A Kent County couple who withheld food from their two children, then would force feed them and also violently and repetitively assaulted them should spend the rest of their lives in jail after receiving sentences of a combined 150 years. Mary Vinson, 46, and Charles Vinson, 37, were convicted in September of dozens of felonies for abusing their children, including …
8 bills pass Senate, ready to become Delaware law
Eight bills were discussed and passed through the Senate Thursday and are heading to Gov. John Carney’s desk for signature in what is the last week of the legislative session. Here’s what is set to become law: House Bill 65, also sponsored by Rep. Debra Heffernan, D-Brandywine Hundred South, provides state employees who suffer a miscarriage, stillbirth or other loss, …
Laws punishing child and financial abusers get Senate support
Three laws seeking to prevent and crack down on child and financial abuse garnered support in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. They also drew emotional testimonies from victims of abuse or individuals who have had abuse negatively affect their lives. House Bill 182, sponsored by Rep. Krista Griffith, D-Fairfax, changes child abuse in the third, second and first degree …
House Judiciary OKs one child abuse bill, tables another
The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday discussed in detail two bills that look to change how Delaware handles child abuse cases. One was passed; the other tabled. Senate Bill 124, sponsored by Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, D-Arden, would clarify that people have to orally report cases of child abuse, neglect or trafficking to the Department of Services for Children, Youth …
Bill would remove confession privileges for child abuse
A new bill would remove the privileged secrecy that priests have in sacramental confession in cases related to child abuse or neglect. In response, the Diocese of Wilmington put out a statement that calls the idea “non-negotiable.” House Bill 74 is sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison, D-Glasgow, with 10 other Democrats and Republican Rep Dave Wilson, R-Seaford, listed as additional …