Maryssa Eason's Stepfather Says He and Whitney Johnson Will Be Fighting for Custody

Ex Teen Mom 2 stars Jenelle Evans and David Eason have been in the spotlight recently more than ever, as the controversial couple has lost custody of their children. And although Jenelle has claimed she's doing "anything necessary" to get them back, reports also say the two are giving up on one kid.

After Maryssa, David's daughter with ex-wife Whitney Johnson, allegedly refused to see her dad during a recent visitation, the former MTV stars have reportedly decided to no longer fight for custody of her. Now, apparently Maryssa's mom and stepfather are planning on fighting to get her back.

Maryssa's stepfather Shane Rich has just chatted with The Ashley on all things involving the custody battle, explaining that he and Whitney (now Whitney Rich), "feel sorry for all the kids involved in all of this and we hope Jenelle and David can get their life straightened out." He also touched upon Whitney's past substance abuse issues.

"[David] was still trying to get back with [Whitney] until he got with Jenelle, but Whitney never fell for his crap and [she] was left to raise Maryssa by herself,” Shane revealed. “Eventually, [Whitney] got into an abusive relationship with another man, who was the devil in disguise. He beat her and didn’t let her go to the hospital out of fear of the cops getting involved, so he would give her pain pills to cope with her injuries. She would finally get away from him, but struggled with substance abuse for a brief while."

Whitney has now been sober for three years, according to Shane, who also revealed that the pair is expecting. "My wife and I have an eight-month-old son and a daughter on the way,” he said. "She is the sweetest, most gentle soul I know. A man couldn’t ask for a better wife, or mother, to their children, and we have a wonderful marriage."

Shane seems confident that he and Whitney will be able to get custody back of Maryssa. "My wife has a lawyer now, and things went too far, so now we are fighting for Maryssa. No child should have to live in fear," he shared. "Maryssa’s grandma and my wife are very close, so that’s what Maryssa’s grandma wants as well, for her to be here!"

As far as Maryssa's time in the care of Jenelle and David, Shane didn't have many negative things to say, explaining that, "she was able to experience numerous travels and vacations, along with the privilege of having nice things." He also only wishes the best for the controversial couple. "We would like to see David get some help and get straightened out and back on track," he said. "We’re not mean people and believe that everyone deserves a second chance, so we wouldn’t keep [Maryssa] from her daddy if that’s what she decides, if she comes here."

It's really amazing and honestly relieving to see that someone is sticking up for Maryssa and wants to have her in their care. With David and Jenelle apparently giving up on her, we were truly getting worried for her wellbeing.