Two parents from Kissimmee, Florida, were arrested after a disturbing child abuse incident involving their child.
Lance Eugene Rachel, 27, and Kimberly Corene Rachel, 27, face serious charges following an alleged 28-minute-long assault on their child over a misplaced couch cushion.
The incident took place on December 7, 2024, at the family’s home, with authorities being alerted by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Lance Rachel allegedly became enraged over the missing cushion, accusing the child of lying and punishing them with extreme physical force.
The father reportedly struck the child over 50 times with a belt, choked them, and verbally abused them with several derogatory remarks. He also allegedly threatened to break the child’s jaw.
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Some of the abuse was captured on the family’s in-home surveillance cameras. When questioned by authorities, Lance Rachel reportedly admitted to the abuse.
His wife, Kimberly Rachel, was arrested for failing to report the known abuse, despite being aware of the situation.
Lance Rachel faces charges of aggravated child abuse and battery by strangulation, while Kimberly Rachel faces charges for failure to report child abuse.
The child’s identity and age have not been disclosed for privacy reasons.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos R. Lopez commented on the seriousness of the case, stating that while corporal punishment may be legal, excessive abuse is against the law and will not be tolerated.
The couple was seen being taken into custody in handcuffs in footage released by the sheriff’s office.