Syracuse (WSYR-TV/CNN) - A Texas man is facing charges for allegedly carving a pentagram into his 6-year-old son's back.
Police say Brent Bartel called 911 and told the operator he shed some innocent blood for the holy day 12-12-12.
While Bartel called 911, the boy’s mother ran to a neighbor’s house to call for help.
The boy spent nearly 18 hours in a hospital. Evidence of the alleged crime was still visible on the home’s doorframe nearly a day later when the boy’s mother – Lindy Brent – carried him into their home.
Investigators say the symbol, a five-pointed star, covers the boy’s back.
When police arrived, they say they found the boy shirtless, in his pajama bottoms, and shivering.
The wound didn’t require stitches, but police say there was a significant amount of blood at the scene.
Investigators say there is no indication that Bartel was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They are still trying to determine what triggered the alleged attack.
Bartel was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
