Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Mother to surrender in videotaped beating of girl
Associated Press ^ | September 21, 2002 | Associated Press Staff

Posted on 09/21/2002 4:36:25 AM PDT by MeekOneGOP


Mother to surrender in videotaped beating of girl

09/21/2002

Associated Press

MISHAWAKA, Ind. - A woman seen on a department store security tape punching her 4-year-old daughter plans to surrender Saturday, her attorney said Friday night.

Police have been searching for Madelyne Gorman Toogood since Sept. 13, when a camera in a department store parking lot videotaped her punching and shaking her 4-year-old daughter.

The attorney, Stephen Rosen, said Ms. Toogood is on her way to Chicago and will surrender. She is charged with felony battery to a child.

Indiana police took the search nationwide Wednesday when they released the tape. "We want to get the girl the medical attention she needs," Police Chief Anthony A. Hazen said. "We want to get her to an emergency room and let them examine her."

Ms. Toogood is also wanted in Texas on at least two warrants. Fort Worth police said one warrant involves a shoplifting charge in March. Authorities in White Settlement, a Fort Worth suburb, issued an arrest warrant on an unspecified Class C misdemeanor.

Ms. Gorman's sister, 31-year-old Margaret Daley, who authorities say was present at the time of the incident, was arrested and charged with failure to report child abuse.

Police received more than 1,000 calls about the video, which was first aired Wednesday night.

Staff writer Laurie Fox contributed to this report.


Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/latestnews/stories/092102dnnatbeating.86c.html


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Front Page News; News/Current Events; US: Indiana; US: Texas
KEYWORDS: child; gorman; irishtravellers; madelyne; madelynegorman; madelynetoogood; toogood; travellers; videotapedbeating
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 261-280281-300301-320 ... 341-360 next last
To: Frapster
The video was all the glimpse into her life that I need.
If she isn't concerned about doing that in public, after a quick glance around, imagine what she does when no one is looking.....that thought disturbs me the most.
281 posted on 09/21/2002 12:27:45 PM PDT by mystery-ak
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 277 | View Replies]

To: eddie willers
Obviously you have not seen the 'full' video or you would not have aired your previous comments.

I'm willing to admit that once I see the full video.

282 posted on 09/21/2002 12:29:08 PM PDT by Frapster
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 278 | View Replies]

To: eddie willers
I've reviewed some other videos and I'm shutting up now. This woman was out of control - much more than the other excerpts I've seen
283 posted on 09/21/2002 12:35:35 PM PDT by Frapster
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 278 | View Replies]

To: Cultural Jihad; Ronaldus Magnus; SlickWillard
Thanks, CJ !

Ronaldus Magnus: See post #232. That link will allow you to view if you have Windows Media or Quick Time if you don't want to download RealOnePlayer.

284 posted on 09/21/2002 12:40:54 PM PDT by MeekOneGOP
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 232 | View Replies]

To: Frapster
I'm willing to admit that once I see the full video.

I believe you.
I just hope A Vast RightWing Conspirator (and others) will do so as well.

Which do you think most likely:

That a majority of the members of largest government leery, Constitution loving, individual rights supporting, laissez faire promoting conservative website in the USA have suddenly become "nanny state" liberals...

Or

That that women beat her child mercilessly??

285 posted on 09/21/2002 12:41:36 PM PDT by eddie willers
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 282 | View Replies]

To: Paul Atreides
[re: surveillance cameras being obtrusive] That's right! If it helped to identify the man who abducted a woman/girl, with the intention of raping and slitting her throat, that would be horrible.

This implies, in the vein of the "When did you stop beating your wife" question, that I am somehow less interesting in the well being of a young girl than I am about the false security of cameras.

There are many things I would be unwilling to accept that could potentially reduce the number of kidnappings, rapes and child abuse.

I'm certainly trying to demonstrate this in the extreme, and no, I don't think parking lot cameras at Walmart destroy all my liberty, but they do deteriorate it some, and one can be opposed to them and still be saddened by child abuse.

286 posted on 09/21/2002 12:43:03 PM PDT by sam_paine
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 269 | View Replies]

To: Frapster
I've reviewed some other videos and I'm shutting up now. This woman was out of control - much more than the other excerpts I've seen

Whoops!

You posted that while I was writing my last missive to you.

PS.....I knew I could count on you. : )

287 posted on 09/21/2002 12:43:32 PM PDT by eddie willers
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 283 | View Replies]

To: A Vast RightWing Conspirator
(.30Carbine here, just trying to catch up while the Tiger is away from the 'puter!)

I really, really admire your post.

288 posted on 09/21/2002 12:49:29 PM PDT by TigersEye
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 210 | View Replies]

To: sam_paine
Believe me, if I'm going to accuse you of beating your wife, or supporting child abuse, I will come right out and say it. My statement that you cited is meant to say that just because the incident of the beating was caught on a video camera, does not disqualify that it happened. Just because some people choose to use the internet for negative purposes does not mean it is a totally bad thing. For one thing, just think how much money you are taking away from the post office, by using email!
289 posted on 09/21/2002 12:52:36 PM PDT by Paul Atreides
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 286 | View Replies]

To: TigersEye
But I'm on FR to explore the rights and wrongs of government, . . .

No, you're hopelessly obsessed with some zealot's vision of government and what you believe are its failings, and you view every aspect of life through this warped lens. I doubt that you could order soup at a diner without finding some reason to launch into a interminable tirade excoriating state interference in the cooking and sale of soup.

The woman caught in adultery is actually a very poor analogy, perhaps worse than your original 'Barabbas' analogy. The woman in that story was facing a very real stoning at the hands of very real vigilantes operating outside the (Roman) law. The story has nothing to say about withholding personal judgment of evil--let alone prohibiting state judgment of violation of its laws. Rather, it is a stern warning against the arbitrary execution of judgment by private means. People (usually libertarians attempting to justify personal perversions) read that gross lie into it, but the truth is we are commanded to discern evil and assiduously avoid it--not wink at it in some misguided belief we are being "more tolerant than thou."

That you are apparently unable to discern your own insufferable self-righteousness in this matter is interesting, but hardly surprising. It is a behavior trait commonly found among many so-called Christian libertarians.

As for me, I will stand up for the right of the child to be free from vicious abuse even at the hands of her own mother.

290 posted on 09/21/2002 12:55:26 PM PDT by Kevin Curry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 258 | View Replies]

To: eddie willers
lol - no worries, and glad I didn't let you down. ;)
291 posted on 09/21/2002 12:58:58 PM PDT by Frapster
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 287 | View Replies]

To: RebelDawg
"So you run into parking lot beatings often?"

One was in a parking lot. A little girl about 5 y/o was crying hysterically as the father slapped her repeatedly, while the mother and other kids watched. The other kids were pleading with him to stop. They locked the kids in the car and walked into the store with me following. I didn't know what it was all about, but I did see the vicious slap attack and hear all the kids crying and pleading.

When I got in the store I announced to the whole front of the store that someone was to call the police NOW. Then I proceded to descibe to the whole store what I just saw. The parents were very meek denying everything. They tried to leave, but I stood in the way. The cops showed up fast and took over. When I was done shopping I was told , by the cops they were wanted in UTAH for something.

16 y/o girl was attacked in a WI drivers's lic. facility. The reason, she failed her dl test and the old man claimed she was a wimp and should demand they issue the licence. The citizens all backed off to the far corners of the room, the dl facility workers disappeared into their offices. I was amazed, no cops were called. So, in a loud voice so even the ones that ran off to hide could hear, I told the fat slob to back off, then talked to the girl, I gave her my card and made sure the whole place heard my threat to hunt the fat guy down if he ever laid into the girl again. That was before WI's child abuse laws. The cops never showed, which means they were never called. I talked to the girl later, 'cause I got her number. The abuse ended.

Aother similar case is ongoing, so no details, except one of the things the fat guy did was to throw the 8-9y/o kid out of a moving car, because the kid said he didn't want to go with his dad. I wonder why?

Another grocery store...fat woman sends ~7y/o sailing across the front with one backhand for asking a question. Woman runs over and starts pummeling the kid. I got in her face, then some other customers backed me. The woman's neighbors took my card.

I'm a Dog soldier at a rendezvous:
4 years ago, 6 y/o being slapped around by daddy for touching food he wasn't supposed to. I had to run over and intervene, because it was a beating. Wife shows up and takes over to give the fat boy whatfor.

2nd incident as Dog soldier. Father starts beating 10y/o with club. Almost kills him with first hit. Immediate intervention. Large crowd gathers to rip father to shreds. Police called. Convicted. Father gets min. 2 years.

Those are just the crimes by parents I intervened in.

"It's none of your business when a parent disciplines their child."

If I see something, or hear screams, I investigate. If there's a kid in trouble, I'll stop it.

"Third thing to note: if one of you should happen to brazenly stick your nose into my business, then you would soon after be having your nose set in the local emergency room!

If there's a kid in trouble, I'll step in to help him.

292 posted on 09/21/2002 1:08:22 PM PDT by spunkets
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 255 | View Replies]

To: Glenn
That lady ought to be shot for what she did to that child.
293 posted on 09/21/2002 1:10:11 PM PDT by rambo316
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: spunkets; TigersEye; Cultural Jihad
If I see [a child being abused], or hear screams, I investigate. If there's a kid in trouble, I'll stop it.

As will I. In a heartbeat.

Come to think of it, I believe that is what Jesus Christ did (i.e., intervene) when he came upon a group of men about to stone an adultress. I suppose if he had had a libertarian among his disciples, he might have been advised, "It's none of our business, Master. The light is poor, and from this distance it could be that the men are just trying to scare flies away from the woman with some well-aimed stones. Better that we just get on with our own business and leave it to God to determine the hearts and intentions of these men. 'Judge not lest ye be judged', remember?"

294 posted on 09/21/2002 1:17:29 PM PDT by Kevin Curry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 292 | View Replies]

Comment #295 Removed by Moderator

To: RebelDawg
A child whether he was beat or not would not side with a stranger over their parent.

Blood is thicker than water? Perhaps, but an adult who is slamming their fists into a child should not be left alone to exercise their preferred method of 'discipline'.

The example I used of my friend's intervention wasn't for spanking, it was for beating a kid with fists in a truck where there was no exit.

Spank, yell, throw a fit at the child, no problem. The reason for my post was to reveal that there are those among us who upon seeing physical abuse of a child may go into a blind rage and attack the attacker, a broken nose being the least of their worries. Thankfully, my friend left the scene before the law arrived and, that no cameras were there or else he'd have surely been arrested for assualt.

296 posted on 09/21/2002 1:20:35 PM PDT by budwiesest
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 255 | View Replies]

To: A Vast RightWing Conspirator
We will have to agree to disagree. IMHO, there is no scenario, no level of bad behavior, absolutely nothing in this or any known solar system that justified that level of corporal punishment being administered to a four-year-old child. Period. And your talk of death row is the worst kind of silly hyperbole

And what was in the mother's mind was irrelevant. You seem to think that a parent should have a blank check to do whatever he or she pleases or thinks is necessary in a situation like this. That would work if this was a perfect world, but as you say it is an imperfect world. And unfortunately, it doesn't take brains to spawn a child, and too many people think the only means of discipline is physical discipline. There are folks out there who have children who don't have any business having children. And I know it invites a slippery slope of "big brother" watching over people's shoulders and trying to tell people how to parent their children ... but if by any rational standard a person is abusing a child, then it's time for somebody to step in whether it's government or not.

And I misstated my opinion in my response to you, would like to correct that. I said if government "regulation" was needed ... my intent was government "intervention," big difference. Lord knows we have enough government regulations.

Bottom line, who cares if a jillion other beatings like this are going on in this country at this very second? Does that mean we should just say, "Hey, that's the way it is, whatever happens happens, we're not in this parent's shoes and because we're sitting here absolutely quaking in our shoes about big brother and government and the police getting involved, we should do nothing." I think it's providence that this one was caught on tape, because the proper people can do something about this one. Should we run from small battles if they're worthwhile?

297 posted on 09/21/2002 1:24:18 PM PDT by GB
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 238 | View Replies]

To: agrace
I am in no way defending this woman. However, we break the bond between mother and child at our peril. For several decades now we have been experimenting with having the state step in to remove children from homes we deem dangerous. This isn't working. The foster care system is a sham and just as dangerous to children as their abusive parents are. I probably shouldn't have picked this thread to make this point, however, as emotions are high, and rightfully so.
298 posted on 09/21/2002 1:24:31 PM PDT by Under the Radar
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 147 | View Replies]

To: A Vast RightWing Conspirator
Listen carefully. VERY carefully.

First..........are you a parent? Simple question.

Second.........do you know the difference between paddling or swatting a behind and what you saw on that video?

Third..........seriously asking: Is your eyesight all that it should be?

Fourth.........do you ever, ever envision a situation where a toddler needs that kind of out-and-out beating, especially to the head? (including violent hair pulling........oh, you missed that part, too?)

Fifth.......... I contend that if you aren't a parent, don't become one. If you see nothing sick and disgustingly, stomach-churningly wrong with what that bitch was doing to that baby in that vehicle, you shouldn't be trusted around children, especially young children.

299 posted on 09/21/2002 1:28:21 PM PDT by RightOnline
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 264 | View Replies]

To: RebelDawg
Amen to your last comment. I've gone around with a couple of people here on this particular situation, but don't take anything I've said as being anti-spanking. I'm a firm believer in corporal punishment. I've lit up my young'uns tails more than once when they've needed it. And if I feel it's needed, I'm not afraid to swat their rears in public. Of course I'm in the South where people are still OK with that, and if I were elsewhere that might land me in jail. But again, IMHO this crossed the line big time, and it utterly amazes me that people can make libertarian, parents' rights, anti-government or whatever arguments that it didn't. I have no frame of reference in my 44 years on this planet for people who think like that in the face of massive evidence that this child was mugged. If it were an adult on adult situation and the attacking adult administered the same kind of blows to another adult, the attacking adult would be in jail for assault without a question asked.
300 posted on 09/21/2002 1:31:07 PM PDT by GB
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 255 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 261-280281-300301-320 ... 341-360 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson