Mo. man, woman arrested after stun gun used on toddlers

A couple in Springfield, Mo., face criminal charges after the man admitted to using a stun gun on their three toddlers.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that Gale Epple, 22, allegedly used a stun gun on a 2-year-old girl and 1-year-old twins, who are the children of his wife, Shelby Crabtree.

A probable cause affidavit reports that the couple’s babysitter was bathing the children in January when she noticed bruising and marks on their bodies. She contacted law enforcement and later provided recordings of conversations she had with Epple and Crabtree, who’s 21.

According to the affidavit, Epple said he used the stun gun as a form of discipline. Crabtree reportedly said she didn’t report the use of the stun gun because she didn’t want the children removed from the home.

Prosecutors have charged Epple with three counts of child abuse or neglect. Crabtree has been charged with three counts of child endangerment. Each of the charges is a felony.

This story was originally published July 8, 2017 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Mo. man, woman arrested after stun gun used on toddlers."