6-Year-Old Boy With Autism on Life Support After Mother's Boyfriend Beats Him

A 6-year-old boy with autism is on life support after he was beaten by his mother's boyfriend, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said Monday.

Defendant Aaron Vanmeter of Hancock was being held on $1 million bail after a hearing Monday in Hagerstown. His public defender didn't immediately return a telephone call from The Associated Press.

Vanmeter is charged with first- and second-degree assault and first- and second-degree child abuse for allegedly beating Dustin Barnhart at a home in Hancock Thursday night.

Lt. Gregory Alton said in a sworn statement Vanmeter acknowledged using excessive discipline, including hitting and kicking, because he gets frustrated when the boy won't listen.

Alton said Vanmeter told him that on Thursday night, he grabbed Dustin forcefully "in an attempt to scare him into being good.''

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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