HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota father accused of abandoning his 11-year-old son and fleeing to California blames his financial instability for leaving the boy behind.
Steven Alexander Cross said he was "worked up and upset" over his mounting bills, unemployment and house foreclosure when he decided to leave his son, Sebastian, with neighbors last July.
The 60-year-old father said he hopes to be reunited with the boy. A Dakota County District Court judge recently ruled that Cross would have to undergo a psychological evaluation before a reunification could be considered.
In an interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/vnI42f ) Wednesday, Cross said he left his son a note that he was leaving because he was too emotional to tell him in person.
"Through it all, I tried to keep everything as normal as I could for Sebastian," Cross said." ''I wanted it to be as close to a normal day for him. I didn't want to make it a big deal."
Cross also left a note for a neighboring family, asking them to care for his son or find a proper foster home. He told them they could sell his remaining belongings and keep the money, the note said.
"I never thought I'd broken the law," Cross said.
He packed his van and drove west for four days. When he reached Carmel, Calif., Cross said he called a former girlfriend in Minnesota and asked her to check on Sebastian and found out he was doing OK. Then Cross began searching for relatives, but learned none were alive.
Cross landed a job at a deli and lived in his van.
"I'd sit down by the beach, and I loved it," he said.
Once Dakota County social services workers learned about Sebastian, authorities began to investigate. Cross was arrested in August and said he was "blown away" that his story had gotten widespread attention.
Cross said he fled to California to re-establish himself, find a new job, a new home and eventually bring Sebastian with him, Cross said. Instead, Cross was extradited to Minnesota where he faces a charge of child neglect.
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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
Comments (8)
Add commentThat's called neglect!
"Because he was too emotional to tell him in person." (real life)
''I wanted it to be as close to a normal day for him. I didn't want to make it a big deal."(waking up and Dad's gone isn't a big deal?)
"I never thought I'd broken the law," (cave dweller?)
"I'd sit down by the beach, and I loved it," he said (while his son sat and cried about his Dad)
"he called a former girlfriend in Minnesota and asked her to check on Sebastian and found out he was doing OK. (He could have called his son himself. Why didn't he?)
"eventually bring Sebastian with him," ('Yeah, when I get around to it, when I have enough money')
If that isn't selfishness, what do you call it!
not only selfishness
gutlessness
cowardice
Sad.
My first take on this was what a horrible, heartless thing for this father to do. I couldn't understand how anyone could abandon their child and leave them alone.
Then my wife mentioned that unlike other stories that have been in the news, at least he didn't kill his son and run or commit suicide - and she's right.
The changes and mounting pressures in his life seem to have affected him badly, and since I don't know what he was like beforehand I can't say if those circumstances changed his judgement.
It appears he may have wanted out of the responsibilities of being a parent - but while his actions were irresponsible - he didn't just 'get rid' of his kid like so many do.
I think he should receive punishment accordingly and be supervised to whatever extent is deemed necessary, but more importantly, he needs to receive counseling to try to help him recover and put his life back together if possible.
Maybe
Maybe the child wanted to be with his Dad, no matter where they ended up. His mother was already out of his life and then his Dad leaves him too? Can you imagine how that little boy felt? 'I must be bad, Mom and Dad don't want me, they left me behind.' Walking through the house hollering his Dads name and no answer. Till he finds the note telling him that he left and to live with the neighbors.
He's a coward. He isn't the kind of man to kill his son, just desert him and enjoy his time on the beach in the sun. He's selfish and enjoying the limelight.
Yes the Father will need counseling,but I hope the boy get's it too.
upon reflection
I read that he was in a good home and adjusting well. It is good that the dad left him safely entrusted to a good neighbor. He obviously needs help, and I hope he gets it. The mother is now in his life again, too.
Throw away society
Sadly, we have come to live in a fast paced, fast food, throw away society. Having been the "neighbor" on several ocassions over the years, who has taken in children due to parental lack in judgment, I have come to the conclusion...regardless of how depressed the parent is, it is every adults responsibility to see to it that children have a safe place to fall.
Depression is an illness which can paralyze realistic thought patterns. Until treated, there is no healing. I am not a Dr. but, from what I have read and been witness to, I am assuming this man reached the end of his mental rope. There are many out there just like him. My prayers go out to him and his son for healing.