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Sunnyvale's employees rally to help abuse victim
Officers, civillians join forces to throw party for torture victim
By Sam Scott
Sometimes, a simple gift can be much more than just a gift.
Sunnyvale police officers got together to present a brand new, top of the line BMX bike to a child abuse victim they'll probably never forget at a barbecue held for the boy Dec. 22. It was an early Christmas for the boy, who police found beaten, gagged and locked in his bedroom closet last month. Both of the boy's parents are in custody on child abuse charges.
"We just wanted to let you know that we care about you," said Regan Williams Jr., an officer involved in the case, as he presented the gift to the boy. "We're your family."
The fifteen-year old, whose identity has not been released by police, appeared pleased with the gift, smiling broadly and sitting on the bike for the rest of the lunch. After a shy moment in the beginning, he appeared at ease around the many adults in uniform.
"I'm pretty happy and everything,"
the boy said. "Thanks to all you guys."
The boy is currently in protective custody. Robert and Elizabeth Panuncialman, his stepfather and mother, may face life sentences for child abuse and torture. Robert Panuncialman, who pleaded not guilty last Tuesday, is out on $250,000 bail. His wife, who has not entered a plea, remains in county jail.
Teachers called Sunnyvale police after several students and teachers at Sunnyvale Middle School saw the boy's stepfather haul him violently off campus while school was in session.
The boy was also presented with clothes, two gift certificates, and a handmade stocking. When someone yelled out that they better buy a helmet for him, a department employee ran inside and found one that matched the blue of his bike. Not surprisingly, officers were quick with advice on how to lock the bike.
"If anything happens to that bike, you'll see 20 guys on that case," one officer joked.
Dozens of police officers and city employees attended the barbecue held at Public Safety Headquarters. Capt. Chuck Eaneff said that the department's emotional involvement has continued well past its professional duties, which officially ended when the case was handed over to the district attorney's office.
"A lot of these guys have been here 10 to 20 years, and they've seen a lot," Eaneff said. "This young guy really touched their hearts. Despite the tragedy he's lived through, he's a remarkable young man. He has impressed everybody."
Eaneff said officers have visited the boy, taken him on trips and bought him gifts. He said all types of employees were involved raising the money for the presents.
"It wasn't just our officers--it was records, dispatch, civilians," Eaneff said. "It was everyone."
Concern for the boy's welfare wasn't limited to city employees. Williams said the department was able to buy the bike at wholesale price, thanks to the help of Voodoo Bicycles, a local bike shop.
Williams said he thinks the concern of all involved may give the boy some of the security he has been lacking. "We can't change what happened, but we can try to make things better for him now."
Nicole Gould, the boy's social worker, said that Sunnyvale's involvement in the case has been well above the norm. "It's been fabulous," Gould said. "It's rare to have this much involvement by an agency like this." she said. "Thanks to all you guys."
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
