Father competent for trial in bound children case

Ceremony to mark push for Civil War memorial

Organizers hope that today’s ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of a Civil War battle northwest of Joplin also will encourage support to finance a permanent memorial on the site.

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June 26, 2012

Father competent for trial in bound children case

Two children bound and blindfolded in Walmart parking lot

Anonymous From The Associated Press The Joplin Globe Tue Jun 26, 2012, 01:48 PM CDT

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A judge has found an Illinois man competent to stand trial on charges filed after two of his children were found bound and blindfolded in a Walmart parking lot.

During a hearing Tuesday, District Judge Paula Martin ruled 52-year-old Aldolfo Gomez of Northlake, Ill., could stand trial on multiple counts of child abuse and aggravated child endangerment.

He and his wife, Deborah Gomez, were charged after their 5- and 7-year-old children were found bound on June 13 in Lawrence.

Three other children, ages 12, 13 and 15, were inside the family’s vehicle but were not restrained.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports Gomez also dropped a request to represent himself. He told the judge he and attorney Elbridge Griffy had reconciled after a disagreement.

The children are in protective custody.

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