Casper v. Huber

OPINION

By the Court,

Zenoff, J.:

This is an adoption proceeding. Deborah, age ten at the time of the filing of the petition, was born to Gerald and Shelvie Casper. Shortly after her birth Gerald left Deborah and her mother who was compelled to seek welfare assistance for support. Thereafter for a few months he paid $12.00 per week. In 1960 he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to the North Carolina State Prison for a period of 25 to 30 years. All of the foregoing events took place in North Carolina.

Shelvie placed the child in the care of her aunt and uncle with whom the child…