In a shocking case out of Houston, authorities report that a man allegedly confined his wife for half a decade within their $1 million residence, where they lived with their children.
James Earl Johnson was taken into custody on Friday morning. However, he has since been released on bail, with strict instructions to avoid contact with the victim and refrain from entering their Houston home.
The victim, a 46-year-old woman with disabilities, was reportedly kept locked in a bedroom and denied access to any communication devices, according to police.
Court filings reveal that Johnson inadvertently left a phone unattended on a nightstand, which the victim used to dial 911 on Friday.
However, the emergency call was abruptly terminated. Authorities allege that Johnson intervened by assaulting his wife and forcibly returning her to the bedroom before disconnecting the call.
Speaking to ABC’s Houston affiliate KTRK, the victim’s adult son confirmed that his mother was hospitalized on Monday, though he did not provide specifics regarding her medical condition or the nature of her disability.
“People might think it’s easy to just leave, but if you’re suffering from some sort of disability, the chances are greater that you can’t leave,” said trauma therapist Chau Nguyen.
The victim appears to have made at least one previous attempt.
Police confirm she called them Nov. 16. But when officers arrived at the house, they say she told them she and her children were told to stay quiet and not say anything to police.
Officers left without filing a report.
“Over time, there’s fear, there’s dependence. Sometimes there’s even a trauma bond between the victim and the abuser,” said Nguyen.
KTRK tried reaching Johnson at the phone number he listed on court paperwork, but our message was not returned.
At last check, he had not hired an attorney.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text “START” to 88788 | thehotline.org
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