COLUMBIA — A Columbia man was arrested Tuesday after his 13-year-old stepson accused him of punching the boy in the face and slamming his head into a wall as punishment for losing video games, according to a news release from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.
Robert E. Thurman, 38, was arrested on suspicion of child abuse. As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thurman remained in the Boone County Jail. His bond is set at $25,000 cash only, according to the release.
The child’s mother, 38-year-old Tammy Thurman, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. She posted $500 bond Tuesday. According to the sheriff’s department release, her statements to authorities indicated she knew about the abuse.
Thurman’s son reported the alleged abuse to a school resource officer on Tuesday. The child said his stepfather accused him of losing video games, then slammed his head into the wall, knocked him to the ground and kicked and punched him, the release stated.
When the boy’s mother came home, he lied to her about the injuries to his face, fearing his stepfather. He said his mother didn’t believe him and argued with his stepfather, according to the release.
The boy said the abuse had been occurring for about five years, according to the release.
A 5-year-old also lived in the home, but there was no evidence that he was being abused. Both children are in the custody of a family member, the release stated.