Snopes has an article up about the thing I was trying to forget. I received the email forward Snopes mentions. Really, I’m just linking it as an archive for myself. I wouldn’t suggest that anyone else read it, as it is sickening.
Somehow, seeing it on Snopes, seeing that it was in fact real, and seeing that the situation is completely and unalterably over has provided some closure for me. A cold comfort after what happened to that child, though.