Dad Accused Of SA'ing Daughter Is ONLY Witness To Son's Sudden Death BUT Mom Gets Arrested Instead
This Rotten Mango episode explores a complex family legal battle involving Angie and Aaron Solomon, whose divorce and custody dispute centers on allegations of abuse. The case involves disputed photographic evidence, accusations of parental alienation, and questions about the influence of wealth and connections on judicial decisions, with courts ultimately granting Aaron 77% custody of their children.
The episode also examines the death of the Solomons' son Grant in a truck accident, which has sparked online speculation about potential foul play. Additional elements include the role of local religious institutions in the dispute, the response of their children's school to abuse allegations, and an unexpected development: Angie's arrest by Tennessee authorities for allegedly attempting to arrange Aaron's murder.
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1-Page Summary
Angie and Aaron Solomon's Divorce and Custody Battle
The separation of Angie and Aaron Solomon has evolved into a complex legal battle centered around serious accusations and child custody disputes. Angie alleges that Aaron abused both her and their daughter Gracie, presenting disputed photographic evidence of bruising and injuries. Aaron, in turn, accuses Angie of spreading lies and attempting to alienate their children from him through social media campaigns.
The legal proceedings, which began in 2013, have largely favored Aaron, with courts granting him 77% custody. A former court-appointed guardian suggests that Aaron's wealth and connections may have influenced judicial decisions, while Angie's credibility was significantly damaged when her own father testified against her.
The Suspicious Death Of the Solomons' Son Grant
The death of Grant Solomon has generated considerable speculation online. According to official reports, Grant died in an accident when his truck rolled down a hill. However, Angie suspects Aaron's involvement, suggesting that Grant was planning to expose his father's abuse. Grant's girlfriend, Hannah, notes that Grant was reluctant to visit his father's house, though Steve Berger counters that Grant's planned meeting with him was simply about spiritual matters.
Alleged Connections Between Aaron and Powerful Institutions/Figures
Angie accuses Aaron of maintaining influential connections with Grace Chapel in Franklin, Tennessee. She claims these connections have affected legal decisions regarding her family's disputes, suggesting Aaron is part of a "good old boys club" at the church. Grace Chapel has denied any involvement or knowledge of alleged abuse, issuing cease and desist letters to online creators discussing the case.
Actions and Responses of Third Parties Involved
Grace Christian Academy discouraged Gracie from discussing abuse allegations with peers, citing concerns about the impact on other students. The school defended its actions, with the headmaster releasing a video statement asking parents to seek the truth directly from the school.
Regarding the investigations, Angie and her supporters claim that police and child services failed to conduct proper investigations. Authorities maintain that insufficient evidence was found to substantiate the claims. The situation took an unexpected turn when Angie was later arrested by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to kill Aaron.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- Angie's allegations of abuse are based on disputed evidence, and the validity of the photographic evidence she presented has been questioned.
- The custody decision favoring Aaron could be attributed to factors other than his wealth and connections, such as the court's assessment of the child's best interests based on a variety of considerations.
- The testimony of Angie's father against her could be seen as a significant factor in assessing her credibility, independent of Aaron's influence.
- The official reports concluded that Grant's death was accidental, and without concrete evidence, accusations of foul play remain speculative.
- Grant's reluctance to visit his father's house could have multiple interpretations and does not necessarily corroborate allegations of abuse.
- Grace Chapel's denial of involvement and the issuance of cease and desist letters could indicate that the church is not connected to the legal decisions as Angie claims.
- Grace Christian Academy's discouragement of Gracie discussing abuse allegations could be seen as an attempt to protect the privacy and well-being of all students, not necessarily as a means to silence her.
- Authorities' claims of insufficient evidence after investigations suggest that the allegations made by Angie and her supporters may not have been substantiated to the extent required for legal action.
- Angie's arrest for allegedly attempting to hire a hitman, if true, could undermine her credibility and cast doubt on her previous allegations and motivations.
Actionables
- You can develop critical thinking by analyzing conflicting narratives in news stories. When you come across a news article, practice identifying any potential biases or conflicting accounts presented. Write down the different perspectives and research the background of the sources to understand their potential motives. This will help you assess the credibility of information in real-life situations, much like the disputed claims between Angie and Aaron.
- Enhance your media literacy by creating a personal guideline for evaluating the reliability of social media posts. Start by noting down the characteristics of credible posts, such as transparency about sources, consistency in information, and absence of sensational language. Apply these guidelines whenever you encounter a new post, and keep a journal of instances where social media may be used to manipulate public opinion, similar to the accusations of Angie using social media campaigns.
- Improve your understanding of legal processes by following a court case in the news. Pay attention to the factors that seem to influence the proceedings, such as the representation of wealth or connections, as mentioned in the custody case between Angie and Aaron. Take notes on the legal arguments used, the evidence presented, and the final verdict, then compare it with other cases to see if you can identify patterns or biases in the legal system.
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Angie and Aaron Solomon's Divorce and Custody Battle
Angie and Aaron Solomon's separation has spiraled into a bitter and very public dispute, loaded with serious accusations and complicated by a protracted legal fight over the welfare of their children.
Allegations of Abuse and Misconduct From Both Sides
Angie Accuses Aaron Of Abusing Her and Daughter Gracie
Angie has made serious accusations against Aaron, alleging that he has been abusing their daughter Gracie since she was a little girl, primarily during bath times. In addition to the assault on Gracie, she accuses Aaron of physically abusing her. The evidence presented by Angie includes disputed pictures: one showing bruising on Gracie's upper thigh, which Aaron attributes to a swimsuit mishap, and another showing swollen eye bags and dark circles, deemed by Angie as signs of abuse after staying with Aaron.
Skepticism surrounds Angie's claims, with some suggesting she might be manipulating Gracie. A YouTube video where Gracie appears uncomfortable and seems to be reading off a paper as she talks about the abuse, has raised suspicions of coercion by Angie. Despite Gracie's claims of having reported the abuse to her school and church, no action was apparently taken.
Aaron Accuses Angie Of Being Unfit and Turning Their Children Against Him By Spreading Lies
In turn, Aaron accuses Angie of spreading lies and trying to turn their children against him. His attorney has argued that Angie's campaign is not about free speech but rather about cyberstalking and defamation—bullying, generating clicks, raising money, and selling products through social media outrage.
The Contentious Legal Proceedings and Custody Dispute
Angie and Aaron's Costly Divorce Begins In 2013
The divorce process between Angie and Aaron Solomon started in 2013 and has been described as exhausting and very contentious. Angie's appeal of custody decisions, which favored Aaron at 77%, is ongoing, while Aaro ...
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Angie and Aaron Solomon's Divorce and Custody Battle
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Actionables
- You can create a personal safety plan if you're facing a similar situation, which includes identifying safe spaces, having an emergency contact list, and setting up a code word with friends and family. This ensures that if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you have a pre-planned escape route and support system. For example, you might arrange with a neighbor to leave a spare key with them, or have a friend on standby to come pick you up at any time.
- Develop media literacy by learning how to critically evaluate sources and spot potential manipulation or bias. This can help you form more informed opinions when faced with conflicting narratives. Start by checking the credibility of the sources, looking for corroborating evidence, and considering the possible motives behind the information presented. For instance, when reading news articles, compare the coverage of the same story across different outlets to see how it might be portrayed differently.
- Voluntee ...
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The Suspicious Death Of the Solomons' Son Grant
The strange and tragic death of Grant Solomon has stirred waves of suspicion and theories online, especially concerning his father, Aaron Solomon's, involvement.
Theories Around Aaron's Potential Involvement in Grant's Death
The internet is rife with speculation and accusations regarding the circumstances of Grant's untimely demise.
Angie Suspects Aaron Killed Grant, Who Planned to Expose Aaron's Abuse
One prevailing theory is that Grant was allegedly about to expose his father, Aaron, for abuse. Angie, along with other netizens, suspects that Aaron had a direct hand in Grant's death, which they believe was no accident. Grant's girlfriend, Hannah, adds weight to the suspicion, noting that Grant was reluctant to talk about his dad and seemed averse to visiting his father's house. This hints at a strained and potentially dark relationship between father and son.
It is also alleged that Grant had planned an appointment with Steve Berger to discuss the abuse perpetrated by his father. However, Steve Berger asserts that the meeting's purpose was simply to discuss Grant getting closer to God, offering a stark contrast to the more sinister allegations.
Grant's Death Ruled Accidental: Truck Rolled Down Hill
The official telling of Grant's death paints a picture of a tragic accident. The narrative suggests that Grant's truck simply rolled down a hill, running over him before ending up in a ditch, resulting in his death.
Angie Claims Figures Hide the Truth About Grant's Death
Angie and other web sleuths pressure that the truth about Grant's death is being o ...
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The Suspicious Death Of the Solomons' Son Grant
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Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking skills by practicing analyzing different scenarios and outcomes. Start by taking a current event or a complex situation from a book or movie and write down possible motives, outcomes, and hidden agendas that could be at play. This exercise will help you develop the ability to assess situations critically, similar to how online investigators analyze cases like Grant's.
- Improve your digital literacy by learning how to fact-check information you come across online. Use tools like reverse image searches, checking sources against known databases, and learning about logical fallacies. This will help you discern between credible information and potential misinformation, which is crucial when following cases with conflicting narratives.
- Develop your emotional intelligence by engaging in active listening and em ...
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Alleged Connections Between Aaron and Powerful Institutions/Figures
Controversy swirls around Aaron Solomon and his alleged connections to powerful institutions and figures, with accusations coming to light from his ex-wife Angie.
Aaron's Ties to Grace Chapel Mega Church
Angie accuses Aaron Solomon of having strong, yet concealed alliances with the Grace Chapel in Franklin, Tennessee, asserting that these connections have had a vast impact on legal decisions regarding her family's disputes.
Angie Alleges Church Protects Aaron and Influences the Legal System
It is mentioned that there is a connection between Grace Christian Academy and Grace Chapel, and while legally separate, they are linked. Angie levels serious accusations, suggesting Aaron is part of a “good old boys club” at the church, where all the most powerful people in Tennessee congregate. Angie raises suspicions that Judge Johnson had discussions about her case with church pastor Steve Berger, who hinted that God favored Aaron, influencing rulings against her. She further claims that members of the Grace Chapel Church insinuated themselves into her house during the memorial service for Grant Solomon, suspecting their aim to persuade her that Grant's death was natural. She suggests that Aaron is perceived as a nice guy and that she is viewed as unstable within the church community, which might influence favorable court rulings for Aaron.
The transcript does not specifically state that Angie alleges the church's direct influence on the legal system, nor does it deny the church's involvement or knowledge of alleged abuse.
Church Denies Involvement or Knowledge of Alleged Abuse
In reaction to Angie's allegations, Stephanie Soo notes the peculiar nature of the church's response to the scandal, which she describes as heartless. The podcast episode discusses the church's moral failure to investigate, or take action against, such allegations. Grace Chapel's statement stresses that no abuse occurred at their facilities, with no involvement by their volunteers or employees, and specifies that the said abuse reported in 2018 was a matter between a divorced couple unaffiliated with the church. They clarify the rumors about Pastor Steve Berger’s knowledge of abuse and failure to report it are "categorically false." The church emphasizes that it ensures all allegations of abuse are reported to the authorities and that their staff and volunteers receive proper child safety training and background checks. Furthermore, the church has been sending cease and desist letters to creators speaking about th ...
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Alleged Connections Between Aaron and Powerful Institutions/Figures
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Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of undue influence and manipulation by attending local community legal workshops or webinars. Understanding these signs can help you recognize if you or someone you know might be in a similar situation as described, and you'll be better equipped to seek help or advise others on how to proceed.
- Start a personal journal to document interactions and events that seem unusual or unfair in your community or personal life. Keeping detailed records can be invaluable if you ever need to present evidence of wrongdoing or patterns of behavior that could indicate systemic issues, much like the concerns raised in the assertions.
- Engage in conversations with friends and family about the impo ...
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Actions and Responses of Third Parties Involved
The podcast discusses the various actions and responses of the school, investigators, and authorities involved in Gracie's case, highlighting issues of how abuse allegations are handled and the impact on those involved.
The Local School's Handling of Gracie's Abuse Allegations
Gracie Solomon reported experiencing abuse, and the local school, Grace Christian Academy, took a controversial approach to handling the situation.
School Discourages Gracie From Discussing Abuse With Peers
The school discouraged Gracie from discussing the abuse allegations with her peers. The school administrators expressed their concerns, stating that parents complained that their children were asking about sexual abuse because of Gracie's discussions. They were worried about it becoming the talk of the school and how it would follow Gracie and affect her future.
School Defends Actions, Citing Impact on Other Students
Grace Christian Academy defended its actions by suggesting that the broader impact of Gracie's disclosures on other students needed consideration. The school wanted to protect both Gracie and her peers from the ramifications of discussing her allegations. The headmaster released a video statement asking parents to come to the school to get the truth and implied that just as the school would not believe everything children say about their parents, parents should not believe everything their children say about the school.
Investigators and Authorities' Treatment of the Case
The podcast reveals tension between Angie, Gracie’s supporters, and the authorities over the handling of the abuse allegations.
Angie and Supporters Allege Police and Child Services Failed to Investigate Properly
Angie and her supporters claim that the police and child services did not conduct a proper investigation. There is mention of closed services investigations without any significant findings, w ...
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Actions and Responses of Third Parties Involved
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Clarifications
- Gracie Solomon is the alleged abuse victim in the case. Angie is Gracie's mother and advocate. Aaron Solomon is Gracie's father and the accused abuser. Their relationships are central to the abuse allegations and ensuing investigations.
- The podcast is a true crime series focusing on a complex family abuse case involving Gracie Solomon. It explores the challenges in reporting and investigating abuse allegations within a close-knit community. The series highlights systemic issues in schools and law enforcement responses to such cases. It also examines the personal and legal consequences faced by those involved.
- The school’s approach is controversial because discouraging a victim from discussing abuse can silence them and hinder their healing. It may also prevent other potential victims from coming forward. Schools have a responsibility to support victims and ensure a safe environment. Prioritizing reputation over transparency can damage trust and accountability.
- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is a state-level law enforcement agency responsible for investigating major crimes and supporting local law enforcement. It has authority to conduct criminal investigations, gather evidence, and make arrests when state laws are violated. In this case, the TBI took over the investigation due to the severity and complexity of the allegations. Their involvement indicates the case required specialized resources beyond local police capabilities.
- The domestic dispute mentioned by the EMT refers to a reported conflict between Angie and Aaron Solomon, which may indicate a history of family tension or violence. This incident is relevant because it could provide context for the abuse allegations or suggest a pattern of behavior affecting the investigation. However, the dispute itself does not confirm abuse but raises questions about the adequacy of the police response. It highlights potential challenges in assessing family dynamics during abuse investigations.
- The school was concerned that discussing abuse openly could cause fear, anxiety, or misunderstanding among students. They worried it might lead to rumors or false accusations, disrupting the school environment. Protecting the school's reputation and avoiding legal complications were also likely factors. Such concerns often lead schools to limi ...
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