Children Abandoned in Filthy Home for Years, Prosecutors Say
A Michigan woman has been charged with child abuse after police discovered three children living alone in horrifying conditions for years. Authorities described the home as filled with trash, feces, and filth, making it nearly uninhabitable.
The Oakland County prosecutor, Karen McDonald, announced the charges on Wednesday, five days after police responded to a call from the landlord of the Pontiac home. The landlord, who had not received rent since October, contacted authorities after noticing signs of neglect.
Children Found Hiding in Squalid Conditions
When officers entered the house last Friday, they were shocked to find the children—ages 12, 13, and 15—hiding among towering piles of garbage. McDonald described the conditions as “stomach-turning,” emphasizing that the toilet was non-functional and the home was covered in waste.
“Police were astonished to find anyone in the location because it appeared to be uninhabitable,” McDonald said.
The two girls were so unaccustomed to life outside the home that they struggled to walk. All three children were covered in feces, and when taken to the hospital, they appeared unfamiliar with basic hygiene tasks like flushing a toilet or brushing their teeth.
Mother Allegedly Abandoned Children Years Ago
Authorities believe the mother, a 34-year-old Pontiac resident, left the children to fend for themselves as early as 2020 or 2021. Prosecutors say she communicated with them only through text messages, providing food when they reached out.
“These three kids were entrusted to the care of their mother … and the evidence suggests that she effectively abandoned them to a revolting pit of refuse and squalor,” McDonald said. The mother was taken into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
A Case of Neglect Without Love
At a press conference, McDonald emphasized the emotional toll of the situation. “What stands out the most for me is, no love,” she said. “There was nobody there to care for them.” Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the children’s neglect, as they work to ensure their safety and well-being moving forward.
