It’s always distressing to hear about cases of child abuse, especially at the hands of their own parents.
Fortunately, this young girl, Ashley, managed to survive the horrific ordeal, but the emotional scars will never completely fade.
In 2002, Melissa, her mother, shockingly placed Ashley inside an oven, turned it on, and shut the door, all when Ashley was just 14 months old.
Thanks to Ashley’s father, Robert, who heard her cries and intervened, she was rescued, but not before sustaining severe burns.
Following 28 surgeries to address the traumatic injuries, visible scars remain on her arm and forehead to this day.
For her heinous act of attempted murder, Melissa was sentenced to a 25-year prison term, despite her initial claims that it was accidental, which were promptly debunked.
Recently, Ashley discovered that her mother had applied for release, a revelation that deeply unsettled her as she opposed her mother’s freedom.
Contrarily, Melissa’s other daughter, Courtney, who was eight at the time of the incident and witnessed it firsthand, has visited Melissa regularly and believes in her transformation.
During the court proceedings, both sisters presented their perspectives to the judge.
In an interview, Ashley expressed her feelings by stating, “I don’t hate her, I don’t like her, I don’t want to meet her,” expressing concerns about the safety of her niece and nephew if Melissa were to be released. Despite forgiving her mother, she remains wary of her.
Now 15 years old and attending high school, Ashley has been under the care of her uncle and aunt, whom she regards as her parents.
Thankfully, the judge supported Ashley’s stance, leading to Melissa being required to wait several more years before being eligible for parole again.
Ashley revealed that her mother has never offered an apology for her actions.
Despite the visible scars, Ashley remains resilient and optimistic, pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatrician.
I am relieved that Melissa’s release has been postponed. After enduring such trauma, Ashley should not have to live in fear of her mother.
Let’s hope Melissa receives the necessary support to address her actions because placing a child in an oven is an unfathomable act.
You can watch a video below about what happened:
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