ST. PETER, Minn. (AP) — A judge says an 8-year-old boy who was allegedly starved by a Minnesota couple will remain in foster care for now.
But Nicollet County District Judge Todd Westphal ruled last Thursday that the boy’s three siblings will remain with their parents, Russell and Mona Hauer.
The Hauers, of North Mankato, are charged with neglect and malicious punishment of a child. Authorities said they put an alarm on the 8-year-old boy’s door so he would not steal food.
The Hauers’ attorney has said the couple will fight the charges and to keep all four children, including the 8-year-old.
The judge did grant Nicollet County’s request to allow the 8-year-old to enroll in public school in Hastings.
A trial on whether to terminate the Hauers’ parental rights is scheduled for January.
(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
