ODENTON, MD — An Anne Arundel County 14-year-old did the right thing by telling his parents he was having suicidal thoughts. But his dad’s reaction has landed the man in jail. When the teen sought help from his parents, his father, Anthony Lewis of Odenton, reportedly shoved a shotgun in his son’s hands, forced his finger on the trigger and told the boy to “Do it, just do it,” authorities say.
Click Here: camiseta seleccion argentina
Lewis faces charges of attempted first-degree assault and child abuse, among other charges.
This isn’t the first time Lewis has been in trouble with the law. Anne Arundel County police officers said they have responded to numerous calls concerning domestic violence and abuse at the Lewis home. According to WMAR, charging documents indicate that the 14-year-old had been abused by his father a number of times. From January through the end of June, the teen told police, his father had hit him at least three times with a belt or extension cord for 20 times each assault, leaving bruises and welts.
“I saw weird colors in my eyes, and it started turning black,” the teen said, according to court documents.
When WMAR shared the story on its Facebook page, commenters shared their outrage.
“If someone is speaking about suicidal thoughts, they are seeking help, not a gun shoved in their face,” posted Courtney Johnson.
“Does not deserve the name of father. Go get some counseling from someone who cares,” posted Ester Unger.
Lewis now faces first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, child abuse in the second degree, assisted suicide by providing means, firearm use and failure to send a child to school. He was denied bail.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health offers tips for parents needing to speak with their teens about suicide. The agency says that talking about suicide does not plant the idea in someone’s head. Parents should think about what to say ahead of time and approach the subject in general and simple terms. Here are a few suggestions:
Help for Those Considering Suicide
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services including a live chat.
Also check out resources available around Maryland to help those who are in crisis.