July 1988, the parents separated, and their son was eventually placed in the custody of his mother, Cathy Gunn. His mother alleged psychological abuse from the elder De Mello, saying that he pushed their son too hard and did not permit her to use the telephone or to be present during interviews. On March 15, 2001, the elder De Mello ended up in an armed standoff with Santa Cruz police and was charged of assault with a deadly weapon. The elder De Mello, who had bladder cancer, was released to the custody of his son. The father died on May 30, 2003. Career In 2000, De Mello was training to be an estimator for a commercial painting company. See also Child prodigy References External links Adragon De Mello articles at Los Angeles Times 1976 births Living people University of California, Santa Cruz alumni Mensans