EPTPolice say Michael Ray James and Tina Alberson, both 42, denied him drinking water for at least five days at their Red Bird-area home beginning July 20, a time in which temperatures exceeded 100 degrees. They are being held in the Dallas County Jail, charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.
http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/Surviving-twin-details-abuse-death-of-his-brother-128430418.html
"They day that he died, they made him eat a PBJ, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich,"Joseph said referring to his father and step-mother, "and the peanut butter got stuck in his throat and they still wouldn't let him have water."
But last month, the twins were staying with their father, Michael James, 42, and step-mother, Tina Alberson, 42, when Dallas Police say the couple deprived Jonathan of water as a form of punishment.
Joseph said his twin was in trouble because his father and step-mother thought he took guitar parts from their step-brother.
"They made him stand in front of a window," Joseph said. "They put an 'X' on the floor and an 'X' on the window and the sun was coming straight through it and there was no air conditioning there."
The abuse went on for five days, police said, with liquids being kept from Jonathan until the 10-year-old finally collapsed and died.
I hope those parents never see the light of day and gets life in prison. I think it is horrible that the parents would go that far on a punishment, and I am sure they knew that it is harmful for the body to go without water. What I understand from the story seemed like he was a generally a good kid, got some awards from school and stuff. I feel sorry for the twin bother of one who died; especially, feeling like he couldn't do anything for his brother fearing he would get the same punishment.
What they did translates to a First Degree Felony in Texas which is Equivalent of Murder
First Degree Felonies:
Confinement for life or from five to ninety-nine years and a possible fine not to exceed $10,000
Possibility of community supervision
They haven't received the exact sentenced yet but I will keep track and update when information is found.
Edit: added some another quote from the story.
Edited again: to show what kind of crime they committed
