Adolf Hitler's Parents Lose Custody Battle: Was it the Nazi-Inspired Names or Something Else?

COMMENTARY | You might recall the story about the little boy who was given the name "Adolf Hitler Campbell" by his parents. On his third birthday, their local Greenwich, N.J., ShopRite refused to decorate his birthday cake with the moniker, drawing attention to the unique family.

Little Hitler's parents, Heath and Deborah, were extremely upset, but they were able to get a Walmart in Pennsylvania to decorate it as they requested.

The incident rose public ire, and also got the attention of local child protective services. The couple's other children are named JoyceLynn Aryan Nation and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie.

All three of the couple's children were ultimately removed from the home, but the parents believe they are in the right, and that the only reason the court has taken them away is because of their names.

Heath Campbell declared, "This is America, they say it's free, you have the right to name your child whatever you want to name your child, no matter what."

His wife Deborah added, "It's not like he's growing up to be a killer or nothing like that."

A New Jersey appeals court ruled last year that the children faced risk of serious injury in their parents home, even after a family court had determined there was insufficient evidence of abuse or neglect.

According to court records, both parents are said to be unemployed and suffer physical and psychological disabilities. The parents have acknowledged they are aware of the hate behind the names they gave their children, and though their home is decorated with swastikas, skulls and knives, they also deny being neo-Nazis. Another disturbing piece of evidence is a note written by Deborah Campbell that she had given to her neighbor in case of her death.

The note was full of typos and read: "Hes thrend to have me killed or kill me himself hes alread tried it a few times. Im afread that he might hurt my children if they are keeped in his care. He teaches my son how to kill someone at the age of 3," the letter read in part.

While I don't believe children she be removed from the homes of their biological parents over the name they have given them, based on the note alone, there are obviously some disturbing events that took place in the Campbell's home. It's also alleged that the oldest boy, who was named after one of the most evil men in history, frequently threatens to kill people.

Also according to the courts, Heath Campbell has a long history of domestic violence, and one of his former wives has a restraining order against him and moved out of state with family to be safe from her ex-husband.

The environment the children were subjected to could not have been a healthy one. I just hope it is not too late for them to have a chance at a happy childhood and a decent life ahead. A name change wouldn't hurt either.