HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS: The heartbreaking aftermath of a mass shooting that occurred on July 4, 2022, has given rise to a custody battle between the grandparents of three-year-old Aiden McCarthy. The child tragically lost both his parents, Irina and Kevin McCarthy, in the devastating shooting, leaving him orphaned and in need of a stable home.
Who is Aiden McCarthy?
The horrifying incident, which claimed the lives of seven individuals, including Aiden's parents, was perpetrated by then-22-year-old Robert Crimo at the July Fourth parade. Aiden was discovered wandering alone after the tragic event, prompting concerned relatives to rally behind him. Thanks to a compassionate and generous response from the community, a fundraiser successfully raised $3.3 million to support the young boy's future.
Currently, Aiden is being cared for by his maternal grandparents, Michael Levberg, 66, and Nina Levberg, 62, as well as his paternal grandmother, Margo McCarthy, 70. However, tensions have recently escalated between the two sides as both parties seek permanent guardianship of the grieving child. In the midst of the custody battle, Aiden's aunt, Kathleen Sharp, and her husband Bret Sharp, who reside in Iowa, have also applied for custody, further complicating the already contentious situation.
Age and suitability
The main point of contention between the grandparents centers around Aiden's well-being and the suitability of each party to provide him with a nurturing home. Michael and Nina Levberg argue that Margo McCarthy's age and single status make her unsuitable to care for Aiden. In retaliation, Margo expressed concerns about the boy's confusion due to sharing a bed with his grandparents. Margo McCarthy, who herself was injured in the Highland Park massacre, rejects the Levbergs' claims and asserts her capability to be Aiden's sole guardian. She survived the shooting, sustaining injuries from a bullet that passed near her ear and through her neck.
In legal documents, the Levbergs assert that they are better equipped to care for Aiden since they have been his caregivers since his birth. They also highlight Margo's limited involvement in his upbringing before the tragic events unfolded. The Levbergs have not only pursued custody but have also made claims on the estate of their deceased son-in-law, Kevin McCarthy, who is Aiden's father. Currently, Margo serves as the estate administrator, and Aiden still spends time in his late parents' $1 million home, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Disputes over living arrangements
The debate over Aiden's living arrangements has further escalated, with Margo criticizing the Levbergs for taking Aiden to their home in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and allowing him to sleep in the same bed as them. Court documents reveal an order requiring all grandparents to take care of Aiden at his family's home in Highland Park. The attorney representing McCarthy's estate has condemned the Levbergs' behavior, describing it as "brazen conduct" and arguing that it causes significant confusion for the three-year-old child. However, the Levbergs filed a motion requesting that they be allowed to stay at their Lincolnshire home, citing the emotional trauma they experience each time they pass by the bedroom where Aiden's parents tragically lost their lives as their reason for not wanting to live there.
The dispute over custody and living arrangements also extends to Aiden's visits to his aunt and uncle in Iowa. The Levbergs have asked the court to halt the toddler's monthly trips, claiming that they disrupt his routine and stability. They argue that Aiden does not adapt well to leaving his maternal grandparents and frequently becomes upset during these transitions. The conflict among family members has also spilled over into various disagreements and incidents. In one instance, the Levbergs requested a video monitor be placed in Aiden's room, which his father's family, including Margo McCarthy, allegedly unplugged during their time in the home to have "private, quality time" without intrusion.
Family discord and therapy
Another incident occurred when Aiden was swimming with his father's family, and his maternal grandmother, Nina Levberg, called and texted to inquire about his whereabouts. Margo responded, assuring Nina that Aiden was safe with her. However, when Margo returned home with Aiden, police were waiting at the doorstep, as Nina had filed a missing-person report. Ultimately, no formal action was taken. Furthermore, conflicting opinions have arisen regarding Aiden going to therapy. Margo attempted to enroll the young boy in therapy, but Nina opposed the decision. Two court-ordered forensic psychologists also found themselves at odds over the best course of action, further complicating the matter.
The dispute over the GoFundMe funds, which amounted to $3.3 million, has only added fuel to the already contentious situation. The court has ordered the transfer of the funds to an escrow account managed by The Chicago Trust Co in order to address this particular disagreement. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the custody battle, a guardian ad litem named Marc Schwartz has been appointed to represent Aiden's best interests. Schwartz has not yet filed his report, which is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Aiden's custody. As the legal proceedings continue, the toddler's fate hangs in the balance.
