Grafton, WV – A pair of parents in Taylor County are facing serious felony charges after a 9-year-old girl arrived at school with visible bruising and told staff she had been beaten with multiple objects and locked in her bedroom while the adults “went out to smoke.” According to investigators, the case has exposed a disturbing pattern of physical abuse and isolation that allegedly went on inside the family’s rural home.
Signs of Abuse Raised Immediate Alarms at School
School employees reported the injuries after the child arrived with bruises on her face and eyelid, telling staff she had been struck with a metal flyswatter, a belt, and a wooden paddle with holes in it. Staff contacted authorities, prompting the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office to launch an investigation based on statements documented in court records and detailed by Law&Crime.
The child told deputies she “cried really hard” after the assault and said her father tried to keep her home the next day, though she insisted on going to school. Officers noted that her account remained consistent throughout interviews.
Parents Allegedly Admitted to Hitting the Child
During questioning, both Lewis Nuzum II, 52, and Josephine Nuzum, 45, acknowledged hitting the girl but insisted they used only their hands. Their version conflicted sharply with the child’s statements. Charging documents describe how the girl gave specific descriptions of the objects allegedly used to beat her, including a silver and green flyswatter and a brown belt with a turquoise buckle.
One of the most startling lines in the report came from Lewis himself. In a recorded statement, investigators say he admitted he did “beat the a— off her,” though he claimed it was only with his hand.
Josephine reportedly dismissed the allegations as something the girl “does every year school starts,” a statement that raised further concerns for investigators.
Allegations of Being Locked in Her Room
Authorities say the girl also reported being locked in her room while the parents went outside to smoke. When asked about this, Lewis and Josephine allegedly told investigators the child had previously attempted to call 911 by retrieving a phone from their bedroom, and locking her in was their way of preventing her from doing it again.
A search of the home revealed what deputies described as a wooden block with screws and a locking mechanism fixed to the outside of the child’s bedroom door. Officers reported that the hardware appeared to align with drilled holes in the door, forming a physical barrier that prevented the child from leaving.
Charges Filed and Bail Set
Following the investigation, both parents were arrested and booked into the Tygart Valley Regional Jail. Court records show bail set at $100,000 for Lewis Nuzum and $50,000 for Josephine Nuzum, and both remained behind bars as of Monday.
Child Abuse and Neglect: A Widespread Concern
Cases involving alleged parental abuse—especially when it leads to physical injury—often result in felony charges in West Virginia. Child welfare specialists say investigations frequently uncover patterns of punishment that escalate over time, sometimes hidden until a teacher, neighbor, or medical professional notices warning signs.
Common indicators of child abuse include:
- Sudden changes in behaviour or school attendance
- Unexplained bruising or injuries
- Fear of going home or fear of specific adults
Professionals stress that early reporting by schools, relatives, and community members is often the only way abuse cases are uncovered.
What Happens Next in the Legal Process
The Nuzums are expected to appear in court for preliminary hearings where prosecutors will outline evidence gathered by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. The court may also consider protective measures for the child, including temporary custody arrangements handled by child services.
If convicted of child abuse resulting in injury or child neglect resulting in injury, the couple could face years in prison under West Virginia law.
Ensuring Safety for At-Risk Children
Incidents like this highlight the importance of community vigilance. Law enforcement officials frequently remind the public that reports of suspected child abuse can be made anonymously and that swift action can prevent serious harm.
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