I have known Kim and Fyodor Emelyantsev for some time and consider them neighbors and friends. There has been so much information left out in the coverage of this tragedy ("Tooele mom accused of killing adopted child," March 13). These babies came from Russia in horrible physical condition. After spending time in Russia myself, I have come to realize that parents there are not allowed to raise children born with disabilities. They are taken immediately after birth and institutionalized. They are given minimal medical care, no therapy, and no love and attention. When the Emelyantsevs' 4-year-old came to their custody, he weighed 18 pounds, could not walk or feed himself, and could barely sit up on his own. He needed extensive dental and medical care, which he was given. Down syndrome children heal much more slowly than normal children, and he had only been in the custody of the Emelyantsevs for three months. The baby that died had only been in their care for 13 days. He was also receiving medical care. He had a history of seizures and head injuries. His injuries very well could have occurred in Russia. The family has three older daughters that have never shown any signs of abuse or neglect. Kim and Fyodor spent thousands of dollars to bring these adopted children home. They already have a daughter with Down syndrome, so they know the challenges associated with it. It doesn't make any sense that they would go through all this time and effort only to kill the baby a few days later.
Stephanie Bothell
Tooele