Son Allegedly Locked in a Box Testifies Against Father

[@CourtTV]

MORE HERE: www.courttv.com/news/fl-v-timothy-ferriter-boy-in-the-box-trial/?

[@theoryofpersonality1420]

There's no allegedly here.

[@flirtygirl2569]

MENTAL ABUSE LAST LONGER THAN PHYSICAL FACT.

[@tlmorgan586]

I think that it’s disgusting that you had that clown on saying it was ok for him to be put in a box and joking about it.

[@TM-rk5dj]

There is no justification for imprisoning a child like that. Period.

[@NYC2023-du8mg]

Exactly !!!

[@GRMLS5]

This is not being sent to your room for time out, this is solitary confinement in a box. This is punitive. The two on the panel that think this is ok to discipline a child, are delighted to get men out of prison…talk about a paradox.

[@jodiforeman3314]

The mother must have known

[@Mrs.Robinsons]

A boy in a box- lmao He's 16 ! In UTAH I was married off with a child at that age- Gma was 14- LD$/FLD$ polygamy is still a thing here. But we become accustomed to abuse and he probably didnt even realize the norms for life. Ruby Franke being tried in UT now! Too many kids because the Bible says so.

[@sjs-stev]

@@Mrs.Robinsons are you not aware that he was kept in isolation for years. It didn’t just start recently.

[@SuzanneGoins1981]

He took his power back being in the same room as his dad testifying

[@Nurturing2]

Extremely BRAVE❣️

[@redcharm6173]

Yes , very proud of the young man.

[@cynthiahagerman5718]

Bothered me at 1st. Tnought son may be intimidated ny him. But that young man stood his ground and told his story

[@blitzmom2674]

@@redcharm6173 I think you are being conned.

[@blitzmom2674]

@@cynthiahagerman5718 didn't seem to have any problem holding his ground when he was holding a classmate against the wall by his throat. Standing his ground and being violently abusive to others is his forte.

[@Carene1610]

So if you can’t handle an adopted child……let’s lock it in a box? Why not tell authorities that you aren’t able to cope. What is wrong with this world?

[@cynthiahagerman5718]

They had endless opportunities to get the correct help. They are quacks. Both of them. All kids should be removed frim this home.

[@LastBruhStanding]

Probably getting money from the county or state.

[@kaiyin3842]

But yall do realise that if he did call the cops on his son, his son would have been 🔒 in juvi instead? With other notorious kids who could hurt him or be a bad influence to him? Not reporting his son to the cops means his son still got to go to school and stuff and he could still take care of his son. I don’t really support his actions, I think his form of discipline is too extreme BUT yall who suggest he should have reported his son to the cops or Psychiatrists, do not realise the IRONY in what yall say 😅

[@mbpallante]

I agree, what is happening to this world.

[@tishwitch]

​@@kaiyin3842no one suggested reporting their son to the police. There are literally government organizations who work with families of at-risk youth, they offer counseling, respite, even care homes. And they had the personal means to hire help. There are trained professionals who could have come into the home to assist in developing programs. This child was adopted from overseas and had fairly normal mental health issues for their early life. Reactive Attachment Disorder is painfully common in adopted children. There are TONS of resources that they didn't utilize. And I guarantee putting a child who suffers from emotional issues in a dang box didn't help him any.

[@rosiew777]

Still doesn’t excuse the abuse both mentally & emotionally. Especially for adoptive children.

[@trailrunner925]

right? many adoptees feel "unwanted" and like they don't belong simply because they are not with their biological parents.

[@leftfinned]

As an adoptee myself I can confirm this is true and I have amazing adoptive parents. It is like living your entire life with very nice strangers..

[@Mrs.Robinsons]

A way to make $$$ Kids should not be social, religious and entrapment Pawns !

[@mistyl1987]

My son was violent when he was younger, even kicked me in the stomach while i was pregnant with his little brother. I could have never thought up locking him in a tiny room with a bucket for a bathroom facility.

[@cynthiahagerman5718]

THERE IS NOTHING ON THE PLANET THAT CAN JUSTIFY THIS ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR.

[@jodiforeman3314]

How did the other kids not know

[@judithgannon5642]

He tortured animals. I'm curious. What would you do?

[@corey5860]

No parent should lock a child in a box or a room. Disgusting.

[@jodiforeman3314]

Hopefully he will be locked up and know he’s in a box and think about what he’s done

[@theoryofpersonality1420]

He was adopted. That makes it even worse.

[@franklinholt8054]

U MEAN LIKE A "TIME OUT?" That happens in EVERY HOUSEHOLD with young children everyday!

[@heidicowles3559]

​@@franklinholt8054a "timeout" normally doesn't entail LOCKING your child in ANYTHING.... for godssake

[@GwendolynWilliams-e1m]

​@@franklinholt8054how many times were locked in a cage.

[@VioletJoy]

I'm shocked that the parents are allowed to chat with each other. No one takes the fool at the end seriously. 🙄

[@catalinacurio]

Me too!

[@deniseblackburn33]

Wouldn't happen in Reno NV ......

[@RaeAnn_1202]

They are both out on bond. It isn’t like they are separated outside of court.

[@eh1702]

Unfortunately, the fool at the end has just handed malicious sadistic sociopaths who have children a whole bunch of self-justification for waging psychological war on their children.

[@Angelac3152]

If the wife is having a separate trial, why is she allowed at this one?

[@heatherm2428]

Prisoners have indoor plumbing. This is abuse and is not justified in any situation.

[@eh1702]

They also get daylight, by law, outdoor exercise by law, a lamp they can turn on, access to water and a few foodstuffs they can choose, and a daily period of association by law - and freedom from 24/7 electronic surveillance: because otherwise even mature adults go psychotic.

[@michah321]

what horrifies me even more than what these people did, is how many people justify what these people did.

[@heatherm2428]

@@michah321 100% Their cheerleaders sitting behind them is so sickening. I am really struggling with the demeanor of this couple in this trial. They are pure evil.

[@michah321]

@@heatherm2428 They really are....

[@tammyorton6356]

​@@heatherm2428 Yes, they should have just turned him into the juvenile police right away, and let THEM lock him up, for trying to STAB someone with a screwdriver...... Or for taking a box cutter to school for no apparent reason (wink,wink) Maybe his parents should have pressed charges against him when he injured their youngest child, his brother, whom was a toddler!!!! Or the patents could have just turned him over to the police, for illegally hacking into a computer, which is against the law! But No! The pure evil parents saved their own son, from juvenile prison!

[@tcurry1531]

It is hard to watch these parents smile when all that they did to this boy was testified to. They are truly evil.

[@jodiforeman3314]

Hopefully both of them Get put in boxes with locked doors from The outside with bars

[@awopbopaloobopawopbamboom5041]

​​​​​​​​​@@jodiforeman3314yeah, but even if they are, THEIR TREATMENT IN PRISON WILL STILL BE MUCH MORE HUMANE THAN ALL OF WHAT THEY SUBJECTED *THIS CHILD* TO!!! :- EG: THEY'LL HAVE A WINDOW (ALBEIT ONE WITH BARS ON THE OUTSIDE); THEY'LL LIKELY HAVE AC; THEY'LL HAVE AN ACTUAL TOILET AS OPPOSED TO A FREAKIN SLOP BUCKET!?!.... THEY'LL LIKELY HAVE A CELL MATE AND ENTERTAINMENT PROVISIONS WITH THEM:- THEY CAN PURCHASE A FLAT SCREEN TV FROM THE COMMISSARY; THEY CAN ALSO ORDER AND BUY WHATEVER SNACKS THEY WANT FROM THAT COMMISSARY TOO (BUT WHEN HE TOOK ANY SNACK, LIKE ANY AND EVERY SINGLE GROWING MALE TEENAGER DOES AND NEEDS TO (BECAUSE THEY'RE GROWING!!) - THEY CALLED THAT *"STEALING",* PUNISHABLE BY *EXTREME ISOLATION IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN HIS BOX!?!);* THEY'LL LIKELY GET TO BE IN GEN POP, SO THEY'LL STILL HAVE PLENTY OF COMPANY (ALBEIT "THE COMPANY" AREN'T USUALLY MASSIVE FANS OF CONVICTED CHILD ABUSERS!?!); THEY'LL GET TO PARTAKE IN GROUP ACTIVITIES IN PRISON (WHEN HE, *A CHILD, WAS FORCED TO ENDURE ABUSE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TORMENT, AND THEN SIT, BORED, WITH NO ENTERTAINMENT TO DISTRACT HIM FROM HIS MENTAL ANGUISH, IN HIS PRISON IN THEIR GARAGE* - THAT'S DIABOLICALLY INHUMANE.... I MEAN *PEOPLE RIGHTFULLY SCREAM IN UTTER DISGUST AND PROTEST AT ANIMALS BEING SUBJECTED TO SUCH CONDITIONS - NO LIVING CREATURES SHOULD HAVE TO ENDURE SUCH CRUELTY LADEN, TORTUROUS CONDITIONS, LET ALONE A CHILD!!!)* *WHAT - THE ACTUAL FVCK - WERE THEY EVEN THINKING...?!?!* 👀🤨 😲😱🫣😡🤬👿😥😭😣🙏🕊️

[@christinacorley1534]

For me it says a lot that they lied to investigators and to the contractor when asked about the reason for the box…..if they truly believed that what they were doing was for their protection and good parenting then why lie? If I was a juror I would want to know the answer to that.

[@pbj0815]

Exactly!!!!!! Ugh it makes me furious!

[@Heseesyou]

So where did you get that they lied about the room? Did I miss it? Or is this your guess?

[@notthatronjohnson1187]

​@@Heseesyougreat question.

[@joceery]

@@Heseesyou it was in the police reports.

[@eh1702]

It is creepy how many people can overlook evil just because it looks calm.

[@DR-mq1vn]

The box violates fire codes! He was locked in with no window. If fire, he couldn't escape!

[@VioletJoy]

That's a key element here.

[@blitzmom2674]

yes that's the problem with this time out room. It should have been a bedroom in the house, preferably with its own bath. I don't get the room built in the garage.

[@jjwoelkers7954]

I wonder if they’ll bring that up!

[@VioletJoy]

@@blitzmom2674 And, to be accurate, it wasn't a "time out room" anyway. He basically lived in there unless he was doing chores or going to school according to his testimony. Being locked in with no access to water or a bathroom isn't a consequence; it's abuse.

[@jodiforeman3314]

How could he forgive these monsters and wish them Well

[@kwest5171]

And shame on Court TV for allowing sparkly jacket to have a platform for his abusive nonsense.

[@jaej1120]

Josh (sparkly jacket) usually disagree with everybody else.

[@kwest5171]

@@jaej1120 He's literally advocating abuse. That has no place on this platform. Shame on him.

[@jaej1120]

I totally agree!

[@astaraoneill9166]

Agreed!

[@Angelac3152]

That Elton John wannabe is always here, and always a mess.

[@reneefurrer2712]

I pray this young man will get the justice he deserves.

[@jeanettesmith765]

I hope the parents get severe consequences.

[@michah321]

I do too. I really do.

[@kaylamanor]

Me too

[@sherriwilson9226]

I believe this boy is trying to make the parents seem not as bad because he wants desperately for them to be his family. Kinda of like an abused wife who doesn’t want her husband to stop loving her!! IMO

[@laurawrld2097]

My thoughts too!

[@janethefriend-awakened33]

those folks are trash. i hope this child has a winning life in the future.

[@jodiforeman3314]

Stalkolm syndrome

[@amandanegrete1306]

That’s a very good point. It’s obvious this poor young man is really struggling to articulate himself.

[@sherriwilson9226]

@@jodiforeman3314 yes ! I couldn’t think of the name but that’s what I believe is happening here

[@mimimonster]

As a parent of a child with a severe mood disorder, this is outrageous. This child needed serious help, not to be imprisoned in a locked room like this. I do not care if he was out of control, many children with psychological issues are but this has to stop happening.

[@BirdieBurrito]

I hope the guy in the glasses is joking. His argument of LOCKING a CHILD into a room, isolating him, and forcing him to relieve himself in a BUCKET and saying that it’s appropriate discipline for a child who is struggling is absolutely disgusting. Who knows, maybe this child was acting out because, I don’t know, HE WAS LOCKED IN A BOX ALL THE TIME

[@sharonkriskovich5911]

This gòof in the glasses is Josh shiffer he's a defence attorney that's always on cour TV he defends all the things the parents did he's a sick fff he needs to be locked in a room with a bucket let's see how the fat a likes it they could of taken him to the welfare office and told them they couldn't handle him the way the whole family sits there smirking is sickening

[@brittneyp282]

"It's better than whooping them" Okay sooooo that doesn't mean a whole lot? Why is he acting like locking him up in his own home does anything? It's literally like adopting an adult dog and when you don't like how they behave just lock them in a crate. When they come out the behavior isn't fixed and now they have a lot of pent(spelling?) energy. He is crazy for thinking this is okay. I'm sure he believes locking up criminals and throwing away the key solves problems too 🙄. The way he was saying it too was like his opinion is correct and everyone else is an idiot and beneath him. Pretentious!(spelling, sorry). I just dont know how he could think a family that is that loaded to build a room without a window or a bathroom and locks on the outside of the door is the best solution? I mean he needs time commitment from other humans, not less! They should know that having to go through the adoption process. Locking him up is so wildly extreme. If he was that bad that they couldn't control him at all they could have literally sent him to one of those shitty wilderness camps for 6+ months or until he is "rehabilitated" 🙄😒

[@jaej1120]

The guy with the glasses (Josh) was on Court TV Ted Rowland segment today repeating these same comments.

[@Heseesyou]

​@@brittneyp282you must have come from alot of trauma 😢 your words are from deep wounds like many on these threads in this case. 😢😢 You are not speaking from experience with this behavior and can not even imagine the day to day decisions that need to be made to help him and the other 5 family members live. With that said, institutions, camps, juvenile hall need to be last resorts. His behavior was foolishness and yes it was formed under there care.. it was manifested by their parenting style yrs prior. Listen to how many times she tells her 4 yr old to go to the bath with his cars. On top of parenting a rebellious child that cannot be trusted.. have you ever infused life into life and then the byproduct roars its head and you try to get it down by being pro active? Well do I agree to the extreme of his punishments? Well I have to my shame been a child from 5 foster homes, before the age of 6 then adopted by my bio aunt who was 20 with my 8 yr old sister😢 she married her 24 yr old male roommate to gain custody of us. She got a fat check and was a coke addict, she was a Manger at a local roller rink and we would end up living there 5 days a week from 2pm til 10 pm And go back so she could skate on the weekends 😮 The life I saw as a child there was so sexual, so perverted.. I got groomed early. It went on none stop til I was 10 when it shut down. By 11 I met my bio mom who got out of prison on her like 4th term.. 😢 she was a wife of the hells angles and he was very high up in the chapter. I ran away with her and started doing meth, pot and smoking, drinking like it was absolutely normal.. sex at 12 molested 2 times before 11😢 I was helping my mom make her shots because she was a needle user with meth😢 By 13 I had had armed burglar charges.. my mom got raided at 12 and I got sent back to my aunt as a drug addict😢 went to institutions, mental hospitals, pills, programs, group home.. at 13 I got found by police for the crime I commited 2 yrs prior. I did a yr in jail and 3 yrs of house arrest and probation. I was married at 16 and a baby at 17.. addicted to drugs😢 if him going to those places you would think would be a great option.. you should hear me clear. I slept 5 ft from a baby murder and all the other females were way more extreme then me.. and I was extreme 😢😢 you will learn so many more sinful ways .. you will get beat up, raped, molested.. you will fight for your life. I see this teenager and I think.. dang he got it real good in that room.. not a box. A jail cell is way smaller then that.. he got privacy and gets a bucket. Try pooping infront of baby killers and molesters, and people who will choke you out if you talk to much or talk to lil😢 He earned his discipline and its not a drop in the bucket on what you would receive in juvenile hall or institutions 😮 better rethink what buzz words people use and the whole matter in this situation. P.s I met Jesus christ at 24 and I'm 44 19 yrs I'm instantly made new.. no drugs no violence, no more jail, no more pimping girls, no more bad mom of 6 children.. all by repenting and meeting the real Jesus christ in my living room.. not church, not a Bible study or sinners prayer. I cried out for mercy and he knew I was ready. I pray for you, for these parents, for these people who watch this too all get on their knees and cry out for mercy and get serious with the living christ ❤ he can heal the deepest, darkest, wickedness in a person's life.. IM HIS WITNESS ❤❤❤❤❤ HE SETS THE CAPTIVES FREE ❤❤❤ REPENT! AND TURN IN FAITH AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL ❤

[@sharonkriskovich5911]

The comantaters on court TV don't say a damn word about fat boys nasty comments sticking up for these sick parents they don't say anything that's sick to

[@attunementtarot]

The guy in the glitter jacket is DANGEROUS! This almost makes me thinkbthat he is an actor, behaving as devil's advocate here. Such outdated and proven false beliefs about abuse: at least he wasn't hit. Seriously? SMDH.

[@SilentThundersnow]

And it's dangerous for Court TV to give him a platform. We've seen what can happen with the likes of Alex Jones etc. It really makes me mad that they bring him on just for outrage. I won't be back if he's on here again.

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

@SilentThundersnow neither will I, his input is outrageous; defending child abuse.

[@kira5868]

These people are you serious this boy had no bathroom he had to breath it in, he had no light for 16 hours a day, no air flow, no room to move, missing meals, they had an extra room the computer room that can be turned into a bed room this is abuse no one deserves that treatment if he’s out of hand it’s because he has had a troubled past he’s been adopted most children who are adopted come from abusive families. These parents took it way too far and everybody knows it.

[@trailrunner925]

They treated him like a dog you put in the doghouse, on a chain. It's not clear if his "acting out" by bringing a box cutter to school BEGAN when he was 11, or if it occurred LATER, after being isolated and separated from the family as "not worthy" of belonging and acceptance. Teens can be volatile. I had a friend with 2 adopted children, and while staying with them for a month or two, i was told that the kitchen knives were hidden for a reason, and that the son was never left alone with the adopted daughter; however, at no time would being "isolated in a locked room" have been considered, nor the indignity of making someone relieve themselves in a bucket that they had to smell all night. Just disgusting.

[@jodiforeman3314]

Hope these parents get put in boxes with bars

[@firststepshardest1656]

If you think that the parents did the right thing, then you're a horrible person.

[@toni3901]

I am not saying or defending the parents. Case workers are underpaid and overworked. This young man is going to be a great person he sounds like he knows right from wrong and very smart. He is in honor classes.

[@blitzmom2674]

@@toni3901 so I guess holding another kid against the wall by the throat, threatening another with a screwdriver, taking a box cutter to school is signs of a "Great person". Sheesh. He may be intelligent, but he was violent and abusive to others. And manipulative too.

[@jillionairess]

@@toni3901 Then he is the exception. Not the rule. And he shouldn't care less if his caseworker is overworked.

[@toni3901]

@blitzmom2674 I did not say that, like he said, his parents made mistakes. We all make mistakes. Many adults are still making mistakes. Let's see how he develops as he grows. I don't know these people.

[@toni3901]

@blitzmom2674 we have children, and each child is different.

[@blue_moon6490]

I am a 55 year old survivor of an adoptive parent’s abuse. This story brings back so many of my own memories. My prayers for the children that have been traumatized by these monsters, both husband and wife. This young man is 16 and has no idea of the unconscious, long term effects of what has happened. I hope these monsters get treated the same in jail.

[@mandychadwick8762]

❤

[@Holly_C_OConnell]

It sounds like this child is extremely intelligent and had nothing to keep his mind occupied in the box. Of course he will get angry

[@CarrieBoslough]

Sounds like a genius IQ.

[@brittneyp282]

He needs some true familial compassion/interaction. I mentioned this in another comment. But if you adopt a dog and it has behaviors that you don't like you spend time with them reinforcing the good behavior and sternly and clearly express the bad behavior is not acceptable. Not lock them up in their cage so when they come out they have even more energy and aggression. Smart beings need way more stimulus and challenges. It's not easy but it's a time commitment. I bet if they adopted a dog like that they would just take it back. Seems like they want the image of a good family but do nothing to actually achieve that.

[@Holly_C_OConnell]

What is Mr Sparkle and the lady talking about?! I was born and raised in Arizona and am still here. There are TONS of options for children with emotional and behavioral issues. Parents in AZ have no excuse to put their children in a room like that. A child stuck in a box is going to have these problems BECAUSE he’s been raised in a box.

[@Ms.T-qh2ys]

The attorney who is condoning this father's use of the box should be forced to sit in there for 18 hrs and deprived of just 1 meal.

[@63Clocks]

and in the complete dark too

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

She’s got a job to do. I never fault a lawyer for trying to do their job. Her tone was a bit combative though, this was the first time I’ve felt some “ick” towards a defense lawyer tbh.

[@benp4529]

He wouldn’t fit in that box

[@yerolinezennette1637]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@jeffedwards6570]

And crap in a bucket

[@carriewittbrodt5072]

Jupiter FL is where Burt Reynolds owned a home. Just saying that this family had money and should have gotten perfessional help, not putting him in solitary in a wooden box without a window built in a garage?,, less than prisoners get. They lied about the actual reason it was being built.

[@JD0586]

That kid talks exceptionally well & conveys his thoughts better than most adults.

[@michah321]

It doesn't matter if there is no help, you STILL aren't able to abuse your kid.

[@manarcabrera2528]

He’s not his father, he’s a man who regretted adopting a child and decided he could abuse him. The same goes for the woman not a mother.

[@cynthiahagerman5718]

They tried complete sensory deprivation in a prison years ago. Padded wheels on carts even. DROVE ALL NUTS INCLUDING THE GUARDS. NEVER NEVER SHOULD BE DONE

[@mistylavae2433]

I’m shocked the guy in the sequin jacket and orange glasses feels this way. This is horrible treatment and the boy should be able to be treated as the other children in the home. Absolutely ridiculous!!

[@ashleyholland]

I was completely thrown off. It’s amazing how many people actually agree with him!

[@charrielyn1231]

I’m stunned.

[@JorjaJankowski]

I thought he was joking. Whoa there

[@lolabear3230]

Bet fatty wouldnt have the same attitude if it was him in a box living on penut butter sandwiches

[@Nancy-nx9cf]

The mentality Josh schiffer the guy in the glasses , is scary. What the Ferriters did is no different than the Franke family from KZbin; even if they sought professional help. Bad advice is not a legal defense.

[@rosiew777]

Maybe he was acting out because of the abuse ! They had money, they could of got him help. He could be on the spectrum. His matter of fact answers and his view on things as “literal”

[@blitzmom2674]

They did try to get him help. The shrink advised cutting back on sugar to control his violent rages. HEnce the no processed snacks rule the prosecution complained about. No one is addressing the violent rages this kid reportedly expressed.

[@tjones5399]

​@@blitzmom2674 can i check ur basement cause u sound pathetic

[@xoxodestinydawn]

There is no excuse for how they treated this child. However, if he was exhibiting symptoms of being a potential threat to his school, peers, or family, they should have had the opportunity and ability to reach out to someone. Especially with the kind of money they had at their disposal.

[@Nurturing2]

5:41 Grabbing and pushing is physical abuse. My approach to coping with trauma was cerebral. I always strived to understand why a person made such choices. I approached it from a philosophical or intellectual perspective so as to avoid the feelings associated with the pain I suffered. God bless this young man. He has a lifetime of healing to endure. 💔 14:34 These two attorneys defending the parents lack empathy and compassion. Their EQ is non-existent and I’m disgusted.

[@blitzmom2674]

The son abused others physically, stole and threatened others with weapons like a screw driver and a box cutter. If your kid was the one held up against the wall by his throat maybe you would feel differently? When the baby was really hurt on his face due to this kid's behavior, he didn't show any remorse, did he?

[@kathystreet7751]

They weren’t even feeding his child properly.

[@jayesimond9301]

This defendant is dead cold. He turned down the plea deal knowing he would continue his abuse on this kid by subjecting him to relive his years of abuse thru cross examination under his watchful eyes. He’s got zero remorse and like all abusers is full of excuses for victimizing his kid. Note that all his other kids might have wondered at some point if they could end up in that box too…

[@sheilarainey218]

Thinks going buy his way out creep

[@blitzmom2674]

I don't notice the kid having much remorse for what he did to others.

[@jodiforeman3314]

That kid has Stockholm syndrome

[@blitzmom2674]

@@jodiforeman3314 We don't know what he has at this point.

[@jayesimond9301]

@@blitzmom2674 Unlike the adults in his life, right? He’s been subjected to being locked up in a cell-like room specially built-for him since age 11. Crucial information is to find out whether his physical outbursts have significantly worsened at that time. In our society, children who are a danger to themselves or to others are institutionalized, at the very least under close psychiatric supervision, none of whom his parents, who claimed « having tried everything », deemed necessary. Anyone who thinks it’s ok to confine an elderly w/dementia, a bipolar spouse going manic, or an autistic kid in a pitch black windowless 8x8 cell w/a bucket for toilet, actually belongs in that box.

[@tonyamercooloff]

There are no excuses for abuse period....

[@timquitzau1510]

NOTHING F*CKING JUSTIFIES PUTTING YOUR SON IN A BOX!!! If he had problems he should have the help for it NOT BE PUT IN A BOX!!!

[@JosephSettle-xe8mh]

I mean I saw it I’m not saying it wasn’t abuse but I thought it be way worse he wasn’t living in a box

[@Adagiowellness]

This is not considered a room for many reasons beyond what is mentioned in this media clip. It is a box built in a garage with a mattress no window, no closet no light switch and the lock is bolted from the outside so the kid is stuck inside the room. He cannot control whether the lights are on or off. Really hard to hear him not blame his parents and claim they made a mistake. A mistake is not behavior. Behavior is a pattern. Who thinks that a mistake and a pattern are the same thing? This is pure abuse, neglect, willful ignorance, so sad. 0:04

[@Heseesyou]

No this is good parenting! Did you get abused and neglected as a youth? Perhaps your bringing in unresolved issues and it's blinding you to truth.. 😮😢

[@jojobee42]

Even just the very fact that they treated him differently than their other kids, that has major psychological affect on a person. He was treated like a dog, literally. Even his diet was different - he got the other kids' leftovers as his dinner. The separation alone is beyond damaging.

[@blitzmom2674]

where was the testimony that he got the other kids leftovers for his dinner?

[@Bennyruss2634]

I treat my animals better than they treated their son!!

[@tjones5399]

Nope, not like a dog. My dogs sleep in a warm bed with me every night and eats a nice meal twice a day. Never been locked in a cage

[@vsbaretummysugastonguetech1540]

Anyone, who thinks it’s ok to leave a kid in a box for 18 hours, without anyone to talk to, without light, and with only a bucket, as a bathroom, is pure evil. The only justification for doing something that heinous, is if the child was a murderer, and had been going around murdering other people, and the parents wanted him to stop. If the jury, and judge, don’t put these parents in jail, for life, there’s no saving their souls.

[@AmandaCottrell-wh1wh]

No matter how out of control you don’t lock them in a damn box !!!!

[@judithgannon5642]

Nooo. But what do you do?

[@AmandaCottrell-wh1wh]

@@judithgannon5642anything but that !!!!

[@angelaa1039]

With all that money and they couldn’t get him the proper help? Remember he was adopted so maybe they didn’t want to spend their money on the adopted child. Shame on them. They had the resources. So many ppl don’t have the money to get the help for their children

[@babybeasimplekindofvan7035]

The fire department will say it’s illegal to have a “room” with no egress.

[@flowers.201]

My blessing and prayers to this boy. So sad how Evil people can be.

[@jasmineritter1955]

Why are the parents allowed to gather and chat!!!!!!!!!!! WTF That seems WRONG! They could be intimidating, even mre, if they are allowed to be a CLICK!!!!!!!!! That is disgusting. DISGUSTING.

[@chocella]

There is definitely something wrong with the son. His actions towards others BEFORE being locked up. And then, when the prosecution asked how he felt about the situation and testifying, he said I dont feel anything. Thats telling.

[@Heseesyou]

I think the parents did alot of things right in their situation. Would you allow this child to be in the same room as your children?

[@Nancy-nx9cf]

Tim Ferriter rejected 24 months in prison, but it was fine to imprison his adopted son for 120 months (since 2013). A thought is also why adopt a child from Vietnam? Does slave labor come to mind?

[@christinacorley1534]

Interesting perspective

[@ruwieebrahim]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? PINK GLASSES SHOULD BE PUT INTO THAT BOX WITH A BUCKET. SURE HELL SING ANOTHER TUNE

[@theseventyseven]

Court TV, please do not have Josh Schiffer back on Closing Arguments. His comments were disgusting. I don’t even think Ecleynne Mercy would’ve said something like this.

[@sardave]

This is a mess from start to finish... The kid admits he acted up, this said the parents should have sought help rather than locking him up. The kid says he's not mad at his parents..??? So what's this case about... Candidly they all could use some help..

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

The state is going after the parents. He is not.

[@kaylamanor]

NO behavior from a child warrants locking them in a damn room without food, water, a bathroom, heat or air. Nothing.

[@daisyb4614]

I really hope the courts aren’t lenient with there sentencing 😢

[@saradapagediocletian9707]

Hearing him say that he wants people to forgive Tim and Tracey broke my heart. He's a good kid. Hopefully they are both convicted and sentenced to the legal maximum.

[@kathykowalewski9985]

How sad to treat a child like this. The world treat drug addicts, homeless, prisoners and pedophiles better than these parents treated this child. It's sad enough that his own mother didnt want him but to have 2 adults abuse him is appalling. I pray that this young man gets justice.

[@childtimematters513]

Speakers: verbal abuse harms children for the rest of their lives.

[@deborahbrunson5980]

NO, he did say belt and jump ropes were used!!

[@janethoschar2027]

They should have called it boy in a hotbox that is nothing more than a hot box. Disgusting.

[@fernandaolivares7926]

The fact this man is here trying to get the jury to say what he did is "ok" is ludicrous...how does he justify to himself what was done in his house is the real question here...only someone really sick can do that...

[@bijouxaddict]

There was testimony that he was physically abused in Arizona - he said not in Florida true, but the victim testified that in Arizona his father would often hit him with belts and another object multiple times 😔

[@Romey814]

I can't believe these devils are trying to justify this inhumane behavior! 😡

[@dreamweaver0327]

Ok. So the child wasn’t beaten. I haven’t heard anything about the temperature of the box. The child was not allowed to regulate temperature. So if he died from heat, wouldn’t that be bloody harm? It seems like bodily harm by proxy

[@Ms.T-qh2ys]

Until today I like the attorney with the pink framed glasses but I don't any longer. Can't support a person who thinks it's ok to punish a child with solitary confinement and withholding food.

[@caregiver55]

Same here; and since he's so judgmental I'll add that he could use "time-out" in a box to address his weight issues! I'm actually furious that he's promoting this so-called therapy on TV, there are morons watching who will think this behavior is the appropriate treatment for a CHILD!

[@brittneyp282]

​@caregiver55 hahah sorry that was funny, he should be in time out!! He is making it seem like oh he did this bad give him a time out... like time out is hours?! What can be learned positively from being locked up like that? Imagine if there was a fire and he couldn't get out. That 4 eyes (lol) would probably be saying there are bad parents and there are other avenues to take. 🙄

[@nancynieves5015]

REALLY HAVING HIM CURSE AND TEASE HIM ITS NOT HARMFUL REALLY?

[@tracygarner5912]

It is more like a storage room. How long after it was built did the contractor CPS? How long did it take CPS and the police to get involved??

[@Daniellelp921]

Poor kid. He is giving more mercy and respect to his parents than they gave him.

[@cynthiah.3015]

He was constantly served peanut butter and bread, everyday! Lock these parents up!

[@blitzmom2674]

Peanut butter toast and fruit is not a bad breakfast.

[@carolyncurry9615]

@@blitzmom2674way more than I had growing up…

[@imightbelauren1150]

I’m still trying to figure out why he was locked up in the first place? If this was to protect others, why is he still going to school? Why is he cleaning the house and doing the yard work? If he’s so dangerous, wouldn’t they be nervous with him handling dangerous chemicals and equipment that he could potentially harm others? This entire defense is ludicrous and isolating a child from a very young age has serious psychological consequences and they are getting a glimpse of what they caused to happen. All children act out, I know I certainly did and I was spanked, had to stand in the corner, had detentions, an expulsion and found myself in legal trouble too, but I grew up and matured. Not being able to be around others, socialize, have friends and being that intelligent, he’s socially awkward and shows some ASD symptoms, but I also haven’t seen him act out in the courtroom and he’s not in a box!

[@Wazupiseeyou]

Gaslighting at its finest.

[@jojobee42]

Let's just be glad the truth came to light! Wherever this couple may live in the future, their neighbors will know...

[@amber76OH]

The "gentle"man attorney on the left, at the end of this segment, is absolutely disgusting and exactly why this country is a scary place to be. Anyone who is even leaning towards thinking RAISING A CHILD LOCKED IN A ROOM WITH A BUCKET FOR A TOILET is OK even for ONE DAY, let alone MOST of his life, is a disgusting monster. I hate it here. 😢

[@janelbuckley8332]

We haven't heard the parent's side yet.

[@annemontanaro3795]

Disagree with the parents didn't have malicious intent. The verbal assault the father let loose on this child suggests the Father was enjoying mistreatment of his adopted child. I agree with Vinnie on what is appropriate as punishment for a child. What happened to 'time out' and grounding a child along with asking the child why they were angry with a sibling or threatening classmates.

[@joycepayne3505]

The child was well spoken. Very impressive

[@michelpeereboom4650]

So well spoken, that it gave me a little doubt.

[@sjs-stev]

Thank God the house never caught on fire when he was locked in that box. Also, did they park a car in that garage?

[@neverendingmods]

It isn't the "boy allegedly locked in a box". He was. He was found locked in a box. The Media must properly report or just stop reporting. He is confident. It's the boy's time to finally punish his parents for all the torture and torment they put him through.

[@GrannyJB]

Adoptive parents are the worst sometimes. Why adopt children so that you can abuse them and use your power over them? Go after someone your own age, size, intelligence. People like these parents are just power hungry monsters. Makes me sick. I adopted my youngest…..she was always special to me because of all the parents in the world, I was given the gift of this child…..

[@ZIG.E]

This is equivalent to putting your mentally ill relative in the attic like in the early 1900’s cos there was no government services to help however it seems there is STILL NO help for unruly people !

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

They had mental asylums then and they still have psych hospitals today. If they truly thought he was a danger to the siblings they could have had him taken in on a 5150 and find new guardians .

[@CatherineMcGovern-ny5gp]

This child is being abused again by this cross examination. The people supporting his parents family and priest should be ashamed I hope they lock him up and make him use a bucket

[@delilah5305]

Anyone justifying these actions should not have kids and be locked away themselves. This is no way to treat a child, even if that kid was a total menace. These people are sick and I hope that kid can get the therapy he needs and come out of this well.

[@stellabythesea1492]

Send him off to military school instead of imprisonment.

[@pammy35]

Look it’s simple, you don’t lock anyone in a room… period

[@ahuman_xo]

Do ppl realize that kids aren't mandatory. If you can't deal with children, then why have or adopt them??? It's perfectly legal to live a child free life. I just don't understand

[@katehutchinson3935]

I thought the twit on the end was being sarcastic. I now realise he wasn’t. He needs to be locked away in his own little box. Evil man.

[@Idgafawahgsab]

Rejecting a 24 month plea deal for something you most definitely did and taking your chances at trial for 35 years is crazyyyyy.

[@jojobee42]

Maybe he did have behavioral problems, maybe they did struggle to handle him. But *nothing* excuses him being locked up in that box. His behavioral problems should have been addressed in a different way ~ WAY different way! Many kids have behavioral problems, it's not uncommon ~ and *especially* adopted kids. But you don't lock them up in a box and exclude them from the rest of the family !!!

[@joes6108]

If the kid is hurting people what's the difference between a room in a garage or a cell at juvenile hall? I was a ward of the state in my teens and was locked in a cage with other violent teens every time I would fart or cough. Forced to go to the bathroom in front of 30 or so inmates and adult staff and shower with 8 inmates at a time. The parents did the right thing! He could have been really locked up.

[@Carene1610]

Why is that excuse of a mother free??????

[@seangentilechildsupport8858]

Vinnie , you asked if he (boy) talked about being abused and I think being in that box is abuse enough. Right?

[@Ash1Størm]

Forgive them and move on but lock the parents up for at minimum the amount of time he was with them.

[@traceyruffner7729]

Fat man with the glasses needs to be put in that box for 16 hours and made to use a bucket to go to the bathroom! I don't care if he's a defense attorney or not, you can not say that wasn't child abuse and the others keep bringing up money so why wasn't he taken to professionals to get the help he needed instead of making matters worse. 🤬😡😡😡

[@cynthiahagerman5718]

Cant believe these idiot attorneys on the show. Acting like there is actually a defense for these parents abhorrent behavior. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO JUSTIFICATION IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM FOR THESE 2 ANIMALS

[@JonnyBobby]

I hope that this young man strikes oil and lives to be 100.

[@missy3591]

Sometimes kids see this at home the way the parents act. And all this probably numbed him. He thinks logically and not empathetic or something like that. This is cruel and unusual punishment. And prosecutors wanted to make a deal for 24 months I bet he would have gotten time served plus good behavior and would have gotten out. This Young man needs to be kept an eye on.

[@Nurturing2]

Both parents are out on bond.

[@Heseesyou]

So what now since you have heard more of this case.. what would you do with this teenager?

[@jessicacolon1376]

Where were the grandparents x4, uncles, aunts, cousins???? they do not miss him in family gatherings? all this family is guilty!

[@cynthiahagerman5718]

The cruel and malicious intent was them building that box in order to keep him completely isolated and under their complete control. And that poor excuse as a mom. Bury her under the jail

[@georginasawyer6524]

any adult that new about what they were doing to that poor kid needs to be charged with abuse ..bet that grandmother new

[@Hummingbird.51]

He should have taken the plea deal of 24 months. He's most likely going to get a whole lot more!!

[@stellabythesea1492]

Totally inappropriate parenting!!

[@oceancat0450]

If he would’ve shot up a school, the parents would be blamed for not doing enough. The kid basically told on himself for being a heathen. Then he used plenty of “buzzwords” comparing his bedroom to genocide. So we know he exaggerates. Mom and Dad are innocent in this case. They didn’t handle the situation well, but they did what they could. Definitely NOT criminal. Likely, bad parenting.

[@nikkimclay5474]

comparing dehumanising like genocide, the destruction of your own people, its very clever & sophisticated way to describe , to him it was genocide within his own family

[@oceancat0450]

@@nikkimclay5474 I respectfully, disagree.

[@nikkimclay5474]

@@oceancat0450 ok cool !