The Kutzkos claim that their 15-year-old transgender son was taken from them and placed in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) because they refused to affirm his gender identity. Court documents and comments from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) reveal that the removal was actually the result of assault charges filed against the father, Joseph Kutzko.

“Let me be clear about the facts in that matter,” Gov. Healey said speaking to reporters. “First of all, DCF did not remove the child because of a health issue or a gender-affirming care issue. DCF removed the child after there were criminal charges filed against the parents, including the father. As you know, DCF is responsible for the care and well-being of kids, and that’s what happened in this instance.”

The Kutzkos and their lawyer, Vernadette Broyles, have been doing the media circuit and spoke with Fox News’ Christian podcast, Lighthouse Faith and WCVB. They claim that councilors at Algonquin High School had secretly counseled their child on “LGBTQ teachings and topics that conflict with [their] Catholic beliefs.” While the parents say that the DCF took custody of their child because they refused to affirm their son’s gender, they also say that they had never heard of their child wanting to transition before he was taken into custody.

However, court documents located by WBUR reveal the charges of assault and witness intimidation brought against the Kutzkos, both of which targeted their own child.

According to the police report, the day before their son was taken into DCF custody, Joseph Kutzko punched his child “with a closed fist in shoulder area,” and “grabbed the victim by [his] hair numerous times and tugged [him] towards him.” Among other threats and intimidation documented in the report, it was noted that “Joseph raised his balled fist and stated that he wanted to punch the victim” and “Joseph communicated to the victim that he would kill [him] for not singing in tune during a birthday celebration.”

The Kutzko’s child went to the school counsellor the next day, who contacted the police, and Joseph was taken into custody.