Couple in Minnesota Charged with Starving 8-Year-Old, Tying Her Up So She Couldn’t Access Medicine
In a heart-wrenching case that has shocked the local community, 30-year-old Brett Hallow and his 28-year-old wife Sarah Hallow are facing charges related to the tragic death of their 8-year-old daughter, Autumn. The couple has been charged with murder in the second degree and manslaughter in the first degree. Currently held in police custody without bond since last Friday, the Hallows vehemently deny any involvement in their daughter’s untimely demise.
According to the allegations put forth in charging documents and the Star Tribune, Autumn was subjected to prolonged physical abuse within the confines of her family’s apartment. Disturbingly, it is alleged that her parents would tie her up when they believed she was misbehaving. Moreover, they allegedly withheld food from her, leading to her emaciation and eventual demise. At the time of her death, Autumn’s weight had plummeted to a shocking 45 lbs, significantly below the expected weight for her age.
Local authorities were alerted to the situation last week on Thursday when they promptly responded to a distress call from the Hallows’ apartment in Elk River. Upon arrival, they discovered Sarah Hallow desperately attempting chest compressions on Autumn in her bedroom, as reported by People. The couple claimed to have found their daughter partially submerged face-down in the bathtub. However, investigators later found blood inside the bathroom and identified suspicious marks on Autumn’s forehead resembling pinpricks. Additionally, the young girl’s fingers displayed a telltale blue coloration, indicating distress. The autopsy conducted on Autumn’s remains further revealed puncture wounds on her head and abdomen, as well as bleeding within her brain. Bruising was also noted on her hands and hips.
“The condition of Autumn’s body suggests that she had been deceased for some time,” state the charging documents, highlighting the severity of the situation. During the autopsy, significant muscle wastage and hair loss were also observed, leading the authorities to believe that asphyxiation may have been the cause of her death.
Disturbing accounts from Autumn’s siblings further implicate Brett and Sarah Hallow. The couple’s 6-year-old son revealed that they would restrain Autumn using a belt, subsequently confining her within a sleeping bag with only her head exposed. Furthermore, her hands were habitually bound behind her back using a shirt. This abusive treatment was reportedly inflicted upon Autumn as a form of punishment for alleged misbehavior. Corroborating these claims, Autumn’s 10-year-old sister revealed that their parents prevented Autumn from receiving necessary medication.
In the midst of this tragic situation, Brett and Sarah Hallow continue to maintain their innocence, denying any involvement in their daughter’s deteriorating condition and eventual demise.
