Mom and stepdad allegedly handcuffed and beat 9-year-old with a tree branch for misbehaving on school bus
05/14/2026 10:46 am PDT
TOLLESON, Ariz. (TCN) -- A mother and stepfather are facing charges after an investigation found they had allegedly punished a 9-year-old boy by beating him with a tree branch.
Arizona’s Family reports that an investigation into Rita and Staffon Barr began after the child, whose name has not been released, told a school nurse he was being abused at home.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law & Crime, the boy went to the school nurse and complained that his chest and arms were in pain. The nurse saw redness and swelling consistent with his statements of alleged abuse and notified the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
Arizona’s Family reports that during his first interview with a nonprofit organization, the victim said the treatment was in response to misbehaving on the bus.
The victim said his stepfather worked at a juvenile detention center and alleged he said he wanted to show him what happens to bad kids. Both he and his sibling said they were beaten with a tree branch. The victim also alleged he was handcuffed while beaten and that he had his mouth covered so that neighbors would not hear, per Law & Crime. When Rita Barr and Staffon Barr were interviewed, they allegedly provided inconsistent statements.
According to the arrest affidavit, the instrument used to allegedly beat the victim was found in the Barrs’ bedroom, and the handcuffs described by the victim were found in Staffon Barr’s car; the investigation confirmed that he is an employee at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections.
Arizona’s Family reports that during her first court appearance, Rita Barr said, “I only spanked my son on the backside.”
During his first court appearance, Staffon Barr said, “My whole job is I deal with kids. I was a teacher for eight years. I’ve never been accused of child abuse.”
Arizona’s Family reports that according to court documents, there is a history of DCS reports against the family regarding both the victim and his older sister.
Rita and Staffon Barr are both facing charges of felony child abuse and aggravated assault. Law & Crime reports that they are scheduled to appear in court on May 13.
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