Content note: this episode discusses severe child abuse, trauma, and grief.

Adult language is also used.

If you’d like to read the written version of this episode and see the documents, photos, and materials connected to it, you can subscribe to Cold and Blue on Substack. That’s where I’ll be sharing the deeper written pieces and the supporting evidence behind each episode.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our neighbor, Mrs. Carpenter, made that call. Without her, there is no complaint, no judgment, no record that any of this happened. Jonah and I stay in that house. I don't let myself think too long about what comes after that.

What's in the paid Substack post

• The official child abuse complaint
• Yearbook photo of "Mother"
• The door to the basement
• the basement
• The house
• The marriage license

Support the show

Special thanks to Jamie for her assistance in retrieving records, to Kate for her investigative insight, and to Dale for helping fill in important missing pieces.

Cold & Blue is written and produced by Chelsea, with executive production by Lisa Sydney.

To read the companion article and access documents, photos, and additional materials directly related to this episode, subscribe to Cold & Blue on Substack.