Nathan admitted to the detective that he had shaken the baby. Three times. And he went to jail with bail set at $150,000.00.
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The detective from the Special Victims Bureau interviewed both Amelia and me since we were the ones who took care of Elijah previous to his parents. After hearing what we had to say, he told us that they had stopped by Hilary and Nathan's apartment while Hilary was at work and picked Nathan up for questioning. They were about to give him a polygraph test when he broke down and confessed. They administered the test anyway, which confirmed the truth. Elijah's daddy had shaken him violently.
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We were surprised, but then again, we weren't. Our only point of reference was what we saw at our house---a gentle and loving father who showed nothing but sweetness and tenderness toward his infant son. However, we had gathered over the last year that Nathan never learned to express his emotions properly, and that on the outside he was quiet and mild, but on the inside there was something entirely different going on. Was it his upbringing? Perhaps. He did say that at his house they weren't allowed to voice their opinions and that they simply did not discuss things. Is there something else going on as well? Marital stress? Probably. Financial stress? Certainly. The stress of suddenly being entirely responsible for another person when you scarcely know how to be responsible for yourself? Sure. Put all those things together and you have a recipe for absolute disaster.
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That was three weeks ago. The D.A. has yet to present the case to the judge. We're expecting that he'll offer Nathan a plea bargain, but details regarding his actual sentence are unknown. It could be that he will be released soon after his sentencing. Or it could be up to nine or ten years in prison.
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Meanwhile, we watch Hilary struggle. She struggles to function. She struggles with her own mind, her love for her son, her love for her husband, and her anger and confusion and probably a thousand other emotions. She struggles to find a support group outside her family that will help her make good decisions and get through this impossible time. It is painful to watch.
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All of you praying friends out there, pray for Hilary. She's the one that needs divine assistance the most.
23 comments:
What absolute hell! I'm sure you feel utterly helpless. I feel helpless and I'm just a "virtual" friend. :)
{{good vibes}}
Hilary is lucky to have such an understanding family. I hope she is mature enough to realize that her son will need her to make tough choices with him uppermost in his mind.
You've been very brave to share this and to remind us all not to assume that tragedy will never happen within our own families.
My heart goes out to all of you. Hilary for the pain she is feeling as a mother and wife, Elijah for his physical pain and for his future pain in knowing that this happened, Nathan for the torture he must be putting himself through which is far worse than anything the law will ever put him through... and for you and Claire and all of your family... this is the type of thing you will never imagine could happen to your family. This is the kind of thing that forever changes you, makes you see the whole world differently. I will keep your family in my thoughts.
No words to express how I feel. Thinking of everyone involved. Life can be so difficult, messy and complicated.
I'm speechless, furious, and so very sad. I'm so sorry Jason.
What a no-win situation - that's just so sad.
Wow. I'm so sorry to hear all that. Thanks for having the courage to share. I hope it helped you to get it all out there. We love you and I'll keep Hillary in my prayers.
Iam so so sorry, that your family is going threw this, I pray that hilary will have the strength to do what is best for her and her baby. and I pray for the rest of the family, that you all will be able to get through this awful tragic. know there are people out there praying for you guys..
What an absolutely horendous ordeal for everyone. For what it's worth you have my support and sympathy...
i just. cannot. imagine...
Praying for all concerned.... especially Hilary and Elijah.
Wow, I don't even know what to say. What a heartbreaking story for everyone.
Your family and especially Hilary will be in my prayers too.
Sending helpful prayers and thoughts her way....this is TOUGH.
I'm always glad you have such a great support system around you.
And I like you. A lot.
I don't know you that well (I THINK you're pretty awesome), but you and your family have been in my thoughts lately. I can't imagine what you are going through and I will be praying for you guys.
(((((((((((Sending PRAYERS))))))))
Lot's of prayers to you and your family! Hold on to eachother!!
Jason, Your family will continue to be in my prayers. There are no easy answers but Hilary is very fortunate to have such a supportive and loving family.
My heart goes out to all of you, yes Hilary especially.
I have waited to reply to the series of posts related to this because I wanted to see how the story unfolded. Someday I plan to tell my story that's similar, but not, to yours. In short, my ex husband just got relesed from being on parole for the last 4 years after a 2 year stint in prison. All for child abuse that he didn't commit.
Through a serious of connections, I happened upon your blog. Although I don't know you, I feel for your family as you get through this tragic situation as best you can. The one thing I keep thinking is- Thank goodness this baby has such wonderful family around him to care for him,love him and keep him safe through all of this. I wish your family strength and courage.
Sincerely,
Jane from Pennsylvania
Oh my goodness. All I can say is that I am so glad this was caught now and not even later. It is truly unimaginable. Praying for you all.
holy shit Jason.. Prayers...xoxoxo
Thinking about all of you, Jason.
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