During her testimony, the 11-year-old girl sat with her head almost buried in her lap, only revealing the top of her warm, strawberry blond hair at the stand. Tears streamed down her face as she sat in the silent courtroom in Ottsville, which was interrupted only by her hushed whisper. Memories of Green Top mobile home park in Sellersville were recalled as she answered pressing questions about the alleged neglect and abuse she and her siblings faced at the hands of her parents, Shane and Crystal Robertson. The couple faced charges, including seven counts each of felony child endangerment and summary animal neglect, after the neglect and physical abuse of their seven children were discovered by Bucks County authorities. Despite the dismissal of some criminal charges, a prosecutor was able to refile charges corresponding to the children’s testimony which prompted the judge to proceed with the trial, denying the defense attorneys’ arguments that the children were punished appropriately. The testimony of the children detailed how they were hit and disciplined by their parents, which led to red marks, bruises, and welts. The heartbreaking testimonies are now leading up to a trial while the children are under the care of the county Children and Youth Department.
Bucks County Parents Facing Trial After Children Testify about Abuse and Physical Punishment at Home
