Father accused of putting son in oven

STATEN ISLAND (WABC) -- A father on Staten Island is under arrest, charged with forcing his 9-year-old son into an oven.

The father is not backing off and says the punishment was justified.

Residents say there's nothing any child could do to deserve this.

The boy, 9-year-old Christopher Moss, was allegedly shoved, naked into the oven because he went through his dad's wallet.

According to court papers, James Moss told his son, "I'm going to burn you alive".

Throughout the day Friday, distraught friends of the boy's mother visited her behind closed doors.

"She's not doing well at all and she's very concerned about her son, and this has really been a bad tragedy," said one friend who wanted to remain anonymous.

The oven wasn't turned on, but the flames on the stove were and the 52-year-old Moss allegedly held his son's hands over an open flame for two minutes, causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

He also allegedly beat his son with a spatula.

Moss is charged with second degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Christopher who is in the 4th grade at p-s 22 is a fraction of his father's size, say neighbors.

"He's a little kid...you should see him, he's cute, you know, it's just wrong," said Glen Smith.

The boy was taken to Staten Island University Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.

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new york city, staten island, child abuse, local news, stacey sager

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