Family Conflict and Intervention

The family previously lived in Logan, Utah. The stepfather, Josh, met the mother on Facebook while he was homeless in South Carolina. They moved to South Carolina, Josh's home state, primarily due to his desire to be near his family, and also due to financial problems. They lived in Airbnbs and a rented house before moving into their current home, where the parents have frequently argued.

Approximately one to three months prior, the narrator and a friend were playing video games when they heard a scream. The narrator's grandmother was listening by the kitchen, prompting curiosity. The narrator, grandmother, and younger brother Xavier gathered at the bedroom door. Xavier kicked the door in. Everyone, including the two younger brothers, entered the room, where the parents were on the bed. The mother's legs were red, and she implied Josh had hit her hard, although she didn't reveal the exact reason. The grandmother, Xavier, and then the narrator told Josh to leave. Josh denied hitting the mother but attempted to swing at Xavier during the commotion.

Josh hit the narrator multiple times with his fists, which had rings on them, targeting the head and neck area. He pulled the narrator's long hair, preventing escape. The narrator estimates being hit more than 10 but less than 20 times before others pulled Josh off. After being freed, the narrator ran to their room, called the police, and stayed inside.