Grand Jury Increases Charges Against Oregon Father who Used Stun Gun on Infant Son

(ALBANY, Ore.) - The Albany man who allegedly used a 100,000 volt stun-gun device on his 18-month-old son will face stiffer charges, and is now out of jail.

A grand jury late last week returned an indictment charging 23-year-old Rian James Wittman with two counts each of first-and second-degree assault, all of which are Measure 11 crimes.

Wittman, posted bail on Monday and as part of his release agreement, Wittman is not to have contact with his wife or son.

Whittman is accused of repeatedly attacking his son with the device over a 3-week period on his arms, stomach, back, and legs.

Albany police Capt. Eric Carter says Kyle Whittman, was attacked as many as ten times.

He was treated for burns and blisters at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. Kyle was then placed into protective custody by DHS.

Whittman, who works as a long-haul truck driver, has no prior criminal history, and prosecutors still don’t have a motive for the abuse.

Carter says the child’s mother, 21-year old Jennifer Whittman, told investigators that she caught her husband using the device on their son about three weeks ago.

She told investigators that when she confronted him about the abuse, Rian told her that it was never going to happen again, but then on Saturday, Feb. 3rd he did it again.

A grand jury is expected to convene in the coming days to see if any charges should be filed against Jennifer Whittman.

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efbghudvght July 25, 2012 2:55 pm (Pacific time)

after he out of jail for this case he back to prison 21 months for dometic violene ..he shot his dump girlfriend with a bb gun..now he free again...he goes to chemeketa college..who will be next his victem...warning to everyone..

skeptic February 26, 2007 7:25 pm (Pacific time)

the state has elected to keep the boy in foster care for a few more weeks and if I'm not mistaken wittman was due in court today for his first appearance, I was unable to make it down and haven't seen anything on the news yet, anyone know what happened? At the custody hearing they did not give the boy back to the mom until further investigation but the DA did not seem to care about the mother's envolvement.

A mother February 21, 2007 11:55 pm (Pacific time)

And why is taking that same stun gun to his "manly parts" a bad thing??? so that he can feel what he put that baby through and maybe not be able to breed anymore. now that he's out what make anyone think that he'll actually stick around for the court proceedings??what kind of a mother lets a man like that stay around her child, once and that loser would be gone! I hope for that child sake the state keeps him, finds him a good home without the inbred creatins that brought him into this world!

skeptic February 21, 2007 10:24 pm (Pacific time)

It is my understanding that no charges are to be filled against the mother and she is going to get her son back at this week. What's up with that. The news hasn't reported anything???

skeptic February 15, 2007 4:04 pm (Pacific time)

In our system of justice people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, that is, as long as they have enough money. His parents or somebody that loves him must have the money. A person without means would rot in the cell until trial. Real fair system! Ironically this guy is out on your streets while his son is in the protective custody (ie. Jail) of DHS. And what did his wife have to do with this? If she was innocent she would have the baby - right? Any update on charges against her? Something stinks!

J Nicholson February 15, 2007 2:26 am (Pacific time)

What's crazy is that he didn't have a tough upbringing. Bail is 10% of $100,000. I think. He got in trouble once for vandalizing the construction of a school going up nearby when he was young, but his family life was just fine.

stunned; February 15, 2007 12:07 am (Pacific time)

nice they agreed to keep him from contacting his wife and son!.,good thinking for a group of beurocrats and congratulations to his legal team on looking out for and protecting his rights! I mean the guy obviously had a tough upbringing and they needed the cell space for the Samarai hit man! This is the only logical thing I've read on this case since it was first reported!, now I'm pissed he's out! No electronic monitor?, how much was the bail? somethings wrong here!

J Nicholson February 14, 2007 8:18 pm (Pacific time)

What worries me is that I went to high school with him, and his parents live (at least they used to) less than a block from me, since he's been released, if he goes to his parent's house, he is too close to me and my 4 month old...

S.LaMarche February 14, 2007 4:03 pm (Pacific time)

I concur, a mistake has been made letting this jerk out at all or anywhere near local vicinity! There are people in jail now and not getting out for doing less than this sick part of society.,and why grant bail if evidence is sufficient enough that he tried to injure another human being?, presumably his own baby at that!.,not logical.

Wrong Release February 14, 2007 11:11 am (Pacific time)

WHO would have bailed this guy out? It would have cost 10grand! He's not worth it! I can't believe he's allowed any freedom. Great justice system. Not!!!

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