John & Nikkie Reeves had 4-year-old Lawrence back for 3 weeks

[Dakota Valkyrie]

The 4-year-old was reunited with his mother three weeks ago as a result of a Franklin County court order.

Now, Lawrence King III is dead.

Columbus police say that Lawrence's stepfather, John Reeves, struck the child with his fists and a belt and smashed his face into a wall at their Far East Side town house early yesterday morning.
[...]

Lori N. Jones said last night that she had custody of her grandson for most of his life. She believes he'd still be alive if the court hadn't taken him away.

"We're all grieving deeply because this is a situation that could have been prevented," Jones, 50, said. John Reeves is married to Lawrence's mother, Nikkie Reeves, who was charged with child endangering in her son's death.
[...]

Probate Court records show that Jones had applied for and was given guardianship of Lawrence in 2007. "Father and mother have no job and mother is pregnant eight months and is mentally challenged and unable to take care of the child," she said in her application.

Jones said that when she first gained custody of Lawrence, he was about 1 1/2 and not talking. She said she enrolled him in an early-childhood intervention program and he steadily improved.

On Feb. 19, 2008, Mrs. Reeves sought to end the guardianship and wrote that she was ready and willing to care for her son.

Probate Court sent the case to Juvenile Court to sort out, and the grandmother retained custody of the boy until early this year.

Doris Calloway Moore, communication director for Franklin County Children Services, said the agency received a referral on Oct. 19, 2009, that alleged Lawrence had been hurt while in Lori Jones' care.

The agency sought a court order Dec. 16 to gain access to him and was granted a temporary order of protective supervision six days later.

But the agency determined that the child was not at risk with the paternal grandmother, Calloway Moore said.

"It appeared to be a custody dispute.
[...]

Jones turned Lawrence over to his mother Feb. 26, and the agency's temporary supervision order expired last Friday.

"We continued to work with mom," Calloway Moore said. "From the beginning of this case, mom had expressed interest in having her child back. The family had agreed to work with us on a voluntary basis."

The agency had not received any complaints that Lawrence had been harmed or in danger while in his mother's custody, she said. A caseworker last visited the home March 3, she said.
[...]

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content...e.html?sid=101

Three other children were taken from the home and are with relatives.


Lawrence King III

[koochie]

what a beautiful baby boy...rest in peace little man.

[thehesbomb]

Another ass backwards case where the goal of "reunification" supersedes the need for the child's safety and well-being.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

John Reeves dressed up for court in his suicide prevention dress.

The death of Lawrence King III came after an assault administered so violently by his stepfather that the boy was battered and bruised from his head to his knees, Columbus police said in court documents filed in the case yesterday.
[...]

Reeves, who sobbed during his Municipal Court appearance, denied a vicious assault in an interview with police, telling detectives only that he disciplined his stepson for being "disrespectful."

Nikkie Reeves, 23, is due to appear in Municipal Court this morning on a child-endangering charge. Police say she allowed the abuse to occur.

They said Nikkie Reeves told them she asked her husband to stop hurting Lawrence, but was told to go into a bedroom and shut up.

She said she heard her son being thrown against a wall, then later saw him convulsing.

"Nikkie stated at one point Lawrence hit his head and started shaking," police said.

She said she stayed in the bedroom with her three younger children, turning up the radio so they wouldn't hear the violence in their Far East Side town house Wednesday evening.
[...]

Columbus police said Lawrence, who was described as developmentally disabled, was beaten, lashed with a leather belt and tossed against the wall and an entertainment center by John Reeves about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at their home...

Police say the couple didn't call for help until more than four hours later, first trying to revive the boy in cold water.
[...]

Police said they quickly debunked the couple's claims that the boy had been injured elsewhere, leading Nikkie Reeves to admit that she'd witnessed her husband's assault on Lawrence. She said she had lied because she was afraid of what her husband would do to her.

"Nikkie stated this was not the first beating this week and several others had occurred since Lawrence's return to them on Feb. 26," the police documents said.

Police said John Reeves admitted to disciplining the boy because of "disrespectful and bad behavior," explaining that the boy wouldn't help with housework.

He said the boy fell and hit his head while standing in a corner for punishment, which included lashes with a belt.

Three other children were in the house when the assault occurred. They are now with the Rev. Michael Reeves, John Reeves' father.

The Rev. Reeves told police that Lawrence seemed sad during a recent visit, telling him that no one loved him. The pastor declined to comment yesterday.
[...]

During Lawrence's brief reunion with his mother and stepfather, the family was visited at least twice by workers from Children Services and the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Both agencies reported no signs of abuse.
[...]

In court yesterday, the boy's father and grandmother wept as details of the assault were read.

Nikkie "abandoned the child years ago," Jones said. "She was bipolar and just had had another baby, with postpartum depression."

Lawrence King Jr.(bio-dad) said he believed John Reeves abused his son out of hate for the relationship King once had with Nikkie Reeves.

About her, he said, "She lost hope and faith, and she wanted nothing to do with the child."

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content...g.html?sid=101

Stunned. I hope he will learn, violently and repeatedly, the true meaning of "disrespectful" at the hands of Bubba.

[Marv]

Lawrence seemed sad during a recent visit, telling him that no one loved him

That just killed me.



Why make such a fuss about having the child back when he clearly wasn't wanted or loved by them? He was happy with granny, but they ripped him away from her and sent him to die in hell.

I hope they do the same for John and Nikkie.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Why make such a fuss about having the child back when he clearly wasn't wanted or loved by them? He was happy with granny, but they ripped him away from her and sent him to die in hell.

People like that do not see children as human beings. Kids are little more than possessions that they use for all sorts of ego boosts and pawns for controlling others. As long as the child (or merely the child's presence) does not cause them any problems, they are happy. There is no love involved unless it's self-love.

[Ninja0980]

As Dakota said, there is no love involved in cases like this. This was done solely to spite those who truly cared for this boy and to rub it in their faces that they could abuse this poor boy and still get him back.

[badfish76]

How the hell do you let someone do something like that to your kid and not risk yourself to spare them??

No love, indeed. . . :(

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Nikkie Reeves was charged with felony endangering children. A grand jury though othewise and indicted her on two counts of endangering children and one count of murder, one of felonious assault, and one of permitting child abuse.

Her penis was indicted for single counts of aggravated murder, murder, and felonious assault, and two counts of endangering children.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content..._to_death.html

[AngelFire]

I hope and pray that the fate reserved for these 2 is filled with never ending pain. There is no mercy in my heart for anyone that hurts a child, none

[nopatience]

she asked her husband to stop hurting Lawrence, but was told to go into a bedroom and shut up.

and she went????? i'd have grabbed whatever i could and would not have stopped until HE was convulsing. piece of shit - both of them. i'd like to shake the hand of whoever gets their hands on them in prison.

[Tundratot]

The mother of a 4-year-old boy who was allegedly beaten to death was undergoing a psychiatric evaluation on Friday.

Nikki Reeves changed her plea to not guilty by reason of insanity, in the beating death of her son, Lawrence King, III, 10TV News reported.

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/loc...a.html?sid=102

[cheeseburgersanchez]

I would think it is obvious why they wanted him back. If he has developmental handicaps, they want his disability checks. Oh, and because they probably couldn't stand the idea that the baby was better taken care of then they were.
and another thing! I am so sick of this shit excuse, "He was being disrespectful". Yeah, most kids are disrespectful, and beating them is not how you get them to show respect. And why, pray tell, you nasty hobo, do you think anyone owes you respect? what have you done to warrant it? Here's hoping his gets his weenie slammed in his cell door.

[AngelFire]

Police said John Reeves admitted to disciplining the boy because of "disrespectful and bad behavior," explaining that the boy wouldn't help with housework.

He was 4, you worthless sacks of skin. Can't wait for the update where he is killed in prison, and she maimed. A girl can wish, right?

[Dakota Valkyrie]

John J. Reeves, 29, pleaded guilty to the aggravated murder of 4-year-old Lawrence King III Friday. Lawrence suffered from developmental disabilities.

John was sentenced to life in prison in Judge Lynch's Franklin County common pleas courtroom. He likely will be eligible for parole in 20 years.
[...]

Nikkie's trial begins Monday, Oct. 4, in Franklin County common pleas court.

If convicted on the current charges, Nikkie faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2010/oct/...ing-ar-246366/

[galadrial]

i say take back the pretty suicide dress and give this fuckstain his pants and belt and some shoes with nice sturdy laces.throw in a couple of razor blades so the guy has a choice.by killing himself now he would save a shit-ton of time and taxpayers money.the fuckin egg donor - toss her in GP with some pissed off Mommas locked away from their babies.that issue too will correct itself - theres some mean bitches in there!!!!

[Silvahalo]

She said she stayed in the bedroom with her three younger children, turning up the radio so they wouldn't hear the violence in their Far East Side town house Wednesday evening.
...

I know a boy, my son's friend who has a remarkable likeness to Lawrence.
It's haunting a bit to see that sweet face as little Lawrence is now dead.

In this case little Lawrence died crying for grandma, not his mother. She is no mother. He was left unprotected, unloved in the hands of a monster. There simply are no words to convey my deepest disgust over how Lawrence's life was handled and the incident that lead to his death. And the words that hurt the most..."Lawrence seemed sad during a recent visit, telling him that no one loved him.

People like this baby killer see in a child like Lawrence all that they are not, all that they will never be.
She didn't want to hear "the violence", her childs anguishing cries.... she will soon, in and out of her nightmares.

Lawrence you were a treasure, a prince a King. In heaven's light always. You are loved.

[Tundratot]

I'd be happier if it were life without parole, or better yet, death, but I am satisfied with the sentence. I just hope he doesn't survive until parole comes up or that he never gets parole.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

John J. Reeves apologized yesterday for beating his 4-year-old stepson to death, saying he loved the boy "more than anybody will know."

Judge Julie M. Lynch found the remark, which Reeves gave as he pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, bewildering.

"Trust me when I tell you, no one needs that kind of love," she said during an emotionally charged hearing in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
[...]

Reeves told the court he was "trying to correct the boy, and his mother wasn't helping."
[...]

The boy's father, Lawrence King II, and several other family members wept as Assistant Prosecutor Megan Jewett described the child's injuries and the events that led to his death. She said the boy was unresponsive and covered with bruises when paramedics arrived at the home. An autopsy determined that the boy had bleeding and swelling of the brain and a lacerated liver.

Mr. King, one of four family members to speak in court, angrily accused Reeves of "taking my child from me over jealousy, over greed." He said Reeves wanted custody because of benefits paid to the boy, who was developmentally disabled.
[...]

The only person to speak on behalf of Reeves was his father, the Rev. Michael Reeves Sr.

"John is not a thug," he said. "He is not the villain he has been portrayed in the media. ... I'm sorry for what happened, for what my son allegedly did, but there is more to the story."

But the judge expressed outrage over Reeves' crime and said she hasn't handled a case "that has incensed the entire community as much as this case."

"This is beyond tragic," she said. "The violence that an adult can inflict on a child is unconscionable."

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content...s.html?sid=101

[misssmartypants]

"Theres more to the story", Well go tell it on the mountain Rev. Im always feeling for these grandmas that do whats right, and then have to deal with the aftermath of what is "perceived" better for the babies. I know this from experience. Grandmas are usually the best in caring for these children.Why take a chance otherwise. I am a grandma. And I have my neenee. It would be a bloodbath if anyone tried to take her from me. She visits her parents, she loves them, but is not inclined to live with them, because she knows their limitations. One is physically disabled, the other kinda selfish. I am her stable loving home. It could also be that I dont have any kind of big income coming in for her, and thats why we're left alone. That grandma, and that little boy deserved much much more, from the courts and from childrens services.

[Whisper]

Woman pleads guilty in son's death

The mother of a 4-year-old who was beaten to death by his stepfather pleaded guilty in the case this morning and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Nikki Reeves, 24, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child endangering. She apologized before Judge Julie M. Lynch sentenced her in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Reeves said she loved her son, Lawrence King III, with all of her heart.
Her husband, John J. Reeves pleaded guilty on Oct. 1 to aggravated murder in the beating death. Lynch sentenced him to 25 years to life in prison.

Four other charges - murder, felonious assault and two counts of endangering children - were dropped.
Mr. Reeves, 29, killed his stepson on March 17 in the family's home, at 6443 Mount Baden Rd. on the Far East Side. Reeves told the court he was "trying to correct the boy, and his mother wasn't helping.">
An investigation found that Reeves beat Lawrence and whipped him with a leather belt because he had lied and acted up and wouldn't stand in the corner where he'd been sent.
[...]
During Mr. Reeves' hearing, Assistant Prosecutor Megan Jewett said the boy was unresponsive and covered with bruises when paramedics arrived at the home. An autopsy determined that the boy had bleeding and swelling of the brain and a lacerated liver.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content...n.html?sid=101

[Silvahalo]

15 yrs. for sitting back and listening to that POS beat the life out of her son?! Hardly seems right. She's sorry. Well little Laurence was sorry to, got the beating of his life. Yeah I bet he begged and cried he was sorry. But he's dead.

Not fair.

[crimsonsorrow]

Lawrence King Jr.(bio-dad) said he believed John Reeves abused his son out of hate for the relationship King once had with Nikkie Reeves.

About her, he said, "She lost hope and faith, and she wanted nothing to do with the child."

we believe this is the reason my nephew was killed by his stepmother. people need to get over drama and stop taking it out on the kids, or anyone for that matter. shit, kill yourself instead for being such a bitch and not letting shit go.

[crimsonsorrow]

oh and can we add that john reeves mugshot to the bizarre forum? that dude is weird looking.

[Kindly One]

He lied, acted up, was disrespectful, wouldn't help with the housework... well, CLEARLY he deserved to die. That must be what the Rev. Michael Reeves Sr. meant when he said there was "more to the story". Because that obviously excuses beating a four year old to death, throwing him against the wall and the furniture, and then leaving him to slowly die for four hours before you get him help.

More to the story? More to the fucking story? There is nothing else that needs to be told. He beat a baby, the baby died, he goes to jail, the end. What more you could possibly have to tell, "the Rev. Michael Reeves Sr.", that means ANYTHING in the face of those facts? If you believe there is any excuse, any justification, in this world for what your son did, I hope your church runs you out of town. Shame on you.

Poor sweet little guy.

[tenntitanfan]

Grandma said it ALL! GREED, JEALOUSY.

There isn't much housework I would want a 4 year old disabled child to do, I would just end up going back and doing it over - this cocksucker is one fucked up man. But, I am sure he just learned from his father how a kid is supposed to act.