Trial continues for couple accused of locking girl in basement
Photographer: Dave Marlo
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 11/15/2012
-
By: Mario Ramirez
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio - The third and final day in the trial for the Middletown couple accused of locking their 12-year-old daughter in the basement for weeks will begin Thursday morning.
Joanna Blackston, 37, is accused of depriving her 12-year-old stepdaughter of food, giving her cold showers, and force feeding her for punishment. Blackston will be cross examined by prosecuting attorneys.
Several witnesses testified Wednesday including Joanna Blackston and Blackston's mother.
The most surprising testimony came from Joanna Blackston's best friend and coworker saying that she liked the publicity she was getting from the case and that she called her kids "crazy" on a daily basis.
Blackston and her husband Shawn, 40, have been charged with child endangering for allegedly locking the girl in the basement of their Philadelphia Avenue home from June 18 to July 3. Butler County Children Services and Middletown police were called to investigate allegations of abuse after receiving an anonymous call.
The Blackstons face up to six months in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor charge.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
PRINT
North
-
Police find escaped inmate in Lebanon
Warren County police say the inmate who walked away from the Lebanon Correctional Institute Tuesday afternoon was located.
-
Riders get stuck on The Beast at KI
-
Powdery substance sends 3 to hospital
-
Woman accused of animal cruelty to court
