A Florida couple is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly leaving their 14-year-old child home alone with an arsenal of 19 firearms while they vacationed in Germany for nearly two weeks.
The disturbing case came to light when authorities discovered the teenager had been living alone in the family's St. Augustine home with minimal food supplies and access to numerous weapons, including rifles and handguns.
The Investigation Unfolds
According to court documents, the parents departed for their European holiday on August 18th, leaving their teenage child to fend for themselves. Concerned neighbours alerted child services after noticing the youth appeared to be living unsupervised.
When investigators entered the property, they made a startling discovery: nineteen firearms scattered throughout the home, many unsecured and easily accessible to the minor.
Charges and Consequences
The parents now face multiple charges including child neglect without great bodily harm. The case has raised serious questions about firearm safety and parental responsibility.
Local authorities emphasised the potential danger of the situation, noting that leaving any minor unsupervised with access to firearms creates an unacceptable risk to both the child and the community.
Community Reaction
The case has sent shockwaves through the St. Augustine community, with residents expressing both concern for the teenager and outrage at the parents' alleged actions.
Child protection advocates are using this incident to highlight the importance of proper firearm storage and supervision of minors, particularly in households with extensive gun collections.
The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure the teenager's safety and build their case against the parents, who could face significant legal consequences if convicted.
