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Two Parsons residents were arrested and charged in a case involving child abuse.

On November 9th, 2020, Parsons Police offers accompanied Department of Children and Families workers to a residence in the 3300 block of Grand for an anonymous tip of child abuse involving a 2-year-old girl. This took place in Parsons, KS.

A follow-up visit conducted by the same group revealed the child did have injuries as previously claimed. The extent of the bruising was not believed to have constituted normal disciplinary measures.

The child was transported to Children’s Mercy for medical evaluation after being placed in Police Protective Custody.

“I am at a loss for words on cases like these. We hope as a society that we have evolved into caring and compassionate human beings, but then cases like this rear their ugly head and the reality sets in. There is evil lurking in every corner of the world and this is evident even in our small city. As we try to move forward and do good in Parsons, we are reminded that as a community we have failed to protect this innocent child from being victimized. This is what haunts law enforcement officers daily. It’s not the chases or the fights or the constant vigilance, it’s the failed interventions which have to be triggered by community members, and the looks on the faces of victims. I sincerely hope that as a community and the system as a whole, we can reach o ut and get this child the help that is needed and deserved to get her through this abhorrent period of her life. We will continue to face these evils daily, not only for the silent majority of supporters, but for the innocents that have no guardian to shield them.” – Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks

Parson residents Nathan Lee Leatherwood, 22, and his girlfriend Halle Yuila Parish,22, were both arrested and charged with abuse of a child, torture or beating a child under 18, aggravated battery, and reckless great bodily harm on November 13th.

Each had bonds set at 25,000.00.

If you have more information about this case, contact the Parsons Police Department at 620-421-7060.

nathanleatherwoodHalle Yulia Parish

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