A Michigan mother faces child abuse charges after authorities discovered her three children living alone in squalor for years. Oakland County prosecutors allege the 34-year-old woman abandoned the siblings—ages 12, 13, and 15—in a Pontiac home filled with feces and non-functioning utilities.
These kids were left in a revolting pit of refuse with no love or care,said Prosecutor Karen McDonald. The evidence shows clear abandonment of basic human needs.
Police responded Friday after the landlord reported unpaid rent since October 2023. Officers discovered the home in uninhabitable condition, with a broken toilet and overwhelming filth. McDonald revealed:
- Children were covered in feces at discovery
- Girls exhibited mobility issues from prolonged confinement
- Siblings communicated with mother solely via text for food requests
The prosecutor confirmed the children likely lived unsupervised since 2020-2021 while their mother resided 20 miles away. Medical evaluations showed stunning developmental gaps—teens struggled with basic hygiene tasks like brushing teeth and flushing toilets.
Authorities emphasize this case highlights systemic failures in child protection networks. The mother remains in custody awaiting trial, potentially facing 10+ years if convicted of first-degree child abuse. Child welfare experts stress early intervention opportunities might have prevented this squalor-filled ordeal.