WHITLEY CITY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Testimony was graphic and at times disturbing on Thursday morning during a preliminary hearing for Jeremy Ridner and Billie Boling. The couple has been charged with wanton assault and criminal abuse in connection to the death of 14-year-old, Austin Carpenter.
“He was in one of the worst conditions we’ve ever seen a human being in as discovered by first responders,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney, Ronnie Bowling. “It’s a nightmare anybody had to endure that,” he continued.
Chief Deputy Dustin Ridner described Austin as having been severely malnourished and his body had scars, from likely cigarette burns.
“The doctor said his protein levels were off, and the child was not fed, not fed well. There were chemical burns on his body, cigarette burns on the body … ”
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Earlier …
Investigation into 14-year-old’s death continues
MCCREARY COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – A death investigation continues in McCreary County after a teenager died while in the care of two people.
Investigators said the 14-year-old died back on February 24.
Since then, two people were arrested and are facing criminal abuse charges, but those charges could be upgraded by a grand jury.
The situation started nearly two weeks ago when police were called to a home between Whitley City and Monticello on Kentucky 92, when they investigated that the teenager was not breathing.
Austin Carpenter later died at a local hospital.
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“I have no earthly idea why appropriately, a prior approved foster home would be more appropriate than sending him into what was a hornets nest,” said Ronnie Bowling, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for McCreary and Whitley counties …