Background: The Allen County Jail in Fort Wayne, Ind. (Google Maps). Insets (left to right): Anthony Rybolt and LaTasha Money (Allen County Sheriff”s Office).
An alarming incident in Indiana has come to light as a young boy alleges that his stepbrother threatened him with a firearm, while his father and stepmother allegedly failed to intervene. The boy’s father, Anthony Rybolt, along with his stepmother, LaTasha Money, now face charges of child neglect resulting in bodily injury following the reported assault.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, the boy, whose age remains undisclosed, and his mother reached out to authorities in late April. They reported that the stepbrother, Money’s son, had not only strangled the minor but also brandished a black 9 mm handgun at his abdomen.
In a shocking revelation, the boy recounted that Rybolt and Money, upon learning of the assault, allegedly responded to the stepbrother with the dismissive remark, “Just don’t kill him.”
The affidavit further details a disturbing scenario that unfolded a week prior to the altercation. The boy claimed Rybolt and Money coerced him into driving another child to St. Augustine, Florida, with the intention of concealing the child from authorities. This was reportedly an attempt to evade a Child In Need of Services (CHINS) warrant.
Upon returning from the trip, the minor faced another ordeal as Rybolt and Money allegedly demanded the return of his car keys to facilitate their continued avoidance of law enforcement. When he refused, the situation escalated. The stepbrother purportedly attacked him, jumping on him while he lay on a bed and strangling him with both hands.
The assault left the boy with visible red marks on his neck. It was after this physical attack that the stepbrother allegedly pointed the loaded gun at him, ominously stating, “I don’t need you anymore.” The boy accused his father and stepmother of fostering and encouraging the stepbrother’s violent behavior by failing to intervene.
After the altercation, the boy made contact with his aunt to tell her what happened. Witnesses told police that the victim was “upset and afraid” when they spoke with him, and that they saw the bruising on his neck.
On April 28, the minor and his mother reported the alleged incident to police, who arrested Rybolt and Money on Thursday. Both were charged with neglect of a child causing bodily harm. After being booked into the Allen County Jail, both posted $10,000 bond and were released. Rybolt and Money are scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 27.
