Central Texas Weather and News Authority
Home  ·   News  ·   Weather  ·   Sports  ·   Politics  ·   Job Board TV  ·   CarSoup  ·   Food  ·   Calendar  ·   TV  ·   Contact Us  ·   10 Cares  ·   Our Town Texas
Dot Com Daily · KWTX To Go · Desktop Alert · Fun & Games · Green Page · Soldier Greetings
The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING in effect until 6 pm for Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Navarro, Robertson, and Williamson counties in Central Texas. The combination of strong south winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation will create an extreme danger for grass fires across Central Texas this afternoon.
Win Tickets to the David Phelps Christmas Concert!
KWTX Gift Shoppe - Shop Now!
2008 High School Playoffs
Week 4 Pairings
Poll Question
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.
Show and Tell
Youc@st
Upload your favorite videos and pictures!
Blogs
Random thoughts by the News 10 team. Leave us your comments!
iWitness
You see it, you report it. News by you. Submit your news stories and photos.
News 10 My Way
KWTX.com
Make KWTX.com your browser's homepage.

.com Daily
Your News and weather and sports delivered to your inbox weekday mornings. Sign Up Now!

KWTX To Go
Anytime. Anywhere. Now you can get News 10 on your wireless device.

Desktop Alert
Get instant weather and news on your desktop. Download News 10 Alert FREE!
Texas Gas Prices
Parents Charged After Starving Teenage Girl Found In Home Save Email Print
29 comments
A | A | A

(October 14, 2008)--The father and stepmother of a teenage girl in Washington State are accused of withholding food and water from the 14-year-old whose treatment was so severe she weighed just 48 pounds when child welfare authorities removed her from the family’s home.

Prosecutors say Jon Pomeroy and his wife, Rebecca Long, could face as much as four years in prison if convicted of criminal mistreatment.

They were free on bond Tuesday.

The girl was removed from the family home east of Seattle in August after a neighbor called child welfare authorities.

Prosecutors say the mother told a deputy that she thought the girl had behavior problems, and that she restricted the girl's water as discipline, but girl told authorities she was given mostly toast to eat, and only about 6 ounces of water a day.

She said her stepmother even watched when she brushed her teeth to make sure she didn't drink extra water.

Court papers say she suffered severe malnutrition and dehydration.

She spent two weeks at a Seattle hospital.

Prosecutors say she's now in foster care and has gained more than 20 pounds.
More Stories
Early-Morning Fire Leaves Four Families Homeless

Second Man Pleads Guilty In Pot-Smoking-Toddlers Case

Missing Central Texas Alzheimer’s Patient Found

Central Texas Man Pleads Guilty To Bigamy Charge

 Nearly 900 Pounds Of Pot Found During Interstate Traffic Stop

Car Plows Into Parade Crowd in East Texas; Several Injured

Texas Woman Found Clinging To Life Alone In House

Texas Teen Will Bullet In Head Accepts Plea Deal
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Mae Location: Waco on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Ed,I know all about bio psycho mom. She's known for years where her children were and did nothing about it. She abandoned them years ago for an Internet lover, neglected them before that. She never paid her child support or anything else for her children.
Posted by: Tammy Location: China Spring on Oct 17, 2008 at 09:40 AM
I went to the Seattle paper's site, and read more about this case. The parents took the kids out of school years ago and isolated them from everyone. That explains why there wasn't more people involved. The bio-mom was not given custody years ago in Utah and the dad moved the family away. Another explanation. Also, the girl had not been to a dr. or dentist since 2002. Although her brother & the 2 family dogs were healthy, well-fed, & had all been to the dr. This girl's teeth were rotting so badly they had to be removed. Before any of you make judgements, get more info. These parents were released on minimal bond!!! There had also been a CPS investication a couple of years ago for the same reasons and nothing was done. These "parents" should be under the jail. This girl is now going to private school, lives in a loving home, and has gained 20 pounds. I will be praying that she sees justice, and 4 years just is not enough!
Posted by: terese Location: gatesville on Oct 16, 2008 at 07:35 PM
I hope that this story draws attention in every area it is run.I hope that it makes every person who thinks a child may be in a dangerous or unhealthy situation ask that child if he\she is alright. Not asking an endangered child if they need help is as wrong as doing the wrong yourself. WAKE UP AMERICA THESE ARE THE FACES OF OUR FUTURE. RAISE THEM UP IN THE WAY THEY SHALL GO.
Posted by: sad Location: waco on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Usually 3 out of 4 times the parents starving their children are miserably fat slobs. They never stop and think how despicable they are to deprive their children from food for one reason or the other. Some people do not need to be parents, so why on earth do they bring children in the world. What a sad story to see a poor child starve to death when food is readily available in the household. These parents deserve being put in a cell with no food to see what starving feels like!
Posted by: From 'round Here Location: Gatesville on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:40 AM
To "Taxpayer": I have read several of your comments and each time I come away shaking my head that some people could really be so hateful and ignorant. First of all, i'm a pro-lifer and here's what I think of your question. God created that baby for a purpose...perhaps to bring joy to a family that cannot reproduce. Who are these "slow" parents to decide who gets to live and who doesn't? Let me guess...you're one of those against the war in Iraq but for abortion? So, why don't you explain to me how that makes sense?
Posted by: wondering Location: temple on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:13 AM
my thoughts are: apparently, the daughter does have mental issues, or she would have said something when she was removed (I think the term is damaged body concept, or something like that.) also, the parents probably also have problems. there are a lot of people that are not "evil" or "sick" the way that everybody here is saying. they very well may be "mentally deficient", you know, "a little slow". there are a lot of things about this case that have not been made public, and until that time, it is human nature to try to blow things out of proportion, and over dramatize...the reality is probably just not that way.
Posted by: Amen MelP Location: In Front on Oct 16, 2008 at 07:13 AM
MelP - Excellent comments Taxpayer...your kidding I hope. No wait, your not, I already know....sad
Posted by: sherry Location: gatesville on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:40 PM
They would of gotten more time in prison if it had been a dog that was starved. How can this even happen? Was there nobody around to check on this little girl - grandparents, teachers, friends? What a sad world we live in.
Posted by: MelP Location: Waco on Oct 15, 2008 at 05:04 PM
TAXPAYER, you are an idiot. Abortion was legal 14 years ago just as it is today. So what happened to that innocent girl has nothing to do with the fact that her mom didn't have the ability to terminate the pregnancy. This case has nothing to do with pro-life or pro-abortion. And how dare you argue that babies should be killed before they are born because there is a chance something evil will happen to them in life. You have as much of a chance of something horrible happening to you, and yet I am sure you would fight with every bit of your strength for your survival. That precious teenage girl can make this world a better place regardless of the torment she has gone through and you insult all victims of abuse by suggesting they would be better off dead.
Posted by: Julie Location: Waco on Oct 15, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Why only 4 years? This is really sad!!!! They should be starved until they die!!!
Posted by: Joh Location: Waco on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:51 PM
again another story to me that really doesn't make any sense, they said the 14 yr. old was removed from the home in Aug. ok now why did she not try to tell someone or seek help at school or something if she truly only weighed 48 lbs. seems to me if someone or something should have been done or noticed before it came to this extent, a lot of puzzling questions, i just don't get it.
Posted by: Ed Location: Waco on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Father & Step-mother.........Wheres the biological mother at while this sick ____ was happening?
Posted by: crazy ppl out here Location: waco on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:15 PM
This is crazy... i think they should be fed toast and 6 oz. of water and be watched when brushing their teeth so they know how it feels... they deserve more than 4 years yall make it seem like this ok to do...
Posted by: Elida Location: Belton on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:14 PM
There is something wrong with these people. Why are they going to get three meals a day? Their poor daughter did not! I agree that they should also be given the same amount of food and water as their daughter to see what it would feel like.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 15, 2008 at 12:07 PM
TAXPAYER, you sound so stupid. What does pro choice have to do with an evil stepmother?
Posted by: Annette Location: Giddings on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:34 AM
As much as four years? What is wrong with our Justice system? If the girl had not been found she would have surely died. I think four years does not fit the crime. I say burn in hell!!!!
Posted by: S Location: Texas on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:27 AM
They deserve to sit in jail for a lot longer and ROt because they are being held without food or water.. These people are SICK!!!! I pray for this girl, and Hopefully her life will get back to normal!
Posted by: ally Location: killeen on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Why do we kill if someone kills....an eye for an eye right? well why can't we do the same crimes these suspects commit on their victims??? STARVE EM'
Posted by: TAXPAYER Location: WACO on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Once again another reason for the right to choose...PRO CHOICE. Some people should not be parents PERIOD. So what are all you pro-lifers going to do now?
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:15 AM
This couple was evil and will get what they deserve. I just hope that poor girl gets her happy ending.
Posted by: Parent Location: waco on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Poor baby, and all they are facing is four years!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 14, 2008 at 07:42 PM
SICK, SICK, SICK, STARVE THEM TO DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Angie Location: Belton on Oct 14, 2008 at 06:04 PM
4 years in prison, with a roof over their heads and 3 suare meals a day is not PUNISHMENT for what these psychos did to their daughter. I say, give them a lobotomy before they are released, and sterilize them too so they don't have any more children.
Posted by: chris Location: waco on Oct 14, 2008 at 06:03 PM
they deserve more than four years
Posted by: WOW on Oct 14, 2008 at 06:02 PM
What is this world coming to? They need to stick their behinds in a cage and starve them to death...she has wicked parents.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 14, 2008 at 05:28 PM
they should starve both of the parents until they die!!!!!
Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on Oct 14, 2008 at 04:51 PM
What in the world is wrong with some parents now a days? What makes this mother think that disciplining her daughter by restricting her intake of water was going to do? She should be starved and not given water and see what she thinks of it. Make someone stand there while she brushes her teeth and pees just to make sure she doesn't try and take some of it to drink. These parents are monsters and should never have a child within their reach around them ever again. Children are a gift from God and no one has a right to harm or endanger them. If the girl was having problems, then go get help, don't starve her till she dies. This is just pure evil.
Posted by: Jv Location: Bryan on Oct 14, 2008 at 04:39 PM
SICKO'S! I cannot understand why people starve & abuse their kids! I say put them in jail and starve them, see how they like it!
Posted by: Linda Location: Central Texas on Oct 14, 2008 at 04:32 PM
They should be locked up and not fed, watered or allowed to take a bath and no restroom. Then Hung
Latest Video
AP Video
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
KWTX Half Price Gift Shoppe
Holiday shopping on a budget! Check out the Holiday Half-Off Gift Shoppe at KWTX.com, where you will find $50 gift certificates for only $25, beginning November 10th.
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
10 On Your Side
Answers from our experts on topics that affect YOU.
Soldier Stories
Stories about what the men and women deployed overseas are doing to make a difference.
Chef Walter
Need a fresh idea for dinner? Check out thousands of FREE recipes
Station Information
Job Board TV
See the latest video job postings.
Program Guide
Check out when your favorite TV programs are on.
Contact News 10
Information about KWTX.		 Meet the News 10 Team
Read about your favorite News 10 personalities.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!

Part-Time Registered Nurse Labor and Delivery Dept. (7P - 7A) - Qualified candidates must possess a Texas license with two (2) years of experience preferred. Minimum requirement of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN).



Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
 View More Jobs.
 
Home - News - Weather - Sports - Politics - Job Board TV - CarSoup - Food - Calendar - TV - Contact Us - 10 Cares - Our Town Texas -
Dot Com Daily - KWTX To Go - Desktop Alert - Fun & Games - Green Page - Soldier Greetings -
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - EEO Statement - FCC Form 388
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2008 - Designed and Powered by Clickability