URGENT UPDATE: A 26-year-old man from Ledyard, Connecticut, has been arrested on multiple charges, including child cruelty and endangerment, following disturbing allegations of abuse against his four children. Elijah King faces serious accusations that he employed harsh military-style disciplines, prompting authorities to take immediate action.
According to the Ledyard Police Department, King was charged with three counts of risk of injury to a minor, two counts of intentional cruelty to persons, and one count of disorderly conduct. The investigation was sparked when King’s sister reported to police on November 3, 2023, claiming she had witnessed King physically and verbally abusing his children for several months.
The sister detailed alarming practices in her report, including King allegedly forcing the children to perform “military-style” pushups and making them crawl on their hands and feet up a hill while spraying them with water in chilly conditions—reportedly around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The children, aged 4, 3, 1, and a 6-month-old girl, were also said to have been punished by being kept in bed despite needing to use the bathroom.
Police were provided with video evidence by the sister, which allegedly shows the children crawling and “crabwalking” up the hill, visibly wet. However, she claimed that more severe incidents were not captured on video as portions had been deleted. The sister also reported that King would physically discipline the boys, including wrestling and placing them in headlocks, which left them gasping for air.
In interviews with police, King denied the allegations, labeling them as complaints from “disgruntled” individuals regarding his parenting style, which he described as “conservative Christian.” He asserted that his military background influenced his disciplinary methods, emphasizing physical exercise rather than abusive behavior. He also refuted the claim of spraying water on the children.
As of now, King is free on a $75,000 bond and is expected to appear in court at the New London Superior Court this Friday. This developing story raises significant concerns about child welfare practices and the responsibilities of parents in disciplinary actions.
Authorities continue to investigate the situation, and this case may have broader implications for the community regarding child safety and the legal boundaries of discipline. The Ledyard Police Department has emphasized the importance of reporting suspected child abuse, urging community members to be vigilant in protecting vulnerable children.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
