Christopher Smithburg, age 16, was physically abused and starved by his mother, Susan Smithburg. Christopher, his 17-year-old brother, and his 10-year old sister were adopted and homeschooled.
On March 26, Christopher lied to his mother about making toast and was punished by being forced to do 1,500 push-ups. After four hours of push-ups, Christopher could not continue, so Smithburg hit him in the head. The next day, Christopher ran away from home, camping in the woods for six days until authorities found him and he reported the abuse.
Smithburg was charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect.
Date: March 27, 2014
Location: Nolensville, Tennessee
| Documents: | Date: |
| Missing Nolensville Teen Found Safe in Rutherford County | 04-02-2014 |
| Police: Nolensville mom ordered son to do 1,500 pushups | 04-02-2014 |
| UPDATE: Mother of runaway Nolensville teen bonds out of jail | 04-03-2014 |
| Mother of Nolensville teen arrested | 04-03-2014 |
| Mother of runaway teen charged with aggravated abuse | 04-03-2014 |
| Search continues for missing Nolensville teen | 04-10-2014 |
| Mom charged with abuse after runaway Nolensville teen found | 05-01-2014 |
| Missing teen’s mother arrested for child abuse | 05-05-2014 |
