Police have released shocking new details about one of the most disturbing child welfare cases they have ever encountered, after 16 children were found living in horrific conditions in a secluded Ohio home. Authorities allege the children, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, had spent much of the last four years confined to a single room measuring around 12 feet by 12 feet.
Children Found Unable to Speak or Write
Investigators said some of the children found on Tuesday were unable to speak. One of them, an 18-year-old with developmental disabilities, was reportedly unable to write her own name. Describing the scene as "disgusting," Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain said: "Most of our livestock was kept in better conditions than the children."
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson added: "It's the type of thing that we're not used to seeing here in America." Wilson said one child remained in critical condition on Tuesday, while several others were admitted for medical treatment. "They looked like almost feral animals," Wilson said. "It was terrible."
Home in Appalling Condition
Distressing images from the property in Hamden, rural Ohio, reveal piles of rubbish, broken toys and household debris scattered across the yard. A high chair, old tyres, food containers and insect killer can be seen outside the run-down home, while another heap contains a plastic play table, a beach bucket and two infant carriers. Investigators described human waste throughout the home.
Although the nearest homes are separated by dense trees and thick brush, the property is clearly visible from the road. Neighbour Joseph Stewart, 60, said he never realised children were living there. "I saw no kids at all" since the family moved into the house three properties away, Stewart said, adding that he had a clear view of the home and yard whenever he drove past.
Four Adults Charged
The home has become the centre of a major police investigation after the children's parents and two grandparents were charged with felony child endangerment, according to prosecutors. Police said officers were executing a search warrant connected to an unrelated investigation when they unexpectedly discovered the children inside the home. Investigators believe nobody outside the family knew the children were there, and officials said none of them had been enrolled in school.
Seven of the children were taken to hospitals in Columbus, while two others had to be airlifted by helicopter. The children have since been placed into the temporary custody of the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.
Court Appearances
Vinton County Prosecuting Attorney William Archer said Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders have each been charged with second-degree felony child endangering because the allegations involve "serious physical harm." The four appeared in court on Wednesday, where a judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf and set bond at $300,000 each. Court records show they have not yet been assigned legal representation. Wilson identified the four defendants as the children's grandfather, grandmother, father and mother.
