Here’s a distressing story that’s been unfolding. Picture this: a father has opened up about a chilling ordeal where his six-month-old son was attacked by rats as the child lay asleep. It’s a truly unnerving situation, and we’re going to walk through the events together.

A Father’s Nightmare
Back in September 2023, David Schonabaum found himself in a nightmarish scenario when he woke up and discovered his infant son covered in blood, having been bitten repeatedly by rats. The extent of the attack was severe, with over 50 bites counted on the young child, especially on his tiny fingers.
The father, shocked and shaken, recounted to the authorities how he discovered the blood-soaked bedding and initially thought his baby had a simple nosebleed. It wasn’t until he took his son into the bathroom that the grim reality started to sink in. It turns out, the rodents had chewed off significant amounts of flesh, particularly from the fingers of the poor child.
A ‘House of Horrors’
The investigation took a grim turn when officials described the home as a so-called ‘house of horrors’. They found old food left unattended, creating an inviting breeding ground for rats. The child’s plight was unimaginable, given that his environment was so perilous.

The father admitted to seeing rats each morning in the bathroom, just steps from where his son slept, but it seems the severity of the threat was underestimated. This oversight led to devastating consequences, as some of the infant’s fingers needed amputation after he received medical attention.
Legal Consequences
Initially, Schonabaum faced severe repercussions following the harrowing incident. He was detained on multiple charges of child neglect due to the gruesome living conditions and the harm caused to his son. In October of that year, the courts sentenced him to 16 years of incarceration for the tragic neglect.

Regarding the mother, Angel Schonabaum, she faced her own legal battles. Though she wasn’t at home during the attack, she was implicated for failing to secure a safe living environment for their children. She eventually pled guilty to charges of neglect and was placed on probation. Sadly, the fallout from this case resulted in her losing custody of the children involved.
A Lasting Impact
The repercussions of this frightening event are long-lasting, particularly for the infant who, despite surviving, will be suffering from lifelong disfigurement as a result of the rodent attack. It’s a stark reminder of how critical creating a safe space for children truly is.
Although the story carries heavy themes, it’s vital to discuss and learn from such incidents to prevent them from happening in the future. Parenting, safety, and cleanliness at home are essential considerations in raising children. While devastating, this serves as a lesson on the importance of vigilance and providing a nurturing environment for the little ones.