Salem, OR – A 28-year-old middle school math teacher and Army Reserve captain has been arrested in Oregon on multiple charges after authorities say he abused and starved his 6-week-old twins, leaving both infants in critical condition.
Arrest of Reece Sorenson
Reece Sorenson, a teacher at Parrish Middle School in Salem and a U.S. Army Reserve captain, was arrested on August 13 following a disturbing report from Salem Hospital. Authorities say the case began when one of the infants was brought to the hospital with difficulty swallowing and signs of trauma.
Medical staff quickly identified both babies as severely malnourished, with visible bruises and signs of physical abuse.
Shocking Allegations of Infant Abuse
Investigators say Sorenson admitted to stuffing a rag into his baby daughter’s mouth to stop her from crying. The child was later found to have bruising and bleeding under her tongue, raising further concerns about the severity of the abuse.
The twin brother was also found with bruises around the eyes and multiple rib fractures. Sorenson allegedly confessed to squeezing the boy with his forearms and pressing his knuckles into the infant’s stomach in a misguided attempt to quiet the crying.
‘Ravenous and Starving,’ Hospital Staff Says
Hospital staff reported that both babies were flinching when approached and described them as “ravenous and starving” once they were finally fed. According to court documents, the trauma suffered by the infants was both physical and psychological.
Wife Confirms Allegations
According to reports, Sorenson’s wife corroborated the abuse allegations, further strengthening the case against him. Authorities have not disclosed whether she faces charges or is cooperating as a witness.
Administrative Leave and Charges
Sorenson was placed on administrative leave by the Salem-Keizer School District on August 18, as reported. The district has not issued a public statement beyond confirming his employment status.
He now faces five counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment and one count of unlawful use of a weapon, according to the NYPost.
Legal Proceedings and No-Contact Order
Sorenson was briefly jailed and released on August 14, but the court has issued a no-contact order between him and his children. The investigation remains active, and child protective services are reportedly involved.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The case has sparked shock and outrage within the Salem community, particularly among parents at Parrish Middle School. Many are calling for stricter screening and mental health support for educators.
Authorities have not released further details about the future custody or welfare of the children, but the investigation is ongoing.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Should school systems monitor the mental health of staff more closely? Share your opinions in the comment section.
