Child Abuse Charges Against Austin and Paula Draper Dismissed

Wyoming State Prosecutors have dropped charges against a Casper couple that had been accused of physically and mentally abusing the three children that they were raising.

Forty-one year old Austin Draper had been charged with two counts of child abuse, while 37 year old Paula Draper had been charged with one count of child abuse.

Prosecutors would not comment on why they filed the motion to dismiss, and it is unclear if they will refile.

Investigators with the Casper Police Department say through interviews with the victims, the incidents took place between July 2009 and May 2015.

Incidents included by whipped with a belt, having a finger broken and being hit with a metal hanger.

One victim said there was a time one of them was being hit, and Paula would be happy about it, saying they deserve it.

There were also times, when Austin and Paula were beating each other.

In one instance, Paula tried to light Austin on fire.

One victim said Austin had anger and sexual issues, while Paula was an alcoholic and another said Paula was looking up ways to kill herself.

A child psychiatrist told police that the children had post-traumatic stress disorder, were witnesses to physical abuse and they were physical and emotional abuse victims.