A Missouri man, Dustin Woodrow Pierce, is facing child abuse charges following an alleged assault on his wife’s 12-year-old daughter, which resulted in the child losing consciousness and suffering a concussion. Pierce is currently detained at the Lincoln County Jail, with a cash bond set at $500,000. If convicted, he could be sentenced to a prison term of 10 to 30 years.
The incident took place on the evening of November 22. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Marcus Peebles responded to a call regarding a domestic disturbance. Upon his arrival, he found the young girl in a highly distressed state. The girl’s mother informed Peebles that the dispute started when Pierce ordered the girl to tidy her room, which she refused to do.
The mother recounted that Pierce threatened to intervene if she did not discipline the child. She claims to have seen Pierce, a large man, hit the girl three times in the head with the back of his hand. Following this alleged assault, the girl lost consciousness.
Pierce reportedly downplayed the girl’s condition, labeling her as “fine” and “weak.” Despite the mother’s pleas for him not to touch the girl, Pierce allegedly brushed her off and left the residence. The girl was later discovered to be unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital. There, she was diagnosed with a concussion and found to have difficulty maintaining balance.
Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Wood stated that further medical examinations revealed the girl had sustained significant brain injuries. She is now undergoing physical therapy to regain motor functions. Wood highlighted the distinction between reasonable corporal punishment and striking a child in the head, asserting that the latter is never acceptable.
Prosecutors disclosed that Pierce is a military veteran suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He is scheduled to attend an intensive in-patient PTSD clinic at the end of December. Prosecutors also pointed out that Pierce’s specialized military training makes him a potential danger to himself and others. Pierce is due in court for a bond hearing on Monday.