Suffer the Little Children Suffer the Little Children

In 2003, an East Texas couple adopted three young Russian children. Over the years, there were countless red flags for child abuse, especially against the oldest child, Alexey, who began running away when he was 12. He ended up on the doorstep of the Roosevelt House, an emergency shelter, assessment center, and residential care facility for children removed from abusive situations, usually by CPS. The home’s founder, Diane Black, had no idea that her battle to save Alexey and his sisters, Anastasia and Svetlana, would upend life as she knew it.

Diane detailed the story of Alexey, his sisters, the Roosevelt House, and the egregious systemic failure of the Texas child protection system in a book called Dead Dog Road: A True Story Into the Dark World of an Abused Child. In this episode, you’ll hear my recent conversation with Diane about the appalling ways CPS and law enforcement failed Alexey, Anastasia, and Svetlana, and much more.

This is Episode 176: Dead Dog Road.

Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod 

You can also follow the podcast on:
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Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpod

My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod 

Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. 

By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. 

You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. 

Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support 

This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.

Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. 

Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711
Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KE
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...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

For this episode, I had the privilege of talking to forensic psychologists Dr. Shiloh and Dr. Scott, the hosts of the L.A. Not So Confidential podcast. With years of expertise under their belts, the doctors had plenty of insight for us into the topic of child abuse, why it happens, and much more. 

This is Episode 175: The Psychology of Child Abuse (with L.A. Not So Confidential).

Center cover photo by luis arias on Unsplash. Doctors’ photos from L.A.Not So Confidential podcast website.

Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod 

You can also follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpod

My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod 

Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. 

Please help me devote myself to the podcast full-time to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. 

You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. 

Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support 

This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.

Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. 

Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711
Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KE
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ 
...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

Last week, I told you the story of two-year-old Macy Grace Ditty, who arrived at the hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina on December 2, 2015, covered in bruises. Macy’s mother, Jeanie Ditty, went to trial for murder, but that ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury, and now, over eight years after Macy’s death, justice still hasn’t been served.

In this episode, you’ll hear my conversation with Michelle Smith, Macy Grace’s great-aunt, who runs the Justice for Macy Facebook page and dedicates herself to keeping her precious niece’s memory alive. 

This is part two of the mind-boggling story of Macy Grace Ditty.

Justice for Macy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Justice4Macy1214 

Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod 

You can also follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpod

My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod 

Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. 

Please help me devote myself to the podcast full-time to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. 

You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. 

Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support 

This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.

Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. 

Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711
Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KE
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ 
...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

On December 2, 2015, 23-year-old U.S. Army specialist Jeanie Ditty called 911 and calmly requested an ambulance for her two-year-old daughter, Macy Grace, who she said had thrown up in her sleep and aspirated. As soon as Macy Grace arrived at the hospital, medical staff took one look at the bruises covering her from head to toe and called the Fayetteville Police, reporting probable child abuse. Tragically, Macy died two days later.

This is the story of a young mother with a very slippery grasp on the concept of truth who told multiple stories about the events of that morning. It’s also the story of a bright-eyed little girl who brought joy into the lives of everyone who loved her and who, over eight years after her murder, still hasn’t received justice.

This is part one of the mind-boggling story of Macy Grace Ditty.

Justice for Macy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Justice4Macy1214 

Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod 

You can also follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpod

My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod 

Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. 

Please help me devote myself to the podcast full-time to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. 

You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. 

Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support 

This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.

Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. 

Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711
Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children 
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KE
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ 
...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

Three years ago, in episode 69, I told you the story of six-year-old Corey Micciolo, whose mother fought for months to save her son from his abusive father. Despite her pleas to New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency and the family court system, Christopher Gregor retained primary custody of Corey. On March 20, 2021, surveillance cameras in the gym at Christopher’s apartment complex captured horrific footage of Christopher forcing Corey to run on a treadmill, causing him to fall repeatedly. Less than two weeks later, Corey died in the emergency room with a tear to his heart caused by blunt force trauma. 

Christopher Gregor’s trial is currently taking place in Ocean County Court. In this episode, I had the honor of discussing this disturbing case with two former prosecutors who also happen to be podcasters I’ve deeply admired for years: Jim Clemente and Francey Hakes of Best Case, Worst Case. 

This is a special crossover episode of Suffer the Little Children and Best Case, Worst Case.


Episode 69: Corey Micciolo: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-69-corey-micciolo--45603040

Best Case, Worst Case: https://bestcaseworstcase.com/ 

Real Crime Profile: https://www.realcrimeprofile.com/ 

Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod 

You can also follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpod

My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod 

Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. 

Please help me devote myself to the podcast full-time to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. 

You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. 

Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support 

This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.

Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. 

Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711
Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children 
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_site
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KE
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ 
...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

Over the last two episodes, I’ve told you the story of three-year-old Arabella Parker, who died in November 2019 after severe abuse at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend, Jahrid Burgess. 

For this episode, I was honored to speak with three people close to Arabella’s case. First, you’ll hear my recent conversation with the Sunbury Daily Item’s crime reporter, Francis Scarcella, who followed Arabella’s story from the very beginning. Then, you’ll hear me talk with two of Arabella’s maternal aunts, Samantha Delcamp’s sisters, Mandy Kegler and Sarah Delcamp, two amazingly strong women who’ve endured the death of their beloved niece, the imprisonment of their sister, and the cruelty of the public with a great deal of grace. 

This is part 3 of the complex, tragic story of Arabella Parker, retold.

Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod 

You can also follow the podcast on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpod

My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod 

Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. 

Please help me devote myself to the podcast full-time to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. 

You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. 

Join my Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support 

This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.

Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. 

Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711
Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16
Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children 
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_site
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KE
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ 
...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.