Cape Cod Couple Guilty On Child Abuse Charges

BARNSTABLE, MA — A week-long trial in Barnstable Superior Court determined that a husband and wife from Yarmouth are guilty of multiple child abuse charges.

Brian Barnicle, 42, was found guilty of three counts of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault and battery, two counts of reckless endangerment of a child, one count of strangulation and four counts of witness intimidation.

Crystale Barnicle, 43, was found guilty of two counts of reckless endangerment of a child and three counts of wanton permitting bodily injury to a child under 14.

On numerous dates between 2016 and 2021, officials said two victims suffered repeated physical abuse by Brian Barnicle. Barncile was accused of using a cane, belt and his hands and fists to hit the victims, causing a gash, black eye, permanent marking and even unconsciousness.

Barnicle was also accused of strangling one of the victims.

While Crystale Barnicle is not alleged to have physically struck the victims, officials said, she was aware of the abuse and at many times present during the abuse, failing to make an effort to stop it, call for help or remove the victims from the situation.

After the Yarmouth Police Department began investigating, the couple intimidated the victims and other witnesses to the abuse, officials said.

Both Crystale and Brian Barnicle are scheduled for sentencing at 2 p.m. on Jan. 23.