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A Florida couple is in jail after authorities accused the parents of severe child abuse. Lance Eugene Rachel allegedly whipped the minor “over 50 times” with a belt, per the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, the mother, Kimberly Corene Rachel, failed to halt the beating. As a result, they’re now both in police custody.
The sheriff’s office published a recap of the case on Facebook on December 16. It revealed that the investigation of the Florida parents began on December 11 after receiving a report of an abusive incident that allegedly happened days before on the 7th. On that day, Lance, Kimberly, and the minor were in a home in Kissimmee.
Police say Lance became angry about a missing couch cushion and accused the minor of lying about it. For nearly half an hour, Lance cussed at and beat the minor with a belt.
“The suspect maliciously punished the child by screaming obscenities and physically abusing the victim over the course of 28 minutes. The victim was struck over 50 times with a belt. He was also choked and called several disparaging names and other obscenities,” the sheriff’s office posted.
Additionally, Lance Eugene Rachel allegedly told the child he would break his jaw. The incident is reportedly partially recorded on in-home surveillance cameras. Detectives interviewed Lance on December 16 and reportedly confirmed the abuse.
The combined charges against the Florida couple include aggravated child abuse, battery by strangulation, and failure to report child abuse. Police are asking anyone with information related to this case or any other similar incidents to call the Osceola County Sheriffs Office at (407) 348-2222.
