Suspect in death of 2-year-old boy: 'I hate myself tremendously'
ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Mark Vanderhoof sat silently on Wednesday as a video was played for a Douglas County judge of detectives interviewing him about the alleged murder of a 2-year-old boy.
Vanderhoof, 53, is being charged with four counts of murder. The charges stem from the death of 2-year-old Dennis James Young, who died from severe head injuries in January 2011.
Prosecutors say Vanderhoof beat the boy so severely that he had to be transported to a Portland hospital in critical condition.
A video was shown, in which Vanderhoof talks to a detective about what exactly happened that day.
He said in the video that he struck Dennis when the boy wouldn't stop messing with a dog.
In the video, Vanderhoof says, "I hate myself tremendously."
He said that he was upset, and that he overreacted and he didn't mean for it to cause an injury.
Prior to that day, Vanderhoof said he never hit the boy.
He also said he felt angry as a kid when his own father hit him. He said he needs counseling for his anger, hurt, and coping.
The trial is expected to last through the week.
I've known Mark and his brothers since junior high. We all ran around together. I never heard anything about his dad beating any of the boys.  They never said anything about that. I never actually saw Mark have a serious anger problem. He could be a real jerk at times, but I never saw him be violent. That is not to say there were not rumors of his temper.  I did see his disreguard towards women. I know that he did not treat his wife very well. She got pregnant, they got married and he treated her really terrible. I saw this first hand.  I CAN NOT even imagine what this little boy's family is going through. My heart goes out to you. There was no reason for this. Mark should have NEVER gotten out of prison. He raped a 4 year old, and only served half his time....WTH..Is there no common sense anymore.... He was, and still is a threat to anyone who is smaller than he is...Hopefully he gets what he deserves THIS TIME...Justice in general population. Have fun Mark, spend the rest of your worthless life in Prison this time. I know you have no heart, but I hope you see that little boys face every minute of every day for the rest of your life.
This guy needs to be put in general population in prison so that they can show him what justice really is.
My daughter? She was just very sick.too much to elaborate. But she recovered quickly!
disgusting. seriously.
:( Poor baby.
@ Jennifer silvas why was she sent to Portland?
I knew Mark since grade school and it wasn't until recently that I learned he use to get beat by his dad, however, Mark was always a bully himself toward me and his brothers and no, I am not related to him.  He knew he had  anger issue, he had spent time in prison for the rape of a 4 year old, he knows that there is help out there.  There is no excuse for what he did to this boy.  Did the mother know of his past?  If so, she should have ended the relationship from day one.  If you are a single parent or even if you don't have children, in this day and age of technology, you can find out anything you want about the people you bring into not just your life, but the lives of your children and other family members.  Criminal records are open to the pubic.
@Erika Mark fooled everyone.  We thought...what a great guy...doesn't smoke...doesn'tdrink..doesn't do drugs...We found out the hard way that he molested little kids.  My five year granddaughter paid the ultimate price for us not knowing about his sickness.  How could we know?  He wasn't any different acting than any other person. He never showed a temper...never acted out of line etc.  We were hoping that he would never get out of prison but he had "rights".  So then more kids paid and then finally he went too far and killed a poor innocent little boy.  He has to be kept in prison for the rest of his life and NOT in protective custody.  Turn him loose in general population.
I agree Dianne, I think all child molesters/rapists should put in general population. Â They shouldn't be treated any different than any other inmate. Â If this judge finds him guilty, which I am sure he will and why bother to waste tax payer money on this trial, but this should be a death penalty case.
Dose this guy have any kids?
Ahhh...THAT makes it all better now, doesn't it??!!! Murdering, raping, pedophile b*st*rd! grrrrr!
You should hate yourself, this innocent child who never did anything to you and now his life is over, no future to look forward too, the grief his family and friends are induring, inexcusable!!!! I pray the justice system works and puts this jerk away forever.
Does anyone know what happened with the baby that was flown to portland back in august I think? Apparently the father had abused the baby in some way... They lived in oakland. My daughter was flown to portland on the same day so I always think of it.
Finally my friend may be able to cope better after this man pays for what he did to our little Peanut..... We know your watchin Peanut, rest in peace little angel...Auntie misses you
This is a case where the justice system has failed. That little boy might be alive today if this scumbag had spent his full sentence in prison on the rape charge of a child. But no, lets slap people on the hand and let them go for good behavior when they have hurt a child. 9 times out of 10, it happens again. This makes me sick to my stomach.
I knew this little boy from the time he was born and I am so angry with Mark for taking him away from his mom and dad and family and friends. This little boy never did a thying to deserve any of this. My friend has struggled on a daily basis since she lost her son and I blame you Mark Vanderhoof. You have a record of abusing children and I knew when I met you something was off. I just feel horrible that a young innocent child suffered at your hands !. Â Horrible that Mark chose not to have a jury trial. As you knew 12 adults up there most probably parents would never tolerate any excuse that Mark may have used to take Dennis from this Earth. I pray that the justice system works and Mark pays for what he did.Â