Grand Canyon Horror-Christopher Carlson Accused Of Nearly Hiking 3 Grandkids To Death

[Dakota Valkyrie]

An Indianapolis grandfather is accused of a vicious case of child abuse, occurring at the Grand Canyon.

Christopher Carlson is accused of forcing his young grandsons to hike through the national park without food or water from sunrise to sunset. His grandsons, ages 12, 9 and 8, had blisters on their feet, cracked lips and could barely stand. However, if they stopped, he would physically harm them, reports allege.

Federal documents reveal the Indiana grandfather nearly hiked his three grandkids to the brink of death.

In one day, the group hiked nearly 20 miles in 108 degrees.

Carlson is also accused of beating the boys, denying them food and water and forcing them to run uphill in intense heat.

The court paperwork says the boys were on the trail when the sun rose, and were not given breakfast to eat. It also states the boys did not get water, only celery.

The boys said Carlson shoved his fingers down their throats to force them to throw up and kicked them several times with his steel-toed boots, in court reports.

If they boys tried to stop to rest, Carlson would allegedly whip their shirtless backs with a wet t-shirt. The documents also show he would hit, push, kick and even choke his three grandsons.

It is alleged that when one boy collapsed out of exhaustion, Carlson pushed him to the ground and smashed his face into a rock. He reportedly choked and lifted his youngest grandson by the throat.

The report also alleges Carlson harshly squeezed their genitals as a form of punishment, and would not allow them to use the restroom for more than a few seconds. After hiking, the boys were not allowed to sleep.

The boys were forced to say they were "fine" to hikers that passed by. However, the boys were finally rescued after the oldest grandson reportedly asked one hiker to call 911.

Child Protective Services took the boys into custody on August 28. Paperwork states the abuse had been going on for some time and states the boys were physically abused on trips to many states and countries.

http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-india...7181675.column

According to a complaint filed Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Flagstaff, rangers and passersby took note of several instances regarding alleged abuse by Christopher A. Carlson, of Indianapolis, against the boys, ages 12, 9 and 8, on two trips to the Grand Canyon during a summer cross-country trip.
[...]

A law enforcement ranger intervened on the first trip, on Aug. 15, when she saw Carlson and the boys at the day-use area at Indian Garden. According to the complaint, other park visitors had told the ranger that they were concerned for the boys, who looked exhausted. The group had already hiked that day from the South Rim to Plateau Point and back to Indian Garden, a distance of about 7 1/2 miles, and Carlson was reportedly intent on taking the boys to the Colorado River and back to the rim that evening.

The ranger said it would have been child endangerment to take the boys to the river and back and that she would not allow them to go because it was too late -- 5 p.m. when she spoke with them -- too far and too strenuous for the tired children. A trip to the river and back would have added about 8 miles to the hike back to the rim, itself about 4 miles from Indian Garden.

Carlson, reportedly defensive and aggressive, eventually complied and hiked the children back out. He also reportedly declined the ranger's offer of food and said everybody was "fine," the complaint stated. The ranger contacted other rangers at the Three Mile Rest House and the rim to keep an eye out for the group. After hiking out, the group reportedly left the park.

They returned this past weekend. On Sunday afternoon, another ranger in the Indian Garden area of the Bright Angel Trail spotted the man and boys and contacted the law enforcement ranger who had met the group on the earlier trip to say she was concerned for the children.

Not long after, a passing hiker used the emergency phone at the Three Mile Rest House to report the group after the oldest child secretly asked for help. The children were described as hyperventilating and running, and another ranger in the area said Carlson was threatening to make them hike faster and that the youngest boy was crying.

Coordinated efforts among rangers led to another law enforcement ranger on the rim spotting the group with binoculars and watching them on the last three-quarter-mile of trail before the trailhead. During that time, the ranger on the rim noted Carlson allegedly shoving the oldest boy and whipping him with a rolled-up shirt as he hiked. Rangers chose to meet the group at the trailhead to avoid a risky confrontation on the narrow, exposed trail.
[...]

On Sunday, the day the children were separated from their grandfather, an adult hiker died on Tanner Trail after suffering hyperthermia and dehydration.
[...]

The children were placed in the care of Child Protective Services. A medical exam showed several injuries in various stages of healing, implying chronic abuse. The boys' lips had been sunburned off and they had several cuts and bruises. The eldest boy described some symptoms of potentially fatal heat stroke from Sunday's hike, including dizziness, double vision and sounds around him becoming hushed.

http://azdailysun.com/news/local/cri...06bcb1c92.html


Much more in the court document: http://media2.wishtv.com/_local/pdf/...NYON-ABUSE.pdf

I haven't seen anything yet that talks about the parents or why the boys were traveling with this monster. What a horror if everyone thought that grandpa was just taking a "Happy Holiday" adventure with the boys.

[Ozzy]

Damn, y'all come up with new shit everyday. Scared of losing your readers?

For real though, that's awful, I hope these boys recover and never see "grandpa" again.

[LadyCygnet]

What a monster! The Grand Canyon is supposed to be a majestic, beautiful place. Now these poor children will associate it with their grandfather's cruelty and their near-brush with death.

By the way, where were the kids' parents?

[AngelFire]

What the fuck is wrong with this animal? I would love to know why this monster had the boys to begin with. Where the fuck are the parents in all of this?

People are coming up with more ideas on how to fuck up our youth. It's like a drug of some sorts. The belt beatings aren't enough anymore, and so they take on a new method. When that method is played out, they move on to a more creative way of trying to degrade, maim or kill. The scary shit is that you can kill these assholes, but you can't stop the problem. While you fucking kill one, 6 more will take it's place...It's like sweeping a dirt floor.

Dexter, if you are out there, pleae hear my cry!!! Get these sick mother fuckers, get them all.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

I did not see the parents mentioned in any article OR in the court documents. Y'all just have to wait until more info comes out.

[Bohring]

Man, what happened to the happy, Brady Bunch burro ride?!

[Robynne]

Shit man, if I have to load my boys (1 and 3) in the double stroller to walk a mile to my daughter's school, I still make sure they have a lot of water, a snack cup, and I carry a spray bottle of water to spritz every so often. And they are sitting in a comfy (aside from how hot it is) seat, not walking, especially not miles.
There has to be some kind of gene that was passed on somewhere from their ancestors. Related somewhere. Something.
I hope those boys are taken in by a good atheist(thought I would throw that one in for kicks) family who will love them and show them what it is like to be loved.

[Bohring]

if I have to load my boys (1 and 3) in the double stroller to walk a mile to my daughter's school, I still make sure they have a lot of water, a snack cup, and I carry a spray bottle of water to spritz every so often.

Yesterday, I ran into a store to grab some milk and in the five minutes I was there, my son said he was hungry. I felt like the worst mother in the world because I hadn't thought to grab him a snack since we'd only be gone for ten minutes.

People like this make me wish I could declare Marshall Law and carry out my own punishments for crimes against humanity.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Among other allegations contained in the complaint:

* A law enforcement ranger on the South Rim who watched the four on the Bright Angel Trail through binoculars "saw Carlson shove John Doe 1 thirteen times. Of those thirteen times, four appeared to occur when the boy tried to stop and rest."
[...]

* While being examined August 29 at the Safe Child Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, John Doe 1 told authorities that during the August 28 hike down the Bright Angel Trail the boys "were not allowed to drink any water until Carlson said they could, and the boys had no water until they reached Phantom Ranch. When they would ask Carlson for some water, he would say no, then drink some water himself in front of the boys."

* During the return hike to the top of the South Rim, John Doe 1 said Carlson gave him and his brothers some water, but they all vomited after drinking. "Carlson then told them they would not get any more water until they got to the top of the trail. He (John Doe 1) threw up three times on the hike, John Doe 2 threw up twice, and John Doe 3 threw up five or six times," the complaint alleged.

* While hiking up the trail, John Doe 2 said his legs would cramp so badly that he kept falling down. "This would anger Carlson, who would then choke him and pick him up by his throat. Sometimes Carlson would pick him up by the throat and then throw him to the ground," the complaint alleged.
[...]

The grandfather also allegedly told the boys they "better have smiles on their faces when they pass people, act happy, and say 'Hi.'"
[...]

No details were provided as to the current location of the boys or where their parents were.

http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com...-canyon-na8714

[AngelFire]

The grandfather also allegedly told the boys they "better have smiles on their faces when they pass people, act happy, and say 'Hi.'"

What a fucking asshole. Deserves to be left in Death Valley to die

[Dakota Valkyrie]

What a fucking asshole. Deserves to be left in Death Valley to die

And made to look happy, wave, and greet us all as we drive by in air conditioned comfort while swiggin' coolers loads of H20

[Pete Bondurant]

I have to admit.....I kind of respect the guy.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

This article is a re-hash of what has already been reported. The very last line of it is "odd".


Mugshot of Christopher Carlson from a 2006 arrest

The boys are now in the custody of the state. Police say they will not be placed with their mother because the children's best interest is "not her primary concern."

http://www.wthr.com/story/15375948/i...-arizona-hikes

[Bohring]

Good god, man. A psycho Grandpa and a worthless mother. How old are these people anyway? Is the mom on drugs or just a heartless bitch? Probably a heartless bitch given that her father isn't all rainbows and unicorns.

Assholes. (understatement)

[Misty]

I messed this up and cant delete it . OPPS :)

[TKaz]

What the...??

Way to teach a child about the desert- it's not you will die if you don't pace yourself & hydrate...you'll just die. Well, if your with THAT grandpa anyway.
I hope those boys know kindness soon...that just eats me up that they were expected to smile & it's obvious they were abused & dehydrated!

[Misty]

How sad, I hope these boys find a loving, caring home.

[TKaz]

Shit man, if I have to load my boys (1 and 3) in the double stroller to walk a mile to my daughter's school, I still make sure they have a lot of water, a snack cup, and I carry a spray bottle of water to spritz every so often. And they are sitting in a comfy (aside from how hot it is) seat, not walking, especially not miles.

We Arizonans know the way that guy behaved is a death wish. We constantly have water on hand, I'm militant about getting out of the car quickly & honestly, I'd NEVER go to the Grand Canyon in the summer!! I was shocked that it was 108 though, maybe they were at the bottom of the canyon?

[Erica Gieras]

Oh Pete, your comments always crack me up :-)

[Dakota Valkyrie]

The boy's mother, Tara Danaher, of Indianapolis, sobbed and covered her face during a hearing Thursday to determine whether Carlson should remain in custody. She said her children went on a series of trips with their grandfather this summer, including to Central America and Jamaica. The highlight of the latest trip that included the Grand Canyon was supposed to be Disneyland, she said.

Danaher, 28, said she talked with her children throughout the summer and that they never expressed any concerns.

"I don't want to say I can't believe it because anything is possible in this world," she said during breaks in the court hearing. "I want to know what the hell happened."
[...]

Park Service Special Agent Chris Smith testified Thursday that Carlson told authorities that the boys had been overweight and he thought the hike would get them into shape.

"He told me that he loved his grandchildren very much but at the same time there were tough people in the world and his grandchildren needed to be tough as well," Smith said.

Defense attorney Luke Mulligan suggested that rangers could have done more if they believed the children were at risk of serious injury or death.

Carlson has not yet entered a plea in the case.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_945631.html

[Tundratot]

Well, you knew the kids best interest wasn't the mother's (or parent's) concern. This man (the grandfather) has done this before. If I understood the original post, he'd done it all over the country -- probably over more than one summer, too. I would have thought he was punishing them for something specific, if not for that. It sounds more like he's on some "toughen them up" kick, or reliving the death marches of WWII every time he takes them out of the house. Their mother would have had to notice the shape they were in whenever they returned from these "hikes" and no amount of coercion could hide that they had to be afraid of that man. . . .

[Valasca]

Give me this guy. I live a mile up on the mountain, and its about 80 degrees. We'll go for a hike up here. With so much water his electrolytes will be gone and he drowns.
But first I will squeeze his genitals. With a vise grip.

[Rothase2]

Wait... the guy in the picture is GRANDpa? How old is mom? And the oldest boy is 12? Grandpa looks younger than me, and I'm only 44. Where's baby-daddy? They ought to send ol' Grandpa here, to St. Louis, where he can hike around all he likes in our soaking humidity and 106 degree heat index. He can hike through the brick and asphalt canyons of downtown until he gets nice and toasty warm, and then he can take a dip in the cool, refreshing (please note the dripping sarcasm) Mississippi... then he can leisurely float amid the hectic barge traffic all the way to New Orleans... where, hopefully, he will be eaten by crawdads. We can then catch the crawdads, batter and fry the tails, and serve them with dip. But that's just me.

[Dark Star]

My son is nine. I fucking got really mad when I first read the story. I reread it and cried. What a fucking asshole. Again, I will never understand these ridiculously cruel people who call themselves humans. :(

[colliefreak]

This article is a re-hash of what has already been reported. The very last line of it is "odd".


Mugshot of Christopher Carlson from a 2006 arrest
http://www.wthr.com/story/15375948/i...-arizona-hikes

That's the grandfather?!

[Robynne]

In the comments section of
http://www.wthr.com/story/15375948/i...-arizona-hikes

Someone claiming to be the aunt posted this...

tonya
3 hours ago
-2 updown
Share | Flag
I'd like to clear up these very untrue comments on here..I'm am these kids' aunt&would like to let everyone know that the full story is not being presented. My sister is not "a waste" nor a bad mother at all. she would never put her kids in harms way. She loves those boys dearly &would have never sent them if she hought this would of happened. She believed that this was going be a fun summer vacation. As far as her not caring..she was on the first flight out there&has been there ever since fighting to get her kids back home. So to all the people that are just assuming stuff...get lost but to you people who actually have a heart please pray for my family&the quick&safe return of my nephews. Thank you&god bless you!!!

[sheevaa]

That's the grandfather?!

I agree, he's way to young to be a grandpa of 3 kids. Are we sure that's not the dad? ...I'm hoping it's the dad, since my Hellllloo-Nurse!-o-meter just jumped off the charts.

[colliefreak]

That dog's butthole is super distracting.

[sheevaa]

That dog's butthole is super distracting.

That your nick is colliefreak makes this comment all the more hilarious to me:-D

[colliefreak]

Oh Gross!!!!