Suicide attempt delays sentencing for convicted child abusers

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. – A couple convicted of abusing their adopted 6-year-old son allegedly attempted suicide Monday in their Jefferson County home, forcing a month-long delay in their sentencing hearing.  They were scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

According to the couple’s attorney, Christine and Randall Arnold were found unresponsive in their home when family members went to pick them up for Monday’s sentencing. It appears the two took an overdose of pills.

Both were taken to the hospital. Their condition has not been released.

Christine and Randall were convicted of felony charges of child abuse causing serious bodily injury.

According to the Denver Post, prosecutors showed that the “seriously underweight” boy had been starved and beaten by the couple.

Prosecutors showed photos depicting “bruises, scars and nicks from belt lashings that marred the boy’s tiny back,” according to the Post report. The boy testified during the trial that he was “locked in his room and made to take cold showers as punishment.”

The boy is reportedly living in a foster home and doing well.