KINSTON, NC — In a tragic unveiling of child abuse, a Kinston couple has been arrested after authorities discovered harrowing evidence of repeated violence against a 3-year-old boy with autism, under their supervision in a residence on Manning Street. The case has resulted in the custody removal of all five children from the home.
Following an investigation sparked by a family argument over a cellphone, Joshua Stockton, 37, and Amy Gauthier, 40, are now facing grave charges related to the abuse. Revealed by a youth in the home, video evidence prompted police action, displaying disturbing scenes of physical mistreatment performed by Stockton.
Stockton’s charges are severe and include multiple accounts such as four counts of assault with a deadly weapon in the presence of a minor, child abuse, assault by strangulation, and assaulting an individual with disabilities. Gauthier has been charged with three counts of felony aiding and abetting, alongside five misdemeanor counts for purportedly failing to stop the abuse.
The investigation escalated quickly after the involved officers reviewed footage indicating the presence of significant physical abuse. The video depicted Stockton covering the child’s mouth and nose, stifling his cries, and using excessive force that included slamming the boy onto a mattress. Striking the child’s face, he was observed causing the boy’s head to depress deeply into the bedding.
This led authorities deeper into the case, uncovering more about the unsafe environment the children were living in. Notably, the toddler was often confined in a room sealed with plywood and equipped with a locking gate, which reflected intentions far from safety precautions.
The local police department and North Carolina Department of Social Services took immediate action following these discoveries. All five children found in the home were taken into protective custody by the Department of Social Services, marking a critical turn in ensuring their safety.
Authorities have not yet detailed the relationship dynamics fully, including whether either adult is biologically related to the abused toddler or the boy who captured the video evidence. The silence around these specifics suggests a complex family situation amid the ongoing investigation.
Both Stockton and Gauthier were detained at their residence. Currently, Stockton is held on a $1 million bond at the Lenoir County jail, demonstrating the severity of his charges, while Gauthier’s bond has been set at $100,000. Their court proceedings began quickly, with initial appearances the day following their arrest, and they are slated for their next court appearance at the end of January.
Local officials have expressed strong appreciation for the bravery displayed by the young boy who came forward with the video. His proactive involvement not only exposed the abusive actions but was instrumental in protecting a vulnerable child from further harm.
The community, now alert to the situation, remains watchful as the investigation continues. Questions about the welfare of the other children and potential additional charges linger, emphasizing the imperative for vigilance and thoroughness in child welfare practices. Details forthcoming will likely address these albeit slowly, as the legal systems and protective services work in tandem to resolve a profoundly disturbing case.