STORY COUNTY, Iowa — Two members of a Zearing family accused of torturing another family member so severely he suffered life-threatening injuries have entered their pleas in the case.
Written pleas of not guilty were filed Monday for 44-year-old Gary L. Graham Jr. and 42-year-old Danielle K. Graham. They, along with 20-year-old Aaron Williams and 16-year-old Kaitlynn Williams, are charged with first-degree kidnapping and willful injury-causing serious injury for allegedly abusing an 18-year-old male family member.
Kaitlynn Williams and Aaron Williams have previously entered not-guilty pleas.
Prosecutors claim between April 2023 and January 2024, the victim was confined without his consent and “intentionally subjected to torture” with the intent to cause serious injury.
Doctors at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines say he was transferred there on January 27, after his mother Danielle, and his brother Aaron took him to Mary Greely Hospital the day before. Mercy doctors said the victim was, “severely malnourished and had multiple traumatic injuries including a brain bleed, multiple rib fractures, and other bruising, sores, and cuts.” He weighed only 70-75 pounds when he was admitted.
Investigators say all four family members who were charged participated and were aware of the abuse against the victim.
It appears as though each family member will be tried separately. Court records show different judges have been assigned in each case, and trial dates have already been set for two of the defendants.
Danielle Graham’s trial is scheduled for June 18, 2024. She has waived her right to a speedy trial.
Kaitlynn Williams’ trial is set for June 4, 2024, but her attorney has filed a motion to transfer her case to juvenile court. A report from a juvenile court officer on whether they recommend moving the trial is due to the judge by the end of the month.
A trial scheduling conference has been set for April 24 for Aaron Williams.
Gary Graham Jr. is demanding a speedy trial. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.