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'He took my soul': St. Peters mom advocates for child abuse awareness as her infant's killer nears release

A four-month old was brutally beaten in 2004 by his father. Now, the convicted man is about to be released.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — It's been almost 20 years since a horrific child abuse case happened in St. Charles County.

A St. Peters mother is raising awareness because the man who beat her child to death is about to get out of prison.

On June 20, 2004, Paige Freymuth's four-month old Tyler was dropped off with the baby's father, Richard Salas.

Credit: Paige Freymuth

The two parents were separated and the infant was going to spend Father's Day with Salas.

When the baby wouldn't stop crying, Salas punched and beat the infant, slammed his head against a wall and threw him into a trash can.  

A 22-year-old Richard Salas was initially charged for manslaughter but the charge was bumped up to child abuse resulting in death.

He admitted in court he took drugs before his son was dropped off.

Salas took a plea deal.

In 2004, 5 On Your Side spoke to 20-year-old Freymuth following the sentencing.

She said, "(I'm) sad, really sad. It hasn't hit me, I just now realized I'm never going to be able to hold him again."

Now, Freymuth told 5 On Your Side prosecutors said if there was a trial, she would have to hear the details of her son's violent death and see visuals.

"We did the plea bargain and at the time it was like, you know, it's not fair, but 20 years is a lot of time and now that it's here, 20 years is not a lot of time. It wasn't a lot of time," Freymuth explained. "I'm devastated and to this day I'm devastated and for 20 years I've been living in the past. Not only did he take my child, but he took my soul."

Salas is scheduled to be released June 21. Almost exactly a year to the date of the 20th anniversary.

That 2004 life-changing moment created crippling ripple effects for the next two decades.  

Freymuth said, "The way he did it was just like the devil, the devil was inside of him, like why did he have bite marks on him (Tyler)? He’s 42. He's able to marry. He's able to have more children, and that's what gets me. So much is the fact that he's able to have more children. I just don't think that that's right cause he took my child away from me."

Freymuth struggles with PTSD, anxiety, and grieves the unbearable loss.

She shared, "He's created so much chaos in my life and I have severe panic attacks three times a week."

Freymuth has also moved to another state out of safety.

She said she's been in and out of the hospital for psychiatric care probably 30 times and she's had electric shock therapy.

"The memories of what he did to my child is just unbearable," Freymuth admitted.

Freymuth also has an 18-year-old son who just graduated.

She can't help but wonder where Tyler would be.

"I should have witnessed Tyler walking down there in it. I was so proud and so sad," a tearful Freymuth shared.

She also carries with her a message and wants to make sure her Tyler is never forgotten.

"I don't think people understand that there are resources out there. Being a parent is hard and sometimes it can be really hard and you might need a break and that's OK, if you need a break. I think a lot of people just need to know about that and stop making it such a taboo that you're a bad parent because you are so frustrated with your child. It's OK," she added.

Freymuth said at the time of the baby's funeral, in lieu of flowers, they asked for donations to go to Crisis Nursery.

She still suggests this organization as a lifeline in the St. Louis area.

Crisis Nursery offers a free short-term safe haven for children. Their 24-hour helpline is 314-768-3201.

A Gofundme was created for Freymuth. 

Part of the post said, "If you are wondering 'why now' why the fund raising now? The man that beat baby Tyler to death is set to be released from prison in less than 2 weeks. Paige made some life changes to try to help her move forward but continues to struggle. Especially lately with the release of her child’s murderer. She continues to need impatient and outpatient therapy. I’m asking you consider donating to this fund raiser to help Paige as she navigates this incredibly difficult time."

If you'd like to donate, click here.

Freymuth is sharing her experiences and healing journey on TikTok. To follow her, click here.

5 On Your Side's reached out to Salas' attorney but hasn't heard back for comment.

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