Posted on 07/15/2007 10:36:49 AM PDT by Rhinoceros
RENO, Nev. — A couple authorities say were so obsessed with the Internet and video games that they left their babies starving and suffering other health problems have pleaded guilty to child neglect. The children of Michael and Iana Straw, a boy age 22 months and a girl age 11 months, were severely malnourished and near death last month when doctors saw them after social workers took them to a hospital, authorities said. Both children are doing well and gaining weight in foster care, prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria told Reno Gazette-Journal. Michael Straw, 25, and Iana Straw, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to two count child neglect. Each faces a maximum 12-year prison sentence. Viloria said the Reno couple were too distracted by online video games, mainly the fantasy role-playing "Dungeons & Dragons" series, to give their children proper care. "They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games," Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal. Police said hospital staff had to shave the head of the girl because her hair was matted with cat urine. The 10-pound girl also had a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration. Her brother had to be treated for starvation and a genital infection. His lack of muscle development caused him difficulty in walking, investigators said. Michael Straw is an unemployed cashier, his wife worked for a temporary staffing agency doing warehouse work. He received a $50,000 inheritance that he spent on computer equipment and a large plasma television, authorities said. "As we become more technologically advanced, there's more distractions," Killen said. "It's easy for someone to get addicted to something and neglect their children. Whether it's video games or meth, it's a serious issue, and (we) need to become more aware of it."
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
So blame the video games and not the parents. I think this logic kind of follows the whole "blame guns" arguement as well.
I don’t believe the video game claim. I bet they were drug addicts, who are just trying to stay out of jail.
Let’s just hope the kids do alright and are out of college before their parents are out of prison.
I wouldn’t count on it being drugs. I have first hand knowledge because I have relatives addicted to World of Warcraft and they do nothing but play that video game. They can’t hold jobs because they stay up all night. They also have 2 babies that basically are taken care of by their older siblings. Its sad. They do not believe they have a problem. Up all night playing, sleeping all day. Kids tend themselves.
I think the addiction is like gambling, a “feedback” addiction. And I think it’s as real as being hooked on gambling.
Drug addicts you say? I’ll bet they were Harry Reid Democrats.
They found time to reproduce...
It’s hard for me to believe anyone could neglect babies to that degree over playing video games. I didn’t consider there might be a drug angle to it, but that could be a possibility. Or both. I’m lucky enough that if I spend too much time online, my dog will bark at me until I sign off.
Maybe you’re just a good parent?
My ex-husband does this, because my son complains about it when he comes home, “Dad sleeps until 3 pm because he stays up until 5 am because he’s on the computer”, and stuff like that.
It’s not an addiction so much as it is irresponsible, self-centered people who take care of their own needs and wants before anyone else even crosses their mind.
only a moron would blow their inheritance on video gaming equipment. jeeeez.
of course they probably were not bright enough to go to college so nevermind. guess it made perfect sense to them
Ri-ight.
Killen is making typically liberal excuses for scumbags. It isn’t their fault, ad infinitum, ad nauseum.
World of Warfcraft is a serious issue on another marriage-themed website I post on. I cannot tell you how many women post in desperation looking for help b/c their spouses are consumed by this game. Spending days at a time, wearing the same clothing, not showering or going to work - just hooked on this game.
basically ‘the temptation to be an arse is too great for some people to resist and we can’t judge them for it’
Judge, judge, judge. LOL!
Heres the problem, instead of neglecting the kids by leaving them alone at home they neglect the kids by being in the same room. Their mind is out in the virtual world but the body is in a chair. It used to be they were out on the town instead of being at home.
Seriously, most every WoW, DDO, and EQ player I know has a lot of extra pounds. Something else is going on, like crack or ice. Someone may admit an “addiction” to a video game but none would admit one to crack or meth. I know people who are always on, but they also have jobs, kids and other interests too.
Yeah abuse rooted in drugs is by far the more serious addiction. If only I can get my kids to leave me alone so I can post on FR.
Jeez, yes! The constant interuptions! Dad, we haven't eaten since Thursday! Dad, it's Tuesday and you start your work week Monday. Dad, the kitchen's on fire...will it never end? Darn it, I need to post this duplicate "Bash Dixie Chicks" thread - it's important!
*LOL*
Capital L Losers!
Addiction or not there is a choice involved. They made the selfish choice. They could have given the children up if they preferred their games to their own flesh and blood.
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