baby --and then POS like thses KILL babies.

Why are incompetent people .....gosh! I just can't think about this further....just too tragic for words.

[Marcia3]

Originally posted by sheltiemom



------------------------

What has happened to our education system!? Is not the basic definition of TEACHER is to TEACH!!! Of course parents have the basic responsibility - but so often the parents take the child's side and do not teach and demand good behavior of their child. That definitely leave the teacher at a definite disadvantage, especially when the peincipal and board of ed are more interested in good stats for the school rather than supporting their teacher and penalizing the bad behavior.

The child should be kicked out of this school, arrested and sent to juvie. The cheerleaders should all be suspended even if it means repeating the current term (since it is so near the end of school year). Youth need to be taught there are consequences in life for bad behavior and breaking society's laws.

I hope this teacher takes the child, parents, principal, and the board of ed to court.

Sorry I got off the subject of the current case at such length. I just get so tired of this sort of daily news.

These two (sorry I cannot call them parents) need to punished to the fullest extent of the law. I prasy they will never be blessed with another child. My niece grieves because she has not been so blessed with a baby --and then POS like thses KILL babies.

Why are incompetent people .....gosh! I just can't think about this further....just too tragic for words. [/*]

It's not just recently that schools have become battlegrounds or that the administration is more concerned with scores both off and on the field than they are in supporting their teaching staff. I was a student teacher 30 years ago and it was going on then.

But as a society, I think we've messed up by not doing exactly as you have said: making kids pay the consequences for what they do. Parents need to do that starting early and keep on doing it until their kids are grown.

This case, and all of the others on this forum, make me so sad and sick to my stomach...words fail.

[txfemale45]

I hope both prarents get what they deserve but prison is too too good for these people ( i will not call them parents ) they don't deserve the title


RIP :rose:

[walton]

http://www.week.com/news/local/18500214.html

It will be August at the earliest before a Peoria County jury hears the state's case again two parents accused of starving their five-month-old son to death.

[txfemale45]

The DA should seek the death penality

[Heidi J.]

Originally posted by txfemale45
The DA should seek the death penality [/*]

:beer:

[cuddlyrunner]

and I feel that the death penalty should reflect the crime-tie them to a car seat and let them rot in their own excrement and starve.

[txfemale45]

If the DA does not seek the DP the town should make sure he is not re-elected.......



RIP :rose:

[walton]

Originally posted by walton
http://www.week.com/news/local/18500214.html

It will be August at the earliest before a Peoria County jury hears the state's case again two parents accused of starving their five-month-old son to death. [/*]

A judge today allowed a defense motion to delay the trial of Tracy Herman and James Sargent until August 4. A trial date had been scheduled for May 12.

Just bumping this one up.

[wandering]

Originally posted by walton
http://www.week.com/news/local/18500214.html

It will be August at the earliest before a Peoria County jury hears the state's case again two parents accused of starving their five-month-old son to death. [/*]i've read that starvation is a very painful death. They should be dealt with in the same way. :cuss:

[Chele72]

I can't believe this isn't set to go to trial until NEXT YEAR!

So vile and disgusting what these nasty people did to that poor innocent baby.

[walton]

Next year? I thought it was going to be this August?

[interested]

Originally posted by walton
Next year? I thought it was going to be this August? [/*]

As of June 18th they were still scheduled for August 4th, I can't find a thing in the news about that schedule being delayed nor can I find anything indicating the hearing took place.

Most recent article I can find:

http://mortonlocalnews.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=148545

It only took six months for the entire world to forget Baby Ben. :(

[funkyflower]

Originally posted by interested


As of June 18th they were still scheduled for August 4th, I can't find a thing in the news about that schedule being delayed nor can I find anything indicating the hearing took place.

Most recent article I can find:

http://mortonlocalnews.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=148545

It only took six months for the entire world to forget Baby Ben. :( [/*]

Its sad huh? Its more sad that this was probably preventable. I have an Aunt right now who is caring for 2 children during the week, who get to go back to their abusers each weekend. 2 weeks ago, during one of the allowed weekend visits she got the 9month old boy back and he kept acting something was wrong with his arm. A trip to the ER and an Xray revealed that he a spiral fracture to his ulna (pinky side forearm bone). A spiral fracture of this bone means that someone had to actually have exerted force and twisted his little arm.

What did DHS of TN do? His case workers? They threatened to take away the kids of the people who were court appointed to actually keep him safe!!! They done a mild "investigation" and still allow unsupervised weekend visits with thier mother. (who might I add during this incident was sporting a swollen black eye from her live in boyfriend in the projects)

Now the almost 4 yr old is stating that she doesn't want to go back that they hurt her!

We have called and called, and screamed to anyone who will listen.
What does it take? Something like THIS to happen? :shrug: :flamemad:

[Annie143]

Keep screaming ! You cannot let up ! If you do, you will be to blame because the case workers dont want to be bothered. JMO.
For the children, keep screaming, please.

This is why I tried to keep little Chandler Grafners name on this board, so he would not be forgotten.

Poor baby Ben. I wont forget him. :rose: I love the name Ben.

[funkyflower]

Originally posted by Annie143
Keep screaming ! You cannot let up ! If you do, you will be to blame because the case workers dont want to be bothered. JMO.
For the children, keep screaming, please.

This is why I tried to keep little Chandler Grafners name on this board, so he would not be forgotten.

Poor baby Ben. I wont forget him. :rose: I love the name Ben. [/*]

I just got a phonecall in stating that there will be a meeting with the DHS worker tomorrow with all parties involved. He stated that, "I'm tired of all these calls coming into us about this and want to know what is true and false!"

Tired? He's tired of all the calls??!! I advised my Aunt to show up with a tape recorder ...advise that it will be taped to all....and to never have another meeting again without it.

I'll never get TIRED.

Baby Ben tells us why we have to have that energy.:rose:

[Annie143]

This is good news, funky flower.

[walton]

Originally posted by interested


As of June 18th they were still scheduled for August 4th, I can't find a thing in the news about that schedule being delayed nor can I find anything indicating the hearing took place.

Most recent article I can find:

http://mortonlocalnews.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=148545

It only took six months for the entire world to forget Baby Ben. :( [/*]

The entire world hasn't forgotten little Ben. Just waiting for those slow wheels of Justice to start turning.

Thanks for the updated article.

[funkyflower]

Originally posted by Annie143
This is good news, funky flower. [/*]

It turned out great. She lost unsupervised weekends. She can only have them at a public place supervised.
A win :patriot:

[Lis73]

It only took six months for the entire world to forget Baby Ben.


:rose: I didn't forget about Baby Ben....:rose:

[walton]

http://www.pjstar.com/homepage/x544094331/Dead-babys-father-to-get-mental-exam

William Loeffel, who represents James Sargent, obtained permission to have his client examined by a mental health expert to determine if Sargent is fit to stand trial or if he was insane at the time of the baby's death.

In court motions, Loeffel said his client appears to be living in a "fantasy world" and has not been able to help him prepare for the case. Additionally, there are 15 years worth of mental health records that haven't been released in open court but apparently detail years of treatment.



Peoria County Circuit Judge James Shadid granted a request to push the trial date for the couple from Aug. 4 to Nov. 17.

[Annie143]

It turned out great. She lost unsupervised weekends. She can only have them at a public place supervised.
A win this makes me so happy ! funky flower ! You did a great job !

Lets keep Ben's memory alive. I appreciate all the people who bring updates to the board. I will always read and do what I can.

[Annie143]

Anything new on this case ? Another sad one.

[interested]

Anything new on this case ? Another sad one.


Scheduling conference 11/07/08

Trial, lacking any more delays 11/17/08

Nothing more recent than the mental health eval for James Sargent as far as I know.

http://www.peoriacountystatesattorney.org/practice%20develop.sargent-hermann.htm

[Heidi J.]

That is easy Candy. Just put them in a jail cell, solitary confinement together and let them starve until they eat each other. See which one gets eaten first before the other dies the same way they let the baby die. That should just about do it. Then sweep up the left overs and feed the alligators in Florida.

No muss ... no fuss. ;)

I think that is a splendid idea. Could I add to the list.. lets start with A.. Who has the last name that starts with an A, I would like to see punished..:rolleyes:

Children are a gift from God, not a disposable spork you get at Taco Bell..

I am sad to admit these people are human.:flamemad:

[walton]

Scheduling conference 11/07/08

Trial, lacking any more delays 11/17/08

Nothing more recent than the mental health eval for James Sargent as far as I know.

http://www.peoriacountystatesattorney.org/practice%20develop.sargent-hermann.htm


I haven't seen anything new in print but I suspect that something will pop up soon.

[walton]

http://www.dailyregister.com/state_news/x811429855/State-Briefs-10-10-08

The trial for a Peoria couple accused of allowing their 5-month-old son to starve to death has been pushed back from November to January.

Attorney William Loeffel, who represents James Sargent, sought the continuance. He said a mental-health evaluation for Sargent has not been completed, adding the report is already more than 500 pages long.


Trial rescheduled for Jan. 12th

[interested]

http://www.dailyregister.com/state_news/x811429855/State-Briefs-10-10-08

The trial for a Peoria couple accused of allowing their 5-month-old son to starve to death has been pushed back from November to January.

Attorney William Loeffel, who represents James Sargent, sought the continuance. He said a mental-health evaluation for Sargent has not been completed, adding the report is already more than 500 pages long.


Trial rescheduled for Jan. 12th

Thank you for the update Walton.

[Amy]

Also think about the fact that the baby was dropped off wearing a blue snow suit. He was found in the sme snow suit in an 80 degree room, eight days later!! think of how swealtering hot he must have been, sitting in his own waste in a snowsuit! and they have the nerve to say he was survived by his loving parent, yeah, right!

I was looking @ the thread from the beginning, and went to look up the obit (about the "loving parents" thing.) The Feb obits, of course, are no longer posted, but there was an infant obit and it also said "loving parents" so I am thinking that is just how the funeral home presents the information to the papers? A clerk or secretary who is given info--names, etc and just fills in the blanks on the form?

Not to say that the parents of the current baby should not be called "loving" but just that is seems that might be a fill in the blank form.

[Amy]

I'm sure the female parent knew the baby was dead when she claims to have left a bottle by his leg. He died with his eyes OPEN -so even though she claims she thought he was sleeping, its bs. (Apparently never crossed her mind just how long he had been in that carseat, or the fact he was in a snow suit, or the fact she knew SHE hadn't changed a diaper in days -just left him there.)

The suffering this child went through is just unimaginable torture and I can't think of a harsh enough punishment that fits the crime here. But I hope someone does and they both get it.

She isn't going to get away with claiming the baby wasn't her responsibility when she took off -the baby was already deep in the midst of sheer hell or already dead at that time. Either of which she certainly was responsible to do something about before gratifying herself.

An alley cat is a better mother.

Her comment that it was the "dad's" (and I use that term reluctantly) duty to care for Benjamin. Supposedly that would be because she had left to meet up w/internet love, so dad was responsible. I'm thinking those 2 sat there for the 8 days (and probably @ other times, too) "It's your turn to change the diaper" "I don't wanna get his bottle--he's YOUR baby, you do it." Both so engrossed in their video games or online love life, that each would insist the other has to take care of the baby. So, of course, no one did.

[Amy]

That is easy Candy. Just put them in a jail cell, solitary confinement together and let them starve until they eat each other. See which one gets eaten first before the other dies the same way they let the baby die. That should just about do it. Then sweep up the left overs and feed the alligators in Florida.

No muss ... no fuss. ;)

Just make sure they BOTH undergo sterilization procedures (of the surgical kind, sans anesthetic) before confining them together.

[Amy]

http://www.dailyregister.com/state_news/x811429855/State-Briefs-10-10-08

The trial for a Peoria couple accused of allowing their 5-month-old son to starve to death has been pushed back from November to January.

Attorney William Loeffel, who represents James Sargent, sought the continuance. He said a mental-health evaluation for Sargent has not been completed, adding the report is already more than 500 pages long.


Trial rescheduled for Jan. 12th

That is crap!!!! If there is anything that would point toward this POS being insane @ the time of Benjamin's MURDER, it would have come up in 3 month's time. They are stalling. He was living in a "fantasy world"--as has been pointed out--not so much that he couldn't feed himself, drinking whatever he chose, choosing video games, hopefully, getting up to use the bathroom (probably couldn't take the time for a shower, tho.)

Complete the darn thing already!!! Wonder if they will still be "evaluating" come the January date? :flamemad:

[walton]

http://www.peoriacountystatesattorney.org/practice%20develop.sargent-hermann.htm

*

05/04/09 09:00a.m. Jury Trial
*

04/24/09 09:00a.m. Scheduling Conference
*

01/12/08 09:00a.m. Jury Trial (Date vacated)
*

01/02/09 09:00a.m. Scheduling Conference (Date vacated)
*

11/17/08 09:00a.m. Jury Trial (Date vacated)
*

11/07/08 09:00a.m. Scheduling Conference (Date vacated)
*

10/09/08 01:00p.m. Motion Hearing
*

08/04/08 09:00a.m. Jury Trial (Date vacated)
*

07/25/08 09:00a.m. Scheduling Conference
*

05/12/08 09:00a.m. Jury Trial (Date vacated)
*

05/02/08 09:00a.m. Scheduling Conference
*

03/06/08 Public Defender Appointed
*

03/06/08 01:15p.m. Arraignment (Defendants Both Plead NOT GUILTY)
*

03/04/08 Case Assigned to Judge
*

02/22/08 2:30p.m. Motion Hearing
*

02/20/08 Public Defender Appointed
*

02/20/08 3:00p.m. Bonding Court (Defendants Held with No Bond)



What the heck? What do you suppose these folks are doing?

Little Benjamin was 5 months old.

This whole court thing is taking over a year before it goes to trial???

I say they have had enough time to "wrap" thing up. jmo

[LindaNJ1216]

sounds like an addiction to video games to me
They ate and drank.

They sound like worthless POS if ya ask me.

[krystal_klear]

I hope that insession will televise this trial..Most of all, I hope that the two POS get the DP, since Illinois is a DP state...oh shucks, no more video games....
for Benjamin, RIP sweet angel:rose:

[carolm]

Tru Tv does not carry live trials.......

I think they should be put in a prison cell with no food or water,
oh waite that would be cruel and unusual punishment

[JD1974]

I bet they are sitting in their cell thinking if only we would of fed him for another year, he would have been big enough to raid the fridge himself...total waste of air those two are.

[desmom]

Peoria man convicted in death of baby son
http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x342374759/Peoria-man-convicted-in-death-of-baby-son

Taking only a 10-minute break after the conclusion of the three-day trial, Peoria County Judge James Shadid found Sargent, 24, guilty of first-degree murder.

The finding of heinous and brutal conduct means Sargent could face up to 100 years in prison. He is to be sentenced June 25.

[Amy]

Thanks for the update. Hope the mom gets the same.

I see the defense attorney was grasping @ straws. The relationship w/the mom was deteriorating and that caused him to forget his 5 month old baby for 8 days? GMAB!!!!

He says he was the sole caretaker, and no one would help him? Which, by the way, contradicts what the attorney said. Did he ASK for help? He couldn't ask his mom when she called him a couple of times and he was happy and cheerful? barf Surely if there is parole, he won't get it.

[aproudmom]

omg how sick I hope they rot in U know were..so EVIL..:cursing:

[aproudmom]

Peoria man convicted in death of baby son
http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x342374759/Peoria-man-convicted-in-death-of-baby-son

Taking only a 10-minute break after the conclusion of the three-day trial, Peoria County Judge James Shadid found Sargent, 24, guilty of first-degree murder.

The finding of heinous and brutal conduct means Sargent could face up to 100 years in prison. He is to be sentenced June 25.

Thanks des for the update..I hope he never gets out...

[desmom]

That link does not work anymore.

Try this one: http://www.sj-r.com/news/x342374759/Peoria-man-convicted-in-death-of-baby-son

[walton]

Thanks for the updates.

[Annie143]

Thank you for updates. I hope Mom gets the same punishment, she is as much or more guilty, as a Mother.

Poor Ben. :rose:

[CHITCHAT]

I keep coming back to this page day after day. I can't get out of my head the two of them watching tv and playing games and eating while a 5 month old cried. and the first day or two he did cry. they just sat and lesson'd as a little baby cried his heart out? Do they not have any feelings as humans? my dog will come up to me if I cry. an animal will investigate when someone is destressed...and these two did nothing?

Please keep us updated one the out come of mommy's trial...

[darcie]

You are right Chitchat..... I don't understand it, nor do I want to understand it. There is NO excuse. He dissociated????his lawyer ought to be sitting in the jail cell next to him for trying to coverthis guys butt with such a lame excuse. There are no excuses. Period.

[Amy]

I keep coming back to this page day after day. I can't get out of my head the two of them watching tv and playing games and eating while a 5 month old cried. and the first day or two he did cry. they just sat and lesson'd as a little baby cried his heart out? Do they not have any feelings as humans? my dog will come up to me if I cry. an animal will investigate when someone is destressed...and these two did nothing?

Please keep us updated one the out come of mommy's trial...

I guess you make sure the door is closed. And turn the tv up loud enough to drown out any cries (altho, man, can babies cry LOUD!!!!) Wonder how close they were to anyone that would be disturbed by the loud tv? Some of those games DS and his friends play can get really loud, with a lot of cast action.

Don't know how big the place was they were in--but I am sure the baby was in whatever room was the furtherest from them. It would seem that when they stopped to go to the bathroom, they would hear the baby cry (@ first, when the baby was strong enough to cry.)