Pittsburgh-Area Couple Accused of Heinous Abuse Against 5-Year-Old Boy

Child Discovered Emaciated and Bruised After Living in Abusive Home

A Westmoreland County couple is facing horrifying child abuse charges after police discovered a 5-year-old boy who had suffered months of torment, starvation, and physical abuse. Charles Smitley V, 29, and Colleen Cassidy, 35, of Monessen, were arrested after Smitley's father brought the child to a hospital for extensive bruising and visible signs of neglect.

The case came to light when Pennsylvania State Police troopers in Uniontown alerted Monessen Police in April. Smitley had relinquished custody of his son, saying he no longer wanted to care for him. What followed was a harrowing medical and criminal investigation that revealed unimaginable abuse and neglect.

Reports Detail Forced Starvation, Abuse, and Confinement

According to court documents and police statements, the boy was covered in bruises, emitted a foul odor, and appeared emaciated. His grandfather immediately took him to the hospital, where doctors documented severe malnutrition, bruising on his legs and buttocks, and troubling behavior.

Medical professionals at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital reported that the child was not being fed properly and that he was forced to eat his own feces. He also told investigators that both Cassidy and Smitley beat him daily with a white paddle and confined him in a basement bathroom without blankets or padding.

In another deeply disturbing allegation, Cassidy’s 11-year-old son told police that he once found the boy tied up in a closet with duct tape around his hands. The older child stated he was not abused himself, but confirmed the victim’s repeated mistreatment.

Community Reacts to "Nightmare" Hidden in Plain Sight

Neighbors were shocked to learn that a child had been living in the home. Katherine Secleter, who lives nearby, described the accused as quiet and unassuming but said, “What a life that they're living, a trauma, a nightmare.” Community members expressed relief that the child had been rescued but sorrow over the abuse endured.

Cassidy and Smitley were booked into Westmoreland County Jail, with bail set at $100,000 and $250,000, respectively. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for August 22.

Legal Help for Child Abuse Survivors in Pennsylvania

At Survivors of Abuse PA, we are committed to ensuring that survivors of child abuse are heard, supported, and empowered to pursue justice. The heartbreaking case in Monessen is one of many that reveal the urgent need for vigilance, accountability, and legal recourse.

If you or someone you know has suffered from child abuse—whether recent or historical—you may have legal options. Our trauma-informed legal team, led by Ashley DiLiberto, Esq., can help you file a civil claim, seek compensation, and hold negligent guardians or institutions accountable.

Contact Survivors of Abuse PA for Compassionate Legal Advocacy

No child should endure the horrors described in this case. At Survivors of Abuse PA, we believe in standing up for the most vulnerable. If you or your child has been the victim of abuse, don’t wait to take action. We handle child abuse cases with care, discretion, and urgency. Let us help you start the journey toward justice and healing.

Disclaimer: All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This post is based on public reporting and official court documents available as of the date of publication.

Source: CBS News