DETROIT – Fifteen days ago, 12-year-old Charlie Bothuell was found in the basement of his family's townhome in Detroit.
The boy had been missing for more than a week. Police and FBI were searching high and low. In the days following Charlie's reappearance, the curious case had many twists and turns.
His father, Charlie Bothuell IV, was outspoken during the 11 days Charlie was missing, but he stopped talking after questions arose about what he may know about where his son was for that time. The boy's stepmother was arrested for a parole violation linked to a gun crime.
Then, Local 4 found details that young Charlie himself said his stepmother hid him in the basement. Moreover, doctors found disturbing signs of abuse on the boy.
Two weeks ago, police sources said warrant requests were being prepared. The father would be charged with child abuse, as would the boy's stepmother, Monique Dillard-Bothuell. She also would face a charge for allegedly making a false police report.
However, it's two weeks later and no charges have been filed. Local 4 is told it could be weeks before charges are filed.
That's because investigators have taken a step back. They are awaiting blood evidence found on young Charlie's clothing to return from the crime lab. The results will tell detectives if the blood indeed belongs to the boy.
Investigators also are waiting on the results of a computer forensics study on computers seized from the Bothuell home.
Special section: Charlie Bothuell disappearance