SHOSHONE COUNTY, Idaho — The badly beaten 2-year-old boy rescued during a traffic stop by Idaho State Police troopers on Dec. 11 has been reunited with his little brother.
The boy, now being referred to as Baby J, had been severely abused. Troopers called it one of the worst cases of abuse they've ever seen.
Baby J has also been moved out of the ICU to a rehab facility, according to ISP. Troopers said Baby J and his little brother are living together with a safe and happy family.
They said he has made great progress.
Trooper Shane Grady responded to the call on I-90 in Shoshone County. The injuries were to a two-year-old boy in the backseat. He was hanging on after being severely abused. The driver of this car was arrested on drug charges but isn't tied to the abuse. Police in Western Washington are looking into that. The boy was taken to the ICU at Sacred Heart with life-threatening injuries. Troopers and doctors saved his life.
"He's happy, he's smiling. He loves to color. He's talking to people. It just gives you a warm feeling inside. It's like going home and going, 'Everything is OK with the world again,'" Grady explained back on Dec. 20.
ISP officials said his recovery at Sacred Heart has brought troopers to tears.
"That's why I'm here. That's what we're supposed to do," Grady said.
Baby J's story prompted people who heard what was going on to reach out. Total strangers giving the little boy gifts, wanting him to know he's loved.