exposing the dark side of adoption
Register Log in

'Hard on children,' dad says; Toddler's adoptive dad testifies against former wife accused of murder

public

'Hard on children,' dad says

Toddler's adoptive dad testifies against former wife accused of murder

Author: Ruth Ann Krause, Post-Tribune correspondent

The estranged husband of Natalie Fabian Evans described his wife as controlling and hard on the children they adopted.

Evans, 36, is on trial on charges of murder and neglect in the Nov. 30, 2001, death of their 16-month-old son, Luke. The toddler died of shaken baby syndrome, officials said.

When Steven Evans first met Luke at a Russian orphanage in 2001, he said he noticed the child's beautiful blue eyes and warm personality.

After they returned from Russia in May 2001, Evans said he was working 60 to 70 hours a week as a union construction foreman.

He said he suddenly quit his job in July without letting his wife know, and she wasn't happy about the decision.

The couple also disagreed about Luke's development, and Steven Evans said he didn't feel the child needed special therapy.

In fall 2001, Steven Evans said, he began noticing bruises on Luke's forehead, the back of his head and the inside of his ears. When he asked his wife about the bruises, she said Luke rocked so hard in his walker he'd topple over.

Steven Evans said Luke seemed to cry 90 percent of the time when he was with his wife and wasn't comforted by her. He also said his wife wouldn't let him take their older son to the Wheatfield shop where he kept his race car.

"I thought she was very hard on the children," he said, but acknowledged he never saw his wife abuse the boys.

During cross-examination by defense attorney Nick Thiros, Steven Evans denied playing rough with Luke. Evans said the child would jump up and down and be happy to see him, which would upset his wife.

"She got upset because you and Luke got along? Is that what you want this jury to believe?" Thiros asked.

"Yes," Evans replied.

Evans said he didn't check on Luke before he left at about 3:30 a.m. Nov. 29, 2001, and didn't recall that his work clothes were kept in Luke's bedroom closet.

Although the prosecution still has a remaining witness to present today, the defense began its case.

Among the defense witnesses were Natalie Evans' aunt, Madeline Haines, who said she visited with Natalie and the children 10 to 15 times between May and November 2001.

"I felt she was growing into a wonderful mother," Haines said.

Haines said she recalled an incident at a summer party when Steven Evans held Luke upside down by his ankles, released his grip and quickly caught him.

Natalie Evans' mother, Paulette Fabian, recalled Steve Evans throwing Luke up in the air and catching him and bouncing him roughly.

Fabian also recalled when her daughter served Steven Evans with divorce papers. Fabian said Steven Evans made threatening remarks in front of two Lake County police officers, which Steven Evans denied during his testimony.

Caption:

Natalie Fabian Evans, attorney Nick Thiros and Judge Thomas Stefaniak listen as Steven Evans testifies Monday.(DRAWING - Color) (ARTIST DRAWING BY L.D. CHUKMAN)

Natalie Fabian Evans is charged with murder and neglect in the Nov. 30, 2001, death of her 16-month-old adopted son, Luke. Officials said the toddler died of shaken baby syndrome.(PHOTO - Color)

2006 Jun 27