A Missouri man has been charged with child abuse after allegedly assaulting his 15-year-old son during a violent confrontation sparked by what he claimed was a “disrespectful” phone call.
The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. on July 29 in Kansas City. According to police, 41-year-old Matthew A. Proctor arrived unannounced at a woman’s home — the mother of his children — demanding to see his kids. His son, who was inside the home, reportedly came out and shouted at Proctor.
According to a heavily redacted police affidavit, Proctor responded by punching his son in the head. The teen collapsed and began having a seizure. Despite this, Proctor allegedly struck him again before leaving the scene with the victim’s younger brother.
Police later arrested Proctor without incident outside his own home. The teen was taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital and treated for facial injuries, bruising, and a concussion.
Proctor initially told investigators that his son hit him twice first and that he only responded with a single punch. He claimed not to know how the teen sustained injuries to both sides of his face, suggesting they may have come from falling.
However, Ring camera footage from a neighbor contradicted his version of events. Video reportedly shows a man resembling Proctor approaching the house, then striking the teen twice in the head as he steps outside. After the teen collapses, the man appears to strike him again while he’s on the ground. The footage also suggests the teen never hit Proctor.
Witnesses, including one of the children, also described previous instances of alleged abuse. One recalled a time Proctor “punched the air” out of the boy’s lungs.
Proctor is being held on a $75,000 bond, with police stating he still poses a threat to the victim. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted. A bond review hearing is set for Wednesday, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 27.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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