The mother at the center of Ohio's alleged house of horrors has described her 16 children as a 'gift from God' even as her lawyer pushes back against reports that some of the youngsters were mute and unable to write their own names. Elizabeth Siders, 33, remains in custody on multiple felony child endangerment charges after authorities discovered 16 children living in what officials called 'deplorable' conditions during a June raid on the family's Vinton County home.
Conjoined Twins Born and Died in 2022
Local media reports that, in addition to the surviving children, records show Elizabeth gave birth to conjoined twin daughters, Bailey Lee Siders and Faith Lee Siders, who were both born and died on November 20, 2022, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The twins were delivered prematurely at 24 weeks and diagnosed as thoracopagus conjoined twins, a condition where twins are joined at the chest. Their deaths were ruled natural causes.
Lawyer Challenges 'Feral' Descriptions
Elizabeth's attorney, J. Thomas Stoley, said his client's overwhelming concern is the welfare of her children and that she hopes to be released so she can be with them again while contesting the charges. Speaking to WBNS after visiting Siders in jail, Stoley said the 33-year-old spent much of their meeting in tears while talking about her children. She even asked whether care packages she had received while in custody could instead be shared with her sons and daughters.
Stoley revealed details of conversations with his client, saying she told him all 16 children – whose ages range from 18 months to 18 years – were born in hospitals and that she and her husband had always wanted a large family. According to the lawyer, Siders described her children as a 'gift from God'. He also challenged some of the descriptions used by investigators following the raid.
While Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson previously branded the conditions inside the home 'pure evil' and investigators referred to the children as 'feral', Stoley disputed those claims. He said he believes the children were able to communicate, had social media accounts and were not physically restrained inside the home.
Conflicting Accounts of Children's Abilities
The defense's claims come after investigators previously alleged some of the children were largely non-verbal and unable to write their own names. Those differing accounts form part of the wider dispute surrounding the case, and the defense's statements have not changed the criminal allegations facing the family.
Family Members Also Charged
Elizabeth remains in custody alongside her husband, Gary Siders Jr., and her mother-in-law, Christina Siders, who also face multiple felony child endangerment charges. Her father-in-law, Gary Siders Sr., was released on his own recognizance after prosecutors said his serious medical conditions could leave the county facing substantial hospital costs if he remained jailed. Prosecutors allege several of the children showed signs of severe neglect, while investigators continue building their case.
The investigation has generated nationwide attention in recent weeks, including reports surrounding the deaths of conjoined twin daughters born to the family, along with further allegations involving members of the Siders family.
