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Father of slain N. Side boy seeks custody of other son
Wednesday, May 23, 2001 By Nate Guidry, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
Christopher Drake, the father of Scott Drake, the 11-year-old boy who was found slain and sexually mutilated in September, is seeking custody of his 10-year-old son and has accused the boy's mother of abandonment.
Last week, Drake's attorney, Sumner L. Parker, filed a petition with Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Lawrence J. O'Toole to modify an order which would enable him to visit with his son, Joseph Louder.
Parker also plans to file a petition with Common Pleas Judge John A. Zottola as well as for a custody hearing in Family Division.
In the petition filed last week, Drake claimed that two weeks ago, Karen Louder, Joseph's mother, left him alone at their North Side home.
Joseph is living with his 66-year-old grandmother, Arlene Louder, who is unable to care for the boy because he has severe behavioral problems. Arlene Louder refused to comment.
"We have to schedule hearings to determine what will be the ruling," said Parker. "We feel it is not in the best interest of the kid to be in foster care."
Joseph is a fifth-grader at Spring Garden Elementary School but hasn't attended classes in nearly two months because other pupils taunt and harass him about the murder of his brother.
Neither Drake nor Karen Louder could be reached for comment.
"Christopher wants to take care of his son," said Parker. "He has a drinking problem, but he is taking steps to address that. He recognizes that his son has emotional problems and he wants to assume responsibility as a father."
Drake was released from jail in March. He had been sentenced to three to 12 months in jail for violation of probation for two previous convictions for assaults during barroom brawls. He is prohibited from any contact with his son. Karen Louder had accused him of "stalking" their children, but no charges were filed.
"He wants to make contact with his son," said Parker. "He's trying to take steps to turn things around."
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