Mo. man accused of burning teen stepson in 'ring of fire,' pepper-spraying daughter and stepdaughter

LACLEDE COUNTY, Mo. (TCD) -- A 50-year-old man faces several charges after officials allege he burned a 13-year-old boy and pepper-sprayed two other juveniles.

Laclede County court records show Timothy Easton was charged with first-degree assault or attempt — cause serious physical injury, abuse or neglect of a child — serious emotional or physical injury, and two counts of abuse or neglect of a child.

KOZL-TV reports a 13-year-old boy went to the emergency room Aug. 24 with burns covering 10% to 19% of his body, including his chest and thighs. Deputies reportedly learned Easton allegedly put the boy in a "ring of fire," and as the teen tried getting out, Easton supposedly kicked a gasoline can toward him. The gas reportedly made "sparks" as it connected with a lighter, and the boy got burned.

According to KY3-TV, Easton is the teen’s stepfather and the "ring of fire" occurred outside their home.

By the time the teen went to the hospital, his burns were reportedly about two weeks old because Easton allegedly did not let the boy’s mother seek help for the injuries.

Easton also reportedly pepper-sprayed his 16-year-old daughter and 12-year-old stepdaughter.

Sheriff David Millsap reportedly said in a statement, "During the course of the investigation, there is evidence to indicate the mother and the children were subject to ongoing physical and verbal threats from the suspect. We believe, based on the information gathered, that the mother was kept from getting the child proper care."

Records indicate Easton is being held without bond.

MORE:

• State vs. Timothy Neil Easton
• Laclede Co. man charged with burning, pepper-spraying children - KOZL
• Laclede County man is accused of burning a boy, pepper-spraying two girls - KY3