Jonathan James

On July 25, 2011 ten year old Jonathan James died from dehydration according to a medical examiner.

According to the reports, the boys’ father, Michael Ray James and his stepmother, Tina Alberson, both 42 years old, had punished the boy by not allowing him to drink any water because he stole some guitar strings from one of his siblings. Some reports say it was because he had wet his bed.

During an investigation of his death the detectives found out that Jonathan was not allowed to drink water for 5 days and died after collapsing and hitting his head on the floor. He was taken to a hospital where doctors were told that the boy was sick. The medical personal at the hospital were unable to revive Jonathan and he was pronounced dead.

Sue Shotwell, Jonathan’s grandmother said he had called her in late June to tell her he was afraid to live with his parents during a month long court-ordered custody visit. Also living in the home was Jonathan’s twin brother, Joseph, was not injured at all. Shotwell said her grandson had asked if he could go live with her instead. She said he told her, “I know I’m going to be in trouble while I’m there because I always am.” Shotwell said she had never heard that from him before.

Joseph told reporters that he wanted to help his brother but was worried he would face similar punishment. “I wanted to do something, but I couldn’t,” he said. “I couldn’t do nothing because I would get in trouble.”

Michael James and Tina Alberson

Michael Ray James and Tina Alberson were both arrested and charged with injury to a child causing bodily injury. Bodily injury? Are they serious? I would say it was more like causing death, not injury. If convicted  of the charges though which is a first degree felony, they will be facing a sentence of up to 99 years in prison. This won’t bring Jonathan back but it will get him some justice at least.

Jonathan was described by his grandmother as being an easy-going kid that never held a grudge. She said, “This kid, if you know Jonathan, he could forgive you for no matter what you did. You could ground him and he would say, ‘I love you, Mimi,’”

The death of this boy is so tragic. I’d like to see this father and stepmother treated this way so they could feel what this child was feeling. I know when I get thirsty I want something to drink and I don’t like it when I can’t find something within minutes. I can’t imagine going 5 days without water.

I do pray that this man doesn’t get his other children back with him. I’d hate to see a repeat of this happening to them as well. I will keep them all in my prayers. I pray God will watch over them.

Jan Barrett