Maria Roche, 31, and her boyfriend William Witherspoon, 41, were arrested Friday after investigators uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse inside their Harrisburg home where children say they were forced to choose between being beaten with a belt or threatened with a firearm while their mother's boyfriend laughed, according to the Harrisburg Police Department.
Background
The investigation began on February 24 when Dauphin County Children and Youth Services contacted police after receiving a report from a 12-year-old child, WPMT reported. A caseworker visited the home on February 17. During that visit, Roche confirmed they did keep firearms in the residence.
A month later, CYS conducted interviews with two of the children. One child told interviewers that Roche frequently forced them to choose "the gun or the belt" as a form of discipline. The children described multiple incidents of violence that left them living in fear.
One of the victims told investigators that Roche fired a shot at a sibling's head but missed. According to the victim's account, Roche had one of the other children retrieve the gun before she fired the shot. The children described the firearms as being stored under the bed, and one victim said she attempted to secretly unload the gun but was unable to do so.
Another victim told investigators that Roche once placed the barrel of a gun between the eyes of one of the siblings. The children described the belt used in the abuse to police, recounting being struck on their backs, arms, and necks.
The Charges
Maria Roche has been charged with aggravated assault endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault, according to the Harrisburg Police Department. William Witherspoon has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
The victims told investigators that Witherspoon was aware of all the incidents and laughed whenever they occurred. Both suspects, described as native-born Pennsylvanians, are being held on $10,000 bail.
Preliminary hearings for both Roche and Witherspoon are scheduled for April 8 in Dauphin County Court.
Key Takeaways
- Maria Roche, 31, and William Witherspoon, 41, were arrested Friday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Children told investigators Roche forced them to choose "the gun or the belt" for discipline
- One child said Roche fired a shot at a sibling's head but missed
- Witherspoon laughed while witnessing the abuse, according to victim statements
- Both suspects face endangering welfare of a child charges
- Preliminary hearings scheduled for April 8
What's Next
Roche and Witherspoon remain in custody on $10,000 bail each. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for April 8 in Dauphin County Court. The children have been placed in the care of Dauphin County Children and Youth Services. Investigators continue to review evidence collected from the home, including firearms that were reportedly stored within reach of the children.