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Murder of Lydia Schatz

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Lydia Charity Schatz (March 15, 2002 – February 6, 2010)[1] was a 7-year-old American child of Liberian origins who was killed in 2010 by her adoptive parents in an attempt to discipline her.[2][3]

Background

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Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz lived in Paradise, California, where they were raising and homeschooling their six biological and three adopted children.[4][5] In 2007, they had adopted Lydia along with two other children from Liberia. Later that year, Kevin was interviewed in the family home by KNVN TV regarding his love of children and the adoption process.[6]

Murder

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On February 5, 2010, Lydia Schatz received forceful and numerous whippings with a quarter-inch plastic tubing. She was held down for nine hours by Elizabeth and beaten dozens of times by Kevin on the back of her body, causing massive tissue damage according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey. She was being disciplined for apparently mispronouncing a word.[7][4] She died in the hospital on February 6, 2010.[8] Her sister, Zariah, 11 years old, was also beaten for "being a liar and a bad influence on the 7 year old."[4] Zariah was hospitalized in critical condition with severe injuries, but she survived.[3][6][5]

Trial

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The Schatzes told police they were following the teachings about child discipline of a fundamentalist Christian organization headed by Michael and Debi Pearl.[9][7] Investigators say the Schatzes practiced a similar form of corporal punishment on their six biological children and were training their oldest daughter in the proper way to deliver spankings. Pearl's website suggests "A swift whack with the plastic tubing would sting but not bruise. Give ten licks at a time, more if the child resists."

Kevin Schatz was found guilty of second degree murder and torture and was sentenced to two concurrent life sentences, with 22 years minimum. Elizabeth Schatz was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and infliction of unlawful corporal punishment and was sentenced to 13 years.[10][11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Lydia Charity Schatz (2002-2010)". Find a Grave. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  2. ^ Kelli Saam (April 11, 2011). "Last Minute Plea Deal Averts Trial In Child Beating Death". KRCRTV. Archived from the original on September 30, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Lynn Harris: "Godly discipline turned deadly - A controversial child "training" practice comes under fire -- this time from Christians themselves". Salon.com; Feb 22. 2010 [1]
  4. ^ a b c Edecio Martinez (February 22, 2010). "DA: Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz Killed Daughter With "Religious Whips" for Mispronouncing Word". CBS News. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  5. ^ a b Elizabeth de Alwis (February 25, 2010). "Beating death draws national attention". ChicoER News. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  6. ^ a b "New Details About Couple Accused of Killing Adopted Daughter". NBC 24 Action News. February 25, 2010. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  7. ^ a b Kevin Hayes (March 4, 2011). "Is Conservative Christian Group, No Greater Joy Ministries, Pushing Parents to Beat Kids to Death?". CBS News. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  8. ^ "Obituary: Lydia Charity Schatz (2002 - 2010)". Paradise Post. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  9. ^ Britt Carlson (April 1, 2011). "Schatz Murder Case Headed to Trial". KHSL. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  10. ^ "Parents get prison: The Schatzes get upper terms for child abuse". NewsReview.com. June 16, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  11. ^ "Schatz' sentenced to prison | Why Not Train A Child?". whynottrainachild.com. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 2020-12-27.
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