According to the state Division of Child Welfare, 20 children died of abuse or neglect in Colorado in 2005. There were 11,000 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect in this state that year, and 702,000 in the U.S. during the same period.
These numbers become more than statistics when it happens in your family. In December 2005, my 7-month-old great-niece, Faith Woodward, was severely beaten by her mother’s boyfriend.
Faith endured unimaginable abuse. She had fractures in both femurs that were in different stages of healing, indicating they happened days apart. The bones in both lower legs and both arms were fractured, as was her right clavicle. Her left elbow was completely separated at the joint. The skin holding her lip to the gum was torn. She suffered 11 fractures, in addition to suspected Taser burns on her lips.
The perpetrator of Faith’s abuse, Devon Weinstein, pleaded guilty to a Class 4 child abuse charge and was sentenced to 21 years in prison. He recently petitioned the court for early release, listing seven reasons he feels he deserves to rejoin society. I will be in Judge J. Mark Hannen’s courtroom at the Arapahoe County Courthouse at 10:30 a.m. Monday with the following rebuttal.
No. 1: “He has been a model prisoner.” Faith was a model child, only fussing if she was hungry or soiled. For that she was beaten within an inch of her life. Weinstein should feel fortunate that he has a bed and three square meals in prison, which is more than he deserves.
No. 2: “He is on the prison dodge ball team.” Sports are important to Weinstein. Faith received two broken legs for crying during a Denver Broncos game. Apparently he was never taught that “it’s just a game.”
No. 3: “He has maintained excellent behavior while in prison.” A baby doesn’t have the capacity to misbehave, yet Weinstein punished Faith by covering her with a blanket and locking her in the closet. A well-lit prison cell for the next 18 years is adequate reward for his behavior.
No. 4: “His victim is fully healed.” Faith’s physical wounds have healed; one would never recognize her as the baby who wore a body cast for months. That she is a happy, thriving child is a testament to her strength and will to survive and to the love and support of her family, the doctors and nurses at Children’s Hospital and the wonderful folks at the Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse in Aurora. It’s no thanks to Weinstein, who’s been playing dodge ball in prison.
Faith wasn’t the only victim. Her 5-year-old brother witnessed the abuse. The utter hopelessness he felt as he watched Weinstein throw his baby sister to the floor, pin his knee in her back, and stretch her legs backwards until they snapped like twigs will haunt him for life. His emotional wounds will never heal.
Rescuers from Cunningham Fire Protection District, Station 62, rendered care to Faith. Chief Jerry Rhodes says the call deeply affected his department. His experienced firefighters tear up when Faith visits their station. When asked what the worst call of his career was, firefighter Chris Wells recalls Faith and her battered body.
No. 5: “His sentence isn’t consistent with other cases.” If we could poll 1,000 7-month-old babies about their punishment for fussing, Faith would be the 1 of 1,000 who answers, “Four broken limbs. ” From her standpoint, a 100-year sentence is inadequate.
Weinstein should be reminded this was not one instance where he lost control in a fit of rage. Time and time again, for 10 days, he brutally assaulted a baby.
No. 6: “Faith’s mother received only six years of community corrections.” Faith’s mother pleaded guilty to a Class 4 child abuse charge and was sentenced to six years in community corrections. A mother’s duty is to protect her children at all costs. She failed her children horribly when she left them in the care of a man she hardly knew. She failed to notice Faith’s injuries and did not seek medical help for her child. But, in response to Weinstein’s claim, two wrongs don’t make a right.
No. 7: “Weinstein’s daughter submitted a letter in his defense.” It is our duty as a responsible society to protect children from their parents and others who may harm them. That Weinstein could inflict such horrible injury to a baby makes one wonder what he would do to a belligerent teenager. His continued incarceration is for her safety as well.
Weinstein has never accepted responsibility for the devastating, life-changing effects of his actions on Faith and her family. Until abusers are held accountable, this kind of behavior will continue and more children will suffer.
On Dec. 16, 2005, Faith placed an unfathomable amount of trust in me when she offered her bruised and burnt lips to me for a kiss. I will not betray that trust by standing by and watching her abuser walk free. It’s time society starts defending its most vulnerable citizens. I hope Judge Hannen agrees on Monday.
