MUNHALL (KDKA) — A Munhall couple accused of starving and beating a child will stand trial.

Robert Guyer and Chrystal Plesniak, both 23, allegedly locked Plesniak’s 6-year-old son in his bedroom without food or water, only allowing him out to go to the bathroom.

“The child’s grandmother had custody of the child for a day or two, took the child to Children’s Hospital and that’s where these claims came from,” Michael Waltman, Guyer’s attorney, said.

The boy told a child advocate at the hospital about the alleged abuse.

“I wasn’t present for that,” Waltman said.  “I don’t know what he said.”

According to the criminal complaint, the child said he stayed in his room, “Forever.  I never come out.”

He said they locked him in there so he wouldn’t get into stuff.

“I’m really disappointed in her,” Florence Nehila, the suspect’s aunt, said.  “I just can’t believe she did it.  She had too many family members to call to help her out.”

The complaint went on to say Plesniak hit her son and made him bleed.  Guyer is accused of hitting the boy with a belt, something his attorney also claims his client denies.

The judge has not set a trial date.  The couple has been ordered to stay away from the child and his 5-month-old sibling.

Guyer and Plesniak were released on a non-monetary bond.

The children are now staying with relatives.

RELATED LINKS
More Local News
More Munhall News

FOLLOW US:
KDKA On Facebook
KDKA On Twitter
Follow KDKA Personalities