Ledyard Man Arrested for Alleged Abuse of Four Young Children

UPDATE: A 26-year-old Ledyard man has been arrested on serious charges of child abuse and endangerment involving his four young children. Elijah King faces multiple counts, including three counts of risk of injury to a minor and two counts of intentional cruelty, following allegations of abusive military-style discipline methods.

According to the Ledyard Police Department, King’s sister reported the disturbing behavior on November 3, 2023, claiming he had physically and verbally abused his children for several months. The allegations detail a troubling pattern of discipline, including forcing the children to perform “military-style” pushups and making them crawl up and down a hill in chilly conditions while being sprayed with water.

The children, aged 4, 3, 1, and a 6-month-old girl, were reportedly subjected to harsh treatment, leading to physical injuries. King’s sister provided video evidence to investigators, showing the children crawling and “crabwalking” while visibly wet. She noted that some of the most egregious incidents were not captured on tape, as crucial footage had been deleted.

Witness accounts describe a deeply concerning environment. The sister alleged that King would often force the children to remain in their beds despite their needs, punishing them when they could not hold it. Allegations include physical assaults where King would strike the boys after they wet their beds and even put them in headlocks, leaving them struggling to breathe.

When police interviewed King on November 10, he denied all allegations, dismissing them as the result of disgruntled individuals unhappy with his parenting approach. He described his style as “conservative Christian,” asserting that his military experience informed his methods of discipline, which he insists are not abusive.

King is currently free on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear before a judge at the New London Superior Court on Friday. The case has drawn significant public attention, raising questions about parental discipline and the safety of children in similar situations.

As this story develops, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The well-being of the children involved remains a priority, and the community is closely monitoring the situation. Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent case unfolds.