Grandchildren testify in Grand Canyon abuse case

By: Barry Leibowitz
Topics: Daily Blotter

Christopher Alan Carlson (above) is accused of child abuse for mistreating three grandsons during hikes in the Grand Canyon

/ KPHO

(CBS/AP) PHOENIX - The eldest grandson of a man standing trial in Phoenix on child abuse charges says he secretly asked another hiker to call 911 during a long, hot hike in the Grand Canyon last year.

Prosecutors have alleged that 45-year-old Christopher Alan Carlson of Indianapolis deprived his three grandsons of food and water and pushed, choked and repeatedly kicked them during hikes on Aug. 15 and Aug. 28.

The 12-year-old testified Thursday that his vision and hearing became altered and mountains appeared to sway during the 19-mile hike on Aug. 28, a day that saw temperatures as high as 108 degrees.

Investigators have said Carlson told them his grandsons were overweight and that he thought hiking the Grand Canyon would help get them into shape.

The other two were 9 and 8 years old at the time. They both testified on Wednesday and earlier on Thursday.

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by angelofurnightmare February 18, 2012 11:10 AM EST: This man is a monster...I say put him in a glass room without food or water in temperatures of 100+ and make him run on a treadmill because I would hate to think he was out in the woods a free man even if he was starving and dehydrated; Reply to this comment


by catwoman1952 February 17, 2012 9:29 AM EST: he should be dropped off somewhere in that wilderness with no food or water and just left there; Reply to this comment

by caljack430 February 16, 2012 4:19 PM EST

i think i'm more concerned at the fact that if he's 45... he became a grandfather at 33... stop teen pregnancy much? apparently having babies before age 18 is running in the family here...

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by angelofurnightmare February 18, 2012 11:14 AM EST: If you have read the news lately you would see that many parents who have their kids at "respectable" ages are just as monstrous as this man or more so...I was a teenage parent and it took hard work and determination to give my son a good life but I have. I have never abused or neglected him. He is a smart, happy, well adjusted 12 year old today. I don't think my age has anything to do with my ability as a mother. I am a business owner who doesn't worry about money, I own my home, I am involved in my childrens lives and I am good Mother!
You can't blame this on his age...he's just a monster plain and simple!


by VA_Jill February 16, 2012 3:55 PM EST: Let's frog-march Papaw down the Grand Canyon without water and see how he likes it.; Reply to this comment