Inset: Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore (Oakland County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Edith Street in Pontiac, Michigan, where Moore allegedly attacked his two sons inside a home (Google Maps).
A Michigan father is in custody after he reportedly assaulted and choked his 9-year-old son for sleeping on the couch and burned his 1-year-old son’s back and legs with lit cigarettes.
Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore, 38, faces charges of two counts of child abuse. The case was initiated on Thursday when the older boy managed to flee the home on the 100 block of South Edith Street in Pontiac after Moore left for the store, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office press release. The boy sought help at another residence, where the homeowner promptly called the authorities.
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Deputies discovered the boy had “severe abrasions” to his right eye and around his neck, along with welts on his torso, the press release said. He told them his father had beat him with a belt on his face, back, legs and buttocks, and then hit him with a broom handle before choking him until he lost consciousness, according to deputies. During the alleged assault, Moore allegedly said “It’s gonna happen all night” before leaving for the store.
The 9-year-old also said his father became upset when the younger child began crying because he was hungry. Moore allegedly “threw” the 1-year-old into his crib. Further inspection of the younger boy revealed he had healed cigarette burns on his back and legs.
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Cops arrested Moore at a relative’s home on Thursday night. He allegedly told the relative he was “whooping” his son for stealing. Paramedics took the boy to the hospital for treatment of his injuries and was last listed in stable condition. His mother did not live in the home with Moore, per deputies.
The 1-year-old’s mother is in jail so Child Protective Services took custody of him.
Moore remained in the Oakland County Jail as of Tuesday morning. His next court date is scheduled for July 10.
“One of the worst things we see is horrific abuse to children,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “It cannot be tolerated, and those responsible must be held fully accountable and their children protected.”
