Dad didn't need to kidnap his kids. They live in the same town and he saw them "three weeks before they were kidnapped" he said on TV. He has other kids in the area too, and they'd know if he made off with the youngest ones...by doing so, he'd separate himself from his older kids. Doesn't make sense. The whole family seems generally dysfunctional but not dangerous.
That Shasta can even walk and talk after what she's been through suggests that she's had some decent parenting and sincere love from someone. She's a strong little girl. An imperfect family situation but I don't think they were child abusers. The dad seems like an overgrown kid to me. He'll need to grow up now to give Shasta the full support and attention she requires or she may end up in foster care.
No, Dad admitted that he and the EX were fighting about the kids living with her in a drug infested home! I don't think Dad is a bad guy. I think he may have been trying to save his kids...and this happened.
This is a horrific story, whatever the case. This Duncan fellow is a monster. A real live monster. He is the bad guy and needs to hang.