Mom: I Didn't Know Boy Was Dead Until Smell Set In

[W!nston]

This is so sad for the whole family I had to share it. If I ever read the outcome of the autopsy I will post it here.

This story points to the real challenges of caring for a child with overwhelming disabilities. The child suffers no matter who cares for them. The caregiver suffers as well. The question of 'quality of life' for the child, family and caregivers deserves consideration.

I'm not advocating euthanasia but I think society will one day face reality about the bleak quality of life for some disabled children. I'm just thinking out loud here and trying to elicit some discussion so try to keep that in mind.

Mom: I Didn't Know Boy Was Dead Until Smell Set In
Associated Press | 5:00 pm | August 2 2014

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The mother of an 8-year-old Pennsylvania boy whose decomposing body was found on the third floor of their home said Saturday she didn't know he had died until noticing the smell.

Kimberly Tutko said her husband was the primary caretaker of their mentally disabled son, and he waited several days to tell her the boy had died, Pennlive.com reported. Police were called to the home Friday and found the boy's body.

Police charged Jarrod Tutko, 38, on Saturday with child endangerment, concealing the death of a child and abuse of a corpse. Court records do not list an attorney for him.

Harrisburg police said in a statement that Tutko informed his wife about the death of their son, Jarrod Tutko Jr., "when the odor of decomposition became too strong."

It's not clear how the boy died. An autopsy is scheduled for next week.

The couple's five other children were placed in protective custody.

Kimberly Tutko told Pennlive she understands people will find it difficult to believe she did not know her son was dead.

She said her son was severely mentally disabled and often difficult to control. He would rip up the flooring and carpeting of his bedroom, smear his feces on the floor and walls, and refuse to wear a diaper, she said.

He lived on the third floor and was primarily cared for by his father, while she looked after another disabled child who requires round-the-clock care and stays on the second floor, she said.

"My daughter relies on me," Kimberly Tutko said. "I take care of her and my husband takes care of Jarrod Jr."

Kimberly Tutko said her husband told her their son died Tuesday.

"I said to him 'Why didn't you say anything?'" she said. "He said he was too afraid to say anything because of other kids in the house."