The case of lost, now found, 12-year-old Charlie Bothuell V is getting stranger. As reported by rolling out magazine last week, Charlie was reported missing by his father, Charles Bothuell IV, for more than a week in Detroit, Michigan. The father found out on live television, during an interview on the “Nancy Grace” show, that his son was found alive in the father’s basement. Charlie was found behind a makeshift barricade of boxes and a 55 gallon drum that police have said had to have been put there by an adult.
Now word comes out of Detroit that the father and stepmother are being investigated for possible neglect and abuse of the young boy. The police have stated that a PVC pipe and bloody clothing were found in the house. When the young man was examined by the hospital a semi-circle scar was found on his chest. According to multiple sources, the boy stated it was from his father “driving a PVC pipe into his chest.”
In addition, Charlie has stated that he had a very extreme exercise regime his father made him go through. Charlie also stated according to the Detroit Free Press his father told him “not to come out, no matter what he hears.” The family had home schooled Charlie and were possibly going to enroll him in public school. According to media sources, he was told if he did not do well in school he would be sent to a military school.
The FBI has also opened an investigation and intends to conduct a forensic interview scheduled for this Tuesday. The Detroit police issued the following statement; “Based on the outcome of this interview, the Detroit Police Department may be submitting a package to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office as early as Wednesday afternoon.”
Charlie is now staying with other relatives and his father and stepmother are being allowed state supervised visitation.
