A harrowing case of child neglect has emerged in Arizona, where a seven-year-old boy was found emaciated and living in deplorable conditions after being locked inside a filthy flat by his mother and stepfather.
The boy, whose identity has been withheld, was discovered by authorities looking like a "skeleton" due to severe malnourishment. He weighed just 30 pounds—half the average weight for a child his age—and was covered in bruises and feces.
Horrific Living Conditions
Police reports describe the flat as "uninhabitable," with rotting food, urine-soaked carpets, and a stench so overpowering that officers had to wear masks. The child had been confined to a small room with no access to food or clean water.
Parents Face Serious Charges
The boy's mother, 35-year-old Sarah Johnson, and stepfather, 40-year-old Mark Thompson, have been arrested and charged with child abuse, unlawful imprisonment, and endangerment. Neighbours claim they had no idea the child was suffering.
"It's heartbreaking," said Detective Laura Simmons. "No child should ever endure such cruelty."
Long Road to Recovery
The boy is now in foster care and receiving medical treatment. Doctors say he will need long-term therapy to recover from the physical and psychological trauma.
Child welfare advocates are calling for stricter oversight to prevent similar cases. "This is a wake-up call," said one campaigner. "We must do better to protect vulnerable children."
