Richmond couple charged in criminal abuse of 13-year-old girl

A father and stepmother have been charged in the abuse of a 13-year-old girl, Richmond police said Wednesday.

Clyde Richardson, 44, and Michelle Richardson, 45, both of Edwards Avenue, were each charged Tuesday with first-degree criminal abuse, police said in a news release.

Police began investigating after receiving information from the state Department for Community Based Services concerning allegations of abuse.

Police determined that Clyde Richardson had struck his 13-year-old daughter in the head on or about April 25, resulting in two black eyes and scalp bruises. Police determined thats a pattern of abuse had occurred overt time.

Investigators also found that Michelle Richardson, the stepmother, was aware of the abuse and failed to prevent or stop it, police said.

The Richardsons were being in the Madison County jail. The state took temporary custody of the child.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Richmond couple charged in criminal abuse of 13-year-old girl."