This Child Was Abused Twice

While not equal to sexual abuse, the physical abuse of a child is untenable. When our elected officials fail to act against the crime, it amounts to a second act of abuse.

It seems Franklin County resident Raymond McKinney shook his four-month old son until the child developed a brain bleed. While the child did not die, he has permanent brain damage and will in all probability suffer seizures the rest of his life. McKinney was charged with a Class C felony.

After McKinney's arrest, his mother Ruby McKinney threatened the life of her daughter-in-law if she should testify. When the child's mother reported Ruby, the elder McKinney was also charged with a Class C felony. Are these two acts comparable? Apparently Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing thinks so.

The two trials are set for early this year. If you feel that Raymond McKinney has been insufficiently charged for his heinous act, please contact Mr. Rushing and let him know that you are in disagreement with his call on this one.


What's up with this: The Shoals is filled with talent, especially the literary variety. Tomorrow we will publish the first in a series of book reviews by a new edition to the Shoalanda team. Don't miss it.