South Carolina Father Who Forced 8-Year-Old to Take “Hypothermia Baths” and Eat Feces Sentenced to 50 Years
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA — A 28-year-old father has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to the brutal torture and neglect of his 8-year-old daughter, who was forced to endure years of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse — including “hypothermia baths,” starvation, and being made to eat feces.
Ian Tatro pleaded guilty to 20 counts of unlawful neglect of a child and one count of obstruction of justice, according to court documents reviewed by Law&Crime. His co-defendant and wife, Tenika Draper, was sentenced last month to 35 years on identical charges.
Years of Torture and Degradation
Prosecutors described Tatro’s actions as systematic torture, saying he subjected the child to relentless physical and mental cruelty.
“The amount of abuse this child suffered at the hands of adults who should have loved and cared for her is staggering,” said 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry J. Barnette.
Among the horrifying punishments:
- Forced “hypothermia baths” — the girl was submerged in ice-cold water for extended periods.
- Beaten with boards, cords, and frying pans.
- Forced to kneel in wooden crates and stand in a garbage can for hours.
- Locked in a closet overnight and denied access to the bathroom.
- Force-fed feces and laxatives disguised as candy, leading to repeated sickness.
When the child vomited, Tatro reportedly forced her to eat her own vomit, according to prosecutors.
“He Wished He Could Kill Her and Get Away With It”
In court, prosecutors detailed chilling statements Tatro allegedly made about his daughter.
“He said that he wished her mother had vacuumed her out before she was born and wished he could kill her and get away with it,” said Assistant Solicitor Tony Leibert.
Tatro allegedly gave his daughter animal feces as a Christmas gift and told her she was “worthless.”
When she was finally rescued, the girl reportedly told investigators,
“This is the best day of my life.”
Investigation and Rescue
The case began in September 2022 after the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) received an anonymous tip about possible abuse at the home.
When deputies arrived, they discovered four adults and four children. The 8-year-old had severe bruises, a limp, and her legs were covered with temporary tattoos to hide injuries.
A forensic doctor later diagnosed her condition as meeting the medical definition of child torture.
Co-defendants Trina Draper (the victim’s step-grandmother) and Ryan Dezotelle (step-uncle) are still awaiting trial.
Judge’s Ruling and Sentence
Judge R. Keith Kelly handed down Tatro’s 50-year prison sentence on Monday, citing the “inhumane cruelty” of the abuse.
“This was not discipline — this was deliberate torture,” the court said during sentencing.
Tatro will serve his sentence in the South Carolina Department of Corrections.
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