Colorado couple charged with murder after forcing son to drink too much water, sheriff's officials allege
06/18/2020 11:13 am PDT
via KDVR:
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KDVR) -- An El Paso County couple is accused of killing their 11-year-old son by forcing him to drink large amounts of water.
Zachary Sabin was found dead in a urine-soaked diaper in Black Forest on March 11, according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Prosecutors say the couple made him drink the water because his urine was dark. Tara Sabin, the boy's stepmother, told deputies Zachary had a hereditary urological issue that caused him to wet his bed, the affidavit said.
The Colorado Springs Gazette reports 41-year-old Ryan Sabin and 42-year-old Tara Sabin turned themselves in to authorities Tuesday.
Ryan Sabin called 911 about 6:15 a.m. on March 11 after he found Zachary in his bed with foam coming from his mouth and blood on his bed.
Zachary was made to drink four 24-oz. bottles of water over a four-hour time period, without eating, then became nonverbal and drowsy before he was put to bed, the autopsy reportedly states. The coroner found blood on his left eyebrow and forehead, according to the report. The 11-year-old also had bruises on his head, arms, shin and buttocks.
The county coroner's office determined the boy died of forced water intoxication. Ryan and Tara Sabin are both charged with first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, and six counts of misdemeanor child abuse.
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