13-Year-Old Adopted Son Starved to 55 Pounds by Fire Chief and Wife

A Disturbing Case of Child Abuse Involving a Fire Chief and His Wife

A shocking case of child abuse has come to light involving a fire chief and his wife in Wyoming, who are now facing serious charges for allegedly starving and mistreating their 13-year-old adopted son. According to local authorities, the boy was described as "wafer thin" and "severely malnourished," weighing only 55 pounds when the abuse was discovered.

Darrick Mittlestadt, the chief of Laramie County Fire District No. 1, and his wife, Angela Mittlestadt, have both been charged with aggravated child abuse and conspiracy. The couple turned themselves in on Monday, and the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charges. Public Information Officer Brandon Warner shared details from police interviews, where Angela Mittlestadt admitted that the couple took in the child six years ago.

In one interview, Angela reportedly said, “F—ed up kid with trauma,” adding, “I’m an idiot and thought I could help him.” These statements highlight the emotional turmoil and challenges the family faced.

The Alleged Mistreatment

The arrest affidavit, obtained by local media outlets, details the alleged mistreatment of the boy. It states that the couple allegedly starved the child due to his behavior. According to the document, the boy was given crackers and protein shakes as rewards, while his bedroom door was blocked for about two years.

“I’m only allowed to eat one meal a day since there’s no point in giving me food,” the teen reportedly told a police officer, as per the affidavit. This statement paints a grim picture of the child's daily life.

Medical reports indicated that the boy's ribs, collarbones, and other bones and joints were visibly protruding due to his extreme thinness. He also had significant hair loss on his head, further indicating severe malnutrition.

Emotional and Physical Struggles

Angela Mittlestadt told investigators that Darrick Mittlestadt often worked long hours, making it overwhelming for her to manage the 13-year-old and another younger child in the home. Authorities noted that Darrick took responsibility for the situation during his police interviews.

“I failed everyone, because I didn’t do my job,” Darrick allegedly said. This admission underscores the gravity of the situation and the emotional burden the couple may have felt.

In June, Angela Mittlestadt dropped the boy off at a Youth Development Center in Douglas, instructing him to tell staff he “needed somewhere to live.” When asked why she did this, the boy explained that he “wasn’t very nice and did stuff he shouldn’t have done such as wetting the bed and picking at himself.”

Medical Treatment and Aftermath

The boy, originally from Colorado, was taken to the Colorado Children's Hospital for medical treatment on June 24, weighing just 55 pounds. Doctors noted that the malnourishment was not recent and was accompanied by arrested bone growth and joint development.

Despite the severity of the case, the Laramie County Fire District #1 did not respond to requests for comment. The incident has sparked widespread concern and discussion about child welfare and the responsibilities of those in positions of authority.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and support systems for children in vulnerable situations. It also highlights the need for continued awareness and action to protect the most vulnerable members of society.