Search Warrant Describes Erica Parsons Abuse as “Child Torture”

SALISBURY, NC – A newly released search warrant describes the abuse Erica Parsons endured as “child torture”.

“It just, breaks our heart,” says Tony Goodman.

Goodman and Erica’s biological aunt Teresa say the new court document confirms their worst fears about Erica’s abuse.

It details alleged suffering the child endured including, “locking Erica in a closet, beating her with a belt buckle, bending her fingers back and choking her.”

The warrant goes on to say the treatment of Erica was characterized by a UNC doctor as “child torture.”

“We had heard that even during the abuse that she was suffering, that she would smile after it was done to her. She is the definition of courage,” Tony Goodman says.

In the warrant, Sandy Parsons, the girl’s adopted father also admits Erica’s body was discarded in December 2011. It wasn’t until July 2013 that Erica’s adopted brother reported her missing.

Then this September, investigators used that warrant to find her body about 100 miles away in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Beth McKeithan with Prevent Child Abuse Rowan says children in a situation like Erica’s need people to speak up for them.

“We want to make sure that everybody’s reporting cases if they know anything. And if there’s even a suspicion, better to be safe than sorry, go ahead and make a report,” McKeithan says.

Tony and Teresa Goodman say they wish they had known what was going on with Erica before it was too late.

“All of those that’s guilty need to accept the blame for what they done. People stood by and done nothing and for too long,” Tony Goodman says.