ZEARING, IOWA – An entire Iowa family, including a teenager, were arrested after authorities say they inflicted unspeakable abuse upon their own kin – a 70 lb. bed-ridden man.
The Story County Sheriff’s Office filed multiple charges on members of a Zearing, IA family after an investigation revealed severe abuse and malnutrition of a family member.
The Story County Sheriff’s Office responded to a local hospital in the early morning hours of January 27, 2024, on a report of an adult male patient in their care with signs of severe traumatic injuries and malnutrition. Hospital staff reported that the patient was brought to the ER by Danielle Graham and Aaron Williams. Medical staff reported the patient arrived conscious but not alert and unresponsive to stimulus.
An extensive investigation revealed the victim, an adult male who resided in Zearing, had suffered severe and life-threatening injuries from abuse, including a brain bleed, rib fractures, wounds in multiple stages of healing, and weighing 70 pounds due to severe malnourishment.
Furthermore, the investigation showed all family members in his household had knowledge of and participated in the abuse. It is alleged the family restrained the victim by handcuffing his wrists and ankles to his bed while physically abusing him. It is believed the abuse toward the victim escalated in early November 2023, resulting in a grave long-term injury.
All individuals listed below (pictured at top via police) are the in the custody of the Story County Jail. The following charges have been filed in this case:
Gary L. Graham, Jr. (44 year-old male)
• 710.2 – Kidnapping 1st Degree (Class A Felony)
• 708.4 – Willful Injury (Class C Felony)
Danielle K. Graham (42-year-old female)
• 710.2 – Kidnapping 1st Degree (Class A Felony)
• 708.4 – Willful Injury (Class C Felony)
Aaron Williams (20-year-old male)
• 710.2 – Kidnapping 1st Degree (Class A Felony)
• 708.4 – Willful Injury (Class C Felony)
Kaitlynn Williams (16-year-old female)
• 710.2 – Kidnapping 1st Degree (Class A Felony)
• 708.4 – Willful Injury (Class C Felony)
This is an ongoing investigation, police say, and no other details will be released at this time.
