My column today examines the outrageous case of two-year-old Bradley McGee and warns about the potential fate of his half-brother, Billy, in the hands of his mother in name only, Sheryl Hardy. She was convicted of second-degree murder and aggravated child abuse for the torture and killing of Bradley 15 years ago. The Illinois Supreme Court this month refused to hear an appeal of a lower court ruling that preserved Hardy’s parental rights and awarded her custody of Billy.

Readers have pointed me to similar child welfare nightmare cases in Washington.

For those interested in learning more about Bradley and Billy’s cases, there is a website memorial and updated news here.