Father Returns To Court Seeking Custody Of Son Who Went Missing, Later Found In Basement
DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit man who's missing 12-year-old son was discovered in his own basement will be in court Monday, along with his wife.
Charles Bothuell and Monique Dillard-Bothuell are fighting to retain custody of Charlie, as the state seeks to terminate their parental rights.
Court records detailed scarring on Charlie's body from what he said was a beating with a PVC pipe, but the couple deny any abuse.
Charlie claims it was his stepmother who told him to hide in the basement.
In June, 12-year-old Charlie Bothuell V went missing for 11 days and found alive and well in the basement of his father's townhome.
Police Chief James Craig said officers were serving a search warrant at the home near downtown Wednesday afternoon when they stumbled upon young Charlie Bothuell V.
It was the fourth time officers were inside the home, and Craig told reporters police are "not certain Charlie was here during those visits."
The case has gained national attention — Charlie Bothuell IV, clad in suit and tie, discussed his son's disappearance on CNN with Nancy Grace.
Blood Found, Parents Under Investigation In Case Of Missing Detroit Boy Found 'Hiding' In Basement