Woman Arrested For Allegedly Abusing & Threatening To Kill Kids
GREENSBURG (KDKA) – A Westmoreland County woman is facing charges for allegedly abusing and threatening her children.
According to police, the incidents took place at a home in the 200 block of Westminster Avenue in Greensburg.
The three boys are ages 6, 9 and 11.
In July, one of the boys told his aunt that he was scared of his mother, Danielle Kleber. The aunt was staying in a hotel during a visit to the area and the boys spent a night with her.
According to the criminal complaint, the child said Kleber kicked one of them in the face because he wouldn't be quiet, which caused a bloody nose. He also claimed that she beat them with a wooden spoon and a plastic rod from window blinds, and would hold her hand over their nose and mouth to the point where they could not breathe.
Keber also allegedly made the boys assume a sitting position, back against the wall and arms out, till they collapsed. She called it the "electric chair," authorities say.
CYS had previously been called to the home to check on the children. Before they arrived, the child said Kleber threatened to kill them if they said anything.
The boy said Kleber had threatened to kill him a couple of times and was holding a knife during one incident.
Neighbors say they have seen Kleber allegedly physically abusing her children.
"It doesn't matter where she's at, if she feels like flipping out on them, she'll flip out on them," said Sarah Ray, a neighbor.
"There was one time the one little boy came to the bus stop with a bloody nose. He said his mommy punched him in the nose," another neighbor, Lori Miller, said.
When the aunt dropped the children off at home, one cried and begged her to not leave. The aunt then called CYS and said she wanted to file a formal police report.
A few days later, another child confided in a church camp supervisor about what was going on at home. The supervisor told police that Kleber had previously undergone treatment for "anger issues and medication abuse."
On Tuesday, police went to the home to speak with Kleber. She told police she takes several prescribed medications for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other conditions.
Kleber denied ever holding a knife to her son's throat or pointing one at them. She did admit to having one in her hand at one point while cooking.
She is facing a list of charges including endangering the welfare of children, simple assault and intimidation retaliation or obstruction in child abuse cases.
Kleber remains in the Westmoreland County Jail held on $10,000 straight cash bond. The children remain in the care of relatives.
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