8 year old Joseph Beebe was beaten to death with a bamboo rod by his adoptive mother, Edith Beebe. Joseph was one of six disabled children adopted by Edith and her husband Brian; all were homeschooled. The Beebes were deeply religious and believed that they must discipline their children with what they called a “holy rod.” All of the children were beaten with the rod, and were on occasion locked in a room without food or water and dragged about by their hair. When Joseph died, his body was covered with severe bruises. Edith Beebe was convicted and sentenced to 75 years in prison.

Date: March 17, 2000
Location: Tarkington Prairie, Texas