Unanswered Questions

The death of 14-year-old Teddy Foltz this week leaves a pit in the stomach and a lot of unanswered questions.

The Struthers teen died Monday, his mother's boyfriend was arrested on murder and rape charges for his death Tuesday and his mother was arrested on complicity and obstruction charges Wednesday.

Foltz was admitted to the hospital Jan. 21 and two days later detectives were tipped that his injuries were suspicious. But before the tip, police said that neighbors and the school called Childrens Services several times and even police were called, yet there was either no physical evidence of abuse or the boyfriend and mother refused to allow anyone access to the children.

According to police, the abuse had been going on for three years before Foltz died. But some wonder why nothing could have been done. Did police need a warrant to enter the home? Can they or CSB build a case by testimony by school officials, who reported allegations of abuse that led to Foltz and his twin 10-year-old brothers being pulled out of school, then get enough evidence to get inside? How could the mother let this happen?

Some of these we may never know the answers to and some of this is Monday Morning quarterbacking. But when all is said and done, a child is dead, and not only dead, but lived a horrific existence for the last three years. You know it's bad when police do not even attempt to sugarcoat the situation. ``This kid did not have a pleasant life,' one of the detectives said.

That to me is the biggest unanswered question: How could this boy have gotten through each day for the last three years? My faith tells me he is at peace and in Paradise right now. But sometimes, I will admit, that does seem hollow. I'm sure I'm not the only one struggling with questions and emotions like that this weekend.