Four Iowa family members plead not guilty to abduction and abuse of malnourished 18-year-old relative

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DES MOINES, IOWA: Four members of an Iowa family from Zearing have entered pleas of not guilty in a troubling case involving the abduction and abuse of their 18-year-old relative.

The defendants, Gary Graham Jr, 44; Danielle Graham, 42; Aaron Williams, 20; and Kaitlynn Williams, 16, face charges of first-degree kidnapping and willful injury following allegations of extreme mistreatment against the victim. They were charged last month.

Alarming medical findings prompt investigation into alleged abduction and abuse

The case came to light when medical staff at an Ames hospital reported an 18-year-old patient with severe injuries, including bleeding on the brain, rib fractures, and extensive bruising. 

The patient weighed only 70 pounds (32 kilograms) upon arrival due to malnutrition, according to court documents.

The victim was described as being in a “semi-conscious to unconscious state” upon admission.

Court documents reveal disturbing details, indicating that the injuries sustained by the victim were in various stages of healing, suggesting prolonged mistreatment.

Intentional harm and torture

The charges against the family members allege that they knowingly confined the victim and “while doing so had the intent to inflict serious injury” to the victim, who “suffered serious injury or ... was intentionally subjected to torture” as a result, as per AP.

As legal proceedings unfold, Gary, Danielle, and Aaron remain in county jail, while the 16-year-old Kaitlynn is held at a juvenile detention center. She is being charged as an adult.

Juvenile accused's attorney seeks case transfer

Despite being charged as an adult, Kaitlynn's attorney has requested her case be transferred to juvenile court, a decision yet to be determined, reported the source.

In response to the severity of the allegations, a judge has ordered emergency protective services for the victim and prohibited contact between the accused family members and the victim.