Ledyard Man Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse and Cruelty

UPDATE: A 26-year-old Ledyard man, Elijah King, has been arrested on multiple charges of child abuse and endangerment, raising urgent concerns for the safety of his four young children. The Ledyard Police Department announced the arrest after a shocking report from King’s sister, who alleged physical and verbal mistreatment over several months.

The allegations surfaced on November 3, 2023, when King’s sister reported to authorities that he had been using military-style discipline on his children, including forced physical exercises and physical punishment. She claimed King made the children, aged 4, 3, 1, and a 6-month-old girl, perform “military-style” pushups and crawl on their hands and feet up a hill while being sprayed with water in cold weather, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

The sister, who had moved into a family home in early September, alleged that she witnessed distressing incidents, including King forcing children to remain in their beds despite needing to use the bathroom. She provided video evidence to investigators, showing some of the children crawling while visibly wet and struggling. Disturbingly, one child reportedly had red marks on his body after being forced to remove his wet clothes.

Police noted that the surveillance footage did not capture the most severe allegations, as portions were deleted. This disturbing revelation emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and protection for vulnerable children.

King’s parenting style, which he described as “conservative Christian,” has come under intense scrutiny. In an interview with police on November 10, he denied the accusations and attributed them to “disgruntled” individuals critical of his methods. He defended his belief in disciplining children through physical exercises, citing his military background.

Currently, King is free on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on Friday. The community is left reeling from these allegations as authorities continue their investigation into the welfare of the children involved.

The situation has sparked widespread concern and calls for action as details of the abuse come to light. Parents and community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any signs of child endangerment.

As this case develops, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the children. With the court hearing approaching, many are watching closely for further updates and justice in this alarming situation.