Missouri man in custody after beating girlfriend's children, making them eat shoes, cops say
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}James Hays Jr., 48, is in custody for allegedly beating and starving his girlfriend's children, Missouri investigators say. (Pettis County Jail)
A man beat and starved his girlfriend's children, forcing them to eat "parts of a shoe," Missouri police said.
James Hays Jr., 48, was in custody Thursday, charged with three counts of felony child abuse. Court records obtained by FOX 4 Kansas City alleged whichever of the three kids ate the most of the shoe got a “real” breakfast.
Hays’ girlfriend told the station she has tried to escape dozens of times -- last week she knocked over Hays and ran with her kids to her neighbor’s house.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The children, ages 8, 9, and 12, were forced to do jumping jacks and beaten with a spatula and hanger, investigators say.
Family reportedly became concerned when the children’s aunt took them to a local area hospital for bruising.
Hays is reportedly being held on $1 million bond.