Phoenix, AZ (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at the center of
a Phoenix courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged
a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has a
history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially
awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law
and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to
the highest degree possible.
The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt
beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to
live with her. When the judge then suggested that he live with
his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.
After considering the remainder of the immediate family and
learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life
among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing
the boy to propose who should have custody of him. After two
recesses to check legal references and confer with child
welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the
Phoenix Coyotes, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable
of beating anyone.
