Here on Stalin Lives, we discuss brutal and heartbreaking crimes against children.

Themes may include child murder, torture, and sexual domestic and child abuse.

I do try my best to remain respectful for the babies in these stories, and leave out unnecessary

details that honestly, none of us need to know to understand the frustration of why and how

this ever happened. However, if you find any of these themes triggering this podcast may not be

for you. Listener discretion is advised. This week's story is a listener suggestion.

Thank you to Caitlin for bringing Elijah's story to my attention.

I'm actually at a loss in how I can ease you into this week's story.

I sat with a big old glass of red wine just staring at my computer screen,

unsure what to write. What am I going to say?

I'm very conflicted when it comes to the mother in this story. She was selfish in the moment she

made the father take Elijah. However, also remember she was very young and in an unhealthy

relationship. She wasn't perfect, far from it, but she had no way of knowing what

was going to happen. The father never showed any indication he was anything but a loving father,

not until that moment. Should she have also faced criminal charges? I really don't know. I would

love to know what you all think on this one. January 2008, Galveston, Texas.

A couple were enjoying a day off together, taking a drive to the local sea wall to see if they

could spot some wildlife.

This was when they saw a doll on the side of the road.

That didn't seem right.

It was when they got out of the car for a closer inspection.

The true horror of what they were actually seeing would go on to haunt the couple forever.

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