Parents' horrific punishment for daughter that they 'saw in a movie'
A couple who allegedly tortured their 12-year-old daughter with a punishment they claim to have seen in a movie has reached a plea deal.
Malisa and Dion Stevens, from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, US, are accused of waterboarding their child in the basement of their home in April 2017 after concerned neighbours contacted authorities.
Police say the girl was taped to a chair with packing tape while her hands were tied behind her back and rags were shoved into her mouth, CBS Pittsburgh reported.
The girl told police water was poured over her mouth to keep her from screaming and breathing.
Her parents allegedly told police the punishment was inspired after watching a movie where it was featured.
The plea deal will place the couple on probation for five to seven years while they will also be reunited with their daughter under supervision.
“We have entered into a tentative plea agreement with the district attorney’s office. It’s an agreement that is geared toward family unification,” defence attorney Lee Rothman said.
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“My client Mr. Dion Stevens’ goal was to reunify with his daughter and I believe that his daughter has expressed the same token here today," fellow defence attorney Brandon Eberle said.
Malisa and Dion Stevens are said to have decided they will plead guilty to a felony county of endangering the welfare of a child.
Details of the agreement are to be finalised at a future court hearing.
