Children Rescued from Deplorable Conditions in Hamden, Ohio
Police have rescued 16 children who were found living in a dilapidated house in Hamden, Ohio, described as being kept in conditions worse than livestock. The Vinton County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on Tuesday morning as part of an ongoing investigation, uncovering a scene of extreme neglect. The children, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, were crammed into a tiny three-and-a-half square metre property covered in human waste.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described the conditions as 'pure evil' and stated that the children 'looked like almost feral animals.' He added that some children were unable to speak, and an 18-year-old could not write her name. The children had allegedly been kept in the house for nearly four years.
Four Adults Charged with Child Endangerment
Two parents and two grandparents have been charged with 17 counts each of endangering children, a second-degree felony. The suspects are Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders, and Elizabeth Siders. They appeared in Vinton County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday and remain jailed on $300,000 bail.
Prosecuting Attorney William Archer stated that the carers inflicted 'serious physical harm' and vowed to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. 'Our children deserve better from their parents, guardians, and custodians. No child should endure these kinds of conditions,' Archer said.
Children Hospitalized, Some in Critical Condition
Seven children were urgently transported to hospitals in Columbus, with two airlifted. One child was in critical condition on Tuesday, and others were admitted for medical care. Wilson emphasized that the primary concern was the children's medical needs, but also acknowledged the emotional trauma they endured.
Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain expressed shock, stating: 'Most of our livestock was kept in better conditions than the children.' Officials confirmed the children were not victims of human trafficking but did not disclose their exact relationships.
Suspects Were Transient, Avoiding Records
The four suspects are not local residents and had been moving across Ohio counties since 2008 to avoid establishing medical and government records. 'These folks were pretty good at hiding these kids,' Wilson commented. Neighbors reported never seeing children at the property. Joseph Stewart, 60, who lives nearby, said he saw 'no kids at all' despite an unobstructed view of the backyard.
Terri Siders, a family relative, told NBC News she had not been in contact with the household for over eight years. 'I knew little Gary had kids, yeah. I don't remember meeting any of the kids, though,' she said. 'I knew they had a lot of kids through family talking years ago, but there's no way I thought they had that many kids.'
Investigation Continues into Prior Reports
Investigators are examining whether the Siders family had been previously flagged to children's services in other Ohio counties. The case has shocked the small town of Hamden, which has a population of less than 1,000 and is located about 60 miles southeast of Columbus.
