Suspect in Teen Abuse Case Previously Jailed in 2-Year-Old's Death

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A woman who admitted to beating, starving and locking up her 14-year-old son was previously arrested in connection with the death of her 2-year-old, according to police.

In 1995, LaRhonda McCall was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to a manslaughter charge of her 2-year-old in New York. She was placed on probation for five years. At the time of her arrest, McCall went by the name LaRhonda Pressley with the same date of birth.

This information was unveiled shortly after McCall admitted abusing her 14-year-old son for several years.

In a probable cause affidavit released Wednesday, McCall told police she beat the teen numerous times on his chest, back and legs over the last three years. She told police she choked the teen and used a ruler and a broom handle to beat him.

Read the probable cause affidavit

The boy told police he had been locked in various apartments in Oklahoma City over the last 4.5 years.

McCall's friend, 38-year-old Steve Hamilton, also told police he beat the teen multiple times with a belt and wire cable, and once struck him in the head with a tire jack.

He also told investigators McCall frequently locked the boy in a closet and used twine to tie the boy's hands.

The teen is now in DHS custody as are five of his siblings

DHS declined to comment on the case citing privacy concerns.