now 27, he recalls the little brother from whom he became inseparable. >> i'd go to bed, and trying to kick him out of my room the hardest i could, get him to go to his room, and knowing that i had to wake up for school the next morning, and my alarm going off at 6:00 in the morning and waking up, and there he is, like already back in my bed, cuddled up next to me. >> reporter: it was idyllic only in pictures. michael shannon says his wife had a drinking problem, something she denies. maryland police records show nermeen was charged with assaulting her husband and placed on probation. as part of that probation she was ordered to undergo treatment at an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center. >> and one time i had to take him to the hospital and she came in there drunk and tried to remove him from the hospital and they called social services and did an investigation. >> reporter: the couple separated. michael taking custody of adam. nermeen could visit -- >> finish your soup, adam. >> reporter: but shannon insisted a third party be present.