A disturbing case has come to light in eastern North Carolina, leaving the community shaken and authorities stepping in to protect vulnerable children. Police say a young boy showed incredible courage by revealing video evidence that led to the arrest of two adults now facing serious charges.
Child Abuse Case Uncovered in Kinston
Police in Kinston, North Carolina, have arrested 37-year-old Joshua Stockton and 40-year-old Amy Gauthier after allegations surfaced that Stockton violently abused his 3-year-old son, who has autism, while Gauthier allegedly allowed the abuse to continue.
Stockton has been charged with multiple serious offences, including assault with a deadly weapon with a minor present, child abuse, exposing a child to fire, assault by strangulation, and felony assault on an individual with disabilities. Gauthier has been charged with several counts of aiding and abetting, both felony and misdemeanor.
The investigation began at a home on Manning Street after Gauthier reportedly got into a dispute with her juvenile son over a mobile phone. Officers later learned that the phone contained video evidence showing the abuse of the toddler.
Video Evidence Reveals Disturbing Details
According to police and court documents, the juvenile showed officers a video that contained graphic footage documenting the alleged abuse. The content was so serious that authorities immediately expanded the investigation.
Court records describe how Stockton was allegedly seen using his full body weight to restrain the small child while changing a soiled diaper.
The document states that he covered the child’s mouth and nose, slammed him onto a mattress, and struck him with significant force. Officers also reported visible injuries on the child, including bruising on the face, neck, and legs, along with marks consistent with strangulation.
Investigators further noted that Stockton outweighed the child by several hundred pounds and had allegedly locked the toddler inside a room by boarding up part of the doorway and installing a locking gate that required a key.
Authorities Praise Juvenile for Speaking Up
Police have publicly praised the older child who came forward with the video evidence. Without that brave decision, the abuse may have continued unnoticed. Officers have not yet confirmed the exact family relationships between all the children involved.
The North Carolina Department of Social Services was contacted immediately. DSS workers took custody of the five children who were living under the care of Stockton and Gauthier to ensure their safety.
Legal Action and Current Status
Both Stockton and Gauthier have been arrested and are now in custody. Stockton is being held at the Lenoir County Jail under a bond of 1 million dollars. Gauthier is being held on a 100,000 dollar bond. They appeared in court on Friday and are scheduled to return to court on January 30.
The case continues to develop as authorities work to gather more evidence and ensure the protection and well-being of the children involved.
