Larry & Becky Tortellet Are Bad Grandparents
September 3, 2008 by impqueen
This story written and submitted by our member Katyk – Thanks, and welcome to the front page! – imp
Larry and Becky Tortellet
Tucson, AZ - A 9-year-old boy, whose name is being withheld, was found last SaturdaySaturday reviews
locked in a bedroom closet surrounded by feces and urine. He was severely malnourished, weighing only 48 pounds and looked “pale†according to the arresting deputy.
Becky Lee Tortellet, 50, and her husband Larry Alan Tortellet, 52, are the grandparents of the deteriorating little boy. They were arrested on child abuse charges after the sheriff’s department had been tipped off to the child’s condition by a behavioral health center employee.
See, the Tortellet’s didn’t believe in feeding or nurturing the child, but expected him to behave “normally.” So, naturally, they sought help at the center.
The clinic worker knew something was wrong immediately because besides his shocking appearance, the 9-year-old could not read or write. Turns out he’s never been enrolled in school.
Instead, he’s been living out his days in a closet measuring 49†x 41â€, sleeping on a urine and feces soaked sleeping bag – and from the the description of his condition, doing nothing else.
The Tortellets have been raising the child, along with his 8-year-old brother since birth. Becky said their mother dropped them off and they haven’t heard from her in years.
Thankfully, it appears the 8-year-old was spared the abuse and has been attending public school. Both children are now in CPS custody. The Tortellets are both being held in the Pima County Jail on $50,000 bond.
11:02 am on September 3rd, 2008
These people are in their 50’s? Not their 70’s seriously. They are looking rough!
Why did they choose to neglect one child over another? I feel so bad for those children. I am so sick of children suffering at the hands of useless fuckers. Why can’t there be a system that weeds out these type of people. Eradicate the broken abusive sick fuckers!
11:09 am on September 3rd, 2008
Wow, those are some mean looking fuckers! Good story, Katyk!
I can’t believe this has been going on since these kids were born. How will they EVER overcome this treatment — they probably have no socialization, and no knowledge of anything in the world. That’s a huge deficit to start off with at that age. Damn.
I hope these two never see the light of day again!
11:16 am on September 3rd, 2008
Faces of meth maybe?
Yes, how is it that the one child led a somewhat normal (?) existence and the other was treated like something out “Christy” the novel?? I always wonder what the survivor’s life will be like. How are children rehabilitated after something this horrific? I just don’t get how people can treat children like this. Just.Don’t.Get.It.
11:19 am on September 3rd, 2008
Ok, first of all, that woman looks at least 75, are you kidding me? Secondly, I have a 9 year old son and he’s 74 lbs and wears slim sized clothes. He doesn’t sit still for a minute, he loves playing football, baseball and kickball!! I can barely get him to take a break long enough to eat dinner!
This poor, poor baby! Same age, but 48 lbs and confined to a filthy closet when he should be outside, being a kid, catchin’ frogs and climbing trees and lovin’ life!
These fuckers should fry, I hate them!!! I hate people who steal a child’s childhood!!! They suck!
11:38 am on September 3rd, 2008
So sad – Does anyone know what these two shit for brains had the children and not the parents?? It seems that they were born into a pretty shitty gene pool…
12:23 pm on September 3rd, 2008
I couldn’t find any other info on the parents, except the mother dropped them off with their grandparents years ago and hasn’t been heard from since.
I did find an article that said this isn’t the first time the grandparents have been flagged for child abuse. They lived in Texas prior to move to Arizona last December, where they had run-ins with CPS. No other info available yet as to what kind of run-ins those were yet.
12:48 pm on September 3rd, 2008
Geeezzzeeee………My two year old weighs 33 lbs. And he isnt fat, he is in the 95% for his height. He is just bigger for his age. 48 lbs? I cannot imagine. And he has to go straight to foster care, which is scary in itself.
Terrible!
12:52 pm on September 3rd, 2008
Don’t know why, but it does seem to be a common dynamic in abusive situations.
Even in so-called “normal” families, kids get labeled. The “smart” one, the “pretty” one, the “musical” one…. the “bad” one might be an extreme extension. JMO.
1:13 pm on September 3rd, 2008
Somebody needs to make an effort to track down that mother. It wouldn’t surprise me if she was in a storage bin somewhere.
2:56 pm on September 3rd, 2008
Don’t know why, but it does seem to be a common dynamic in abusive situations.
Even in so-called “normal†families, kids get labeled. The “smart†one, the “pretty†one, the “musical†one…. the “bad†one might be an extreme extension. JMO.
A plenty reasonable theory.
It’s situations like these when I think back to all the family members who’ve come here and used the old, “He couldn’t have abused her – his other kids are just fine!” story…and how utterly full of shit they are. Apparently, it doesn’t matter how many books are written and movies are created about Gertrude Baniszewski’s case. People will always be able to convince themselves of nonsense.
5:49 pm on September 3rd, 2008
oh. my. fucking. god. Those are the two scariest mug shots I have ever seen. I’m probably going to have to sue them for nightmares after this.
Thank God this kid was saved.
12:42 pm on September 4th, 2008
katyk – Thank you for the info. I couldn’t help but be curious about the parents. grandparents usually wind up with the kids because the parents were pieces of shit. In this case – The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
2:11 pm on September 4th, 2008
“During an interview with authorities, the 9-year-old said that he has to sleep in the closet and is also made to stay in there when he is punished or when his grandmother was in the bathroom…
The boy — who had pale skin and difficulty walking — said it was his fault because he misbehaves.
‘I am bad, horrible, and my mom doesn’t want me anymore,’ he said. He refers to his grandmother as his mom…”
http://regulus2.azstarnet.com/blogs/policebeat/11231/boy-kept-in-closet-by-grandmother-says-he-deserved-it-wphotos
2:16 pm on September 4th, 2008
Christ. If that’s not heartbreaking, I don’t know what is.
3:08 pm on September 4th, 2008
Oh that poor child to blame himself. How horrible ..Cases like this make me believe we should have public lynching ..I just hope the state helps this kid overcome the personality disorders he will no doubt encounter..WOW
6:59 pm on September 4th, 2008
he looks 52 or so she looks 83 …. whats up with the other boy why was he going to school treated normal was he the slave around the house. I feel so very bad for this kid I want to adopt him
sounds like he talks well for no schooling
Think the grandparents could be Racist… geeesh I can only guess he is of mixed race why they treat him differently… being bad and made to sleep occassionly in the closet NO! This kid is near death at 48 lbs and never ever attended school there is more to it then what the boy is saying.
4:47 pm on September 9th, 2008
Oh my God, that poor child. This makes me so sick. The grandfather just looks like he’s full of rage and the grandmother looks likes she been hit in the face by a mack truck. Are you sure the ages are correct????
I can’t believe this poor little boy thinks it’s his fault, I hope he gets the help he needs and become a normal productive member of society.
And get a little of his childhood back…..
6:47 pm on September 9th, 2008
They remind me of The Hills Have Eyes or something.
Somebody should send them a Peeperanni Pizza, maybe…
2:12 pm on September 16th, 2008
I am the oldest of her 4 children… one iz dead one iz in prison and the mother of the 2 grandchildren iz messed up… I don’t think I need to explain anymore…
3:02 pm on September 16th, 2008
Oh my – I am so sorry. Can you tell us anything about the family dynamic?
Were any of you kids abused in any way? Have you heard how your nephews are doing?
3:39 pm on September 16th, 2008
I waz not… maybe a lil’ but not like my brother and sister and they went through the same and worse az my almost 10 yr. old nephew. Larry iz not the bad guy… he just don’t see her the way he should he believes everything she sayz and goes along with it…. he never abused us at all…
4:17 pm on September 16th, 2008
Oh, my. It sounds like the children should have NEVER been left with them. Is she your birth mother and her your birth father?? How is your nephew? Do you have any contact with him??
4:26 pm on September 16th, 2008
yes she iz my birth mother but he is my stepdad…. when I seen the headlines it brought so many memories back… thatz the same reason they took my brother away from her when he waz 9months old…
11:12 pm on September 16th, 2008
Oh, my. I am so sorry that you are having to live this nightmare again. It seems that once would be enough. I hope that your nephew is doing well.
12:41 pm on September 17th, 2008
iam ashamed to say that this is my sick sister,you never expect to look in the news and see something so horrific and have it be a family member,she has been sick a very long time and she has done this before to her own kids,it sickens me that they are out on bond already what is it gonna take for something to seriously be done,she needs serious help not let back out on the street to hurt someone else, LIBRALEAZ this is your aunt debbie get in touch with me honey please would love to finially hear from you love ya honey send me an e-mail and ill send you a number to contact me,this has brought back alot of bad memories for me as well contact me justflipper00@yahoo.com
2:11 pm on September 17th, 2008
Holy shit. Libraleaz and Justflipper00, I’m glad you’re able to connect here.
It sounds as if this woman is seriously messed up. If she did this to her children and even lost custody, WHY was she allowed to have the grandchildren? That is just all kinds of messed up. How could their own mother leave them with that woman knowing what she’d do? (shudder).
Libraleaz, I’m sorry for your pain. I hope that you and JUSTFLIPPER00 will do EVERYTHING within your power to make sure that those two boys are well-cared for from here on out. And that includes a LOT of therapy. That boy is in need of some serious unconditional love.
2:57 pm on September 17th, 2008
Wow- just wow. I am so glad you two may re-connect.
2:59 pm on September 17th, 2008
Somebody please, please, please take this little boy to love and try to provide him with some normal childhood. Sending lots of prayers and hugs …
3:59 pm on September 17th, 2008
I have no idea why my sister left those boyz with her knowing the hell that my brother and her waz put through… It disturbes me so much… I have been talking to who ever will listen to me about this… we have come together as a family to stand up for my nephews and make sure they don’t go back to her and hopefully she gets locked up and recieves treatmeant… Nothing excuses this kinda of behavior… I have 2 lil’ boyz myself… I have alwayz been afraid of being like her… I can’t imagine being that way… I barley punish my children because I don’t want to be anything like her…
4:07 pm on September 17th, 2008
Good for you- end the cycle and love those boys with all your heart.
2:07 am on September 18th, 2008
we are gonna band together as a family, and hopefully stop her for good, have her put somewhere that she cant do this to anyone ever again, it sickens me that we are related, and iam heartsick about it all,maybe someone ought to place her in a 49 by 41 closet just like she did to that precious little boy and others before him,someone needs to make sure that this never happens again,and from what iam understanding her bond got lowered how wrong is that,I feel no pity for her even if she is my sister,this is plain sick and she is a very sick woman whom needs to be dealt with,,and libraleaz iam here honey anytime just call me I love ya, so glad we have been able to connect,hope to chat more,,your aunt
3:08 pm on September 26th, 2008
got a good idea place her in that closet and burn the house down!
7:56 pm on October 1st, 2008
Libra & Just – I’m happy to hear the family is banding together to fix this – I know all about what their real mother went through at Becky’s hands and this sounds very familiar sadly. Libra and ‘T’ know how to get in touch with me – if she needs a little moral support or just a familiar ear to talk at don’t hesitate to contact me.
As for Becky? She is a serial abuser – lock her up and throw away the key – the things that are in the public eye aren’t even close to the worst things she’s done to her children and grandchildren. Not by a long shot.
4:40 pm on October 16th, 2008
Just & Libra
I googled Rebecca always looking for my granddaughter Alissa Dees and found this about Becky. I knew her in Las Vegas. She had my granddaughter and I am trying to find her. She should be 19 this year. Do you know anything about her?? I wrote 2 other blogs and hit enter so don’t want to write again in case they are posted. New at this. I feel for your family and hope everything works out for the boys.
4:55 pm on October 16th, 2008
Alissa left in OK…at least that is what becky said
5:16 pm on October 16th, 2008
I talked to the detective and he was looking for Alissa because Becky said that she kicked Alissa out when she was 18. Is this true and how do you know Becky? email me at desbyphy@msn.com
6:43 pm on October 16th, 2008
My sister is Libra same dad. I met alissa once back in 2005.
6:55 pm on October 16th, 2008
Thank you! When I knew Rebecca, she had long black hair and was a hard worker. She had cancer and I heard she had a stroke later. Alissa told me that she treated her better than her real mom and she loved her. and taught her from right and wrong. She was strict. I tried to get Alissa to go to her dad’s but she wouldn’t. I hope she wasn’t abused but who knows. Hopefully you can be there for your sister. God bless you! If you hear anything about Alissa, please let me know.
7:06 pm on October 16th, 2008
I will and I e-mailed you! I hope you Find her and from what I know only the oldest boy was. Alissa was the one that had to tend to him….My sister could answer more questions As I olny hear what she tells me! This is horrible she is a manipulative person and every word that comes out of becky’s mouth is a lie.
6:20 pm on November 4th, 2008
Has anyone heard what happen in the conference yesterday with the Judge about the children. I haven’t heard anything. Still haven’t found Alissa, my granddaughter.
8:12 pm on November 4th, 2008
I haven’t heard anything yet… still trying to find out… I will let ya know as soon as I know
3:08 pm on February 18th, 2009
This is their court date & case number:
CR-20083479 Becky Lee Tortellet & Larry Alan Tortellet
Date: Monday, April 06, 2009
Location: Pima County Superior Court
Address: 110 W. Congress St.
City/State: Tucson,AZ
Praying for the little 9 year old….. Any news on the other missing granddaughter?
9:43 am on March 8th, 2009
The case has been postponed!
1:17 pm on March 8th, 2009
Thank you to MadeaBecBec and Mjmsepm for the updates. I have been thinking of these children, both of them. I hope they are happy wherever they are now.
11:17 am on April 19th, 2009
New info!
County wants bond revoked for couple accused of child abuse
SHERYL KORNMAN
Published: 04.07.2009
A Pima County prosecutor is trying to put Becky and Larry Tortellet back in jail while they await trial, according to court documents.
The ex-spouses, who live together, are out on bond after being indicted last year on child abuse charges.
“Put simply, Becky and Larry Tortellet tortured their now 10-year-old grandson by keeping him confined in a small, dark closet, denying him food and water, denying him a bathroom and holding him out of school for a period of years,” according to the motion to revoke bond filed in February.
The motion, which is being heard this week before Superior Court Judge Howard Hantman, asserts that Becky Tortellet, 50, has a more than 20-year history of using physical restraints on her own children and has moved from state to state to evade child welfare workers.
County prosecutor Jonathan Mosher said Monday authorities believe the Tortellets are a flight risk. He said they plan to take the boy and his younger brother and flee Arizona.
Becky Tortellet’s attorney, assistant Pima County legal defender Samuel Washington, was successful last September in getting her bail reduced from $50,000 to $10,000.
The Tortellets have been free since then, awaiting trial.
Becky and Larry, 52, said Monday through their attorneys they do not plan to leave Tucson.
Pima County Sheriff’s Detective Miguel Flores said in testimony Monday he interviewed witnesses in Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas and studied child welfare agency investigations of allegations of child abuse by the Tortellets in each of those states.
After each investigation, the family moved to another state.
Flores said Becky Tortellet’s son, now an adult, was physically restrained by her repeatedly “for his own protection,” she said.
She admitted using plastic zip ties to bind her grandson’s wrists to keep him from “acting out,” the detective said. The boy told CPS workers he was being treated this way because he was told he was “bad.”
Flores visited the Tortellet home in the 6700 block of South Iberia Avenue twice last summer to investigate allegations made to the state’s Child Protective Services of physical and emotional abuse.
A mental health provider here told authorities the grandmother brought the boy to a behavioral health facility and asked that the boy be placed in an institution.
The Tortellets have been raising the 10-year-old and his younger brother, 8 – children of one of Becky’s daughters – since shortly after they were born, they say. They do not have legal custody.
The younger boy had his own room and was well fed, according to the detective’s investigation.
However, the older boy weighed 48 pounds when the Tortellets were arrested last summer on felony child abuse charges, Deputy Dawn Barkman said then.
The grandmother told investigators she kept the boy in a closet because he could get into things that might hurt him. He was dressed in a diaper and placed in a high chair during a visit by a Tucson CPS worker and was drinking from a “sippy” cup.
His younger brother told CPS workers he could hear his brother banging on the closet walls and door.
A sheriff’s report said the closet where the boy was held emitted a “very heavy odor of urine.” Also, there were feces smeared on the wall.
Tortellet was charged in the case because he did not get help for the boy, according to grand jury testimony by the detective.
The older boy now drinks from a regular cup, uses the bathroom and has not had “any behavioral issues at all,” according to court documents.
The boy appears to be “very understanding and somewhat articulate,” the documents state.
The boys were placed in a therapeutic foster home last fall and are attending school.
I thought maybe ppl would want to know whatz going on here… Oh and they still haven’t found Alissa
12:35 pm on April 19th, 2009
Have u seen this girl she iz 21 now…I heard maybe to look in Luisana
12:36 pm on April 19th, 2009
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/37/l_de02707aaa2d1b46fd70718ba1db3d02.jpg
7:20 am on April 22nd, 2009
Court Date May 4th
10:19 am on April 23rd, 2009
more on the story
April 09, 2009, 8:48 p.m.
SHERYL KORNMAN
Tucson Citizen
Prosecutor Jonathan Mosher told a Superior Court judge Thursday a couple released on bail last year in a felony child abuse case here belong behind bars until trial because one of them may have tried to kill an alleged child victim, a grandson.
No trial date has been set.
Mosher said Becky and Larry Tortellet, ex-spouses who live together, fled to other states three times after they were the subject of child abuse investigations in the 1980s involving her son from a previous marriage.
Pima County sheriff’s investigators said she admitted using plastic “zip” ties to restrain the son.
Mosher said Thursday that Becky Tortellet, 50, is under investigation in another state for an apartment fire he said was “an attempted murder” of her grandson, now 9.
The grandson is one of the two suspected victims in the 2008 Tucson child abuse and neglect case.
Becky Tortellet blamed a 2005 fire in her Oklahoma apartment on the 9-year-old, who was locked in a closet there just as he was in Tucson, court records stated.
A firefighter who rescued the boy said the blaze was outside the closet and the boy was screaming for help.
Mosher called the incident “an attempted murder of (the boy) in the closet.”
The Tortellets were living in Marana when her 8- and 9-year-old grandsons were removed from the couple’s home last fall by state Child Protective Services.
Sheriff’s detectives said the 9-year-old was kept in diapers in a locked closet smeared with feces and stinking of urine.
The Tortellets’ attorneys, Eric Larsen and Samuel Washington, a county public defender, said their clients intend to remain in Pima County to face charges in the current felony child abuse case.
Larry Tortellet told investigators he thought the boy was autistic and didn’t get involved in his care. He was criminally charged because he allegedly failed to try to get help for the child.
Becky Tortellet told investigators the older boy was “a danger to himself and others,” that he would get into medication and tools, according to court documents.
The hearing before Judge Howard Hantman will resume May 4.
The boys remain in state custody, living with a foster family.
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