Police discovered three children living in squalor after being “basically abandoned” by their mother for years in a suburban Detroit home. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reported that the children—a 15-year-old boy and his younger sisters, aged 13 and 12—had been surviving on sporadic food drop-offs from their mother while living in horrific conditions. Following the discovery, the Detroit suburb where the house is located has officially declared it a nuisance property.
Discovery of the Abandoned Children
Authorities were alerted to the situation after the landlord requested a welfare check, stating that the mother had not been in contact since December and had stopped paying rent in October.
Upon entering the Pontiac residence, deputies found:
- Trash stacked up to four feet high in several areas.
- Mold spreading throughout the home.
- Human waste covering parts of the house.
- A non-functional toilet, with feces found in the bathtub.
The children were discovered wearing filthy clothing, with matted hair and overgrown toenails, suggesting they had not received proper care for an extended period.
The 15-year-old boy revealed that they had been living alone since 2020 or 2021, with their mother occasionally leaving food on the porch but rarely making contact. He mentioned that he had left the house only twice, once because he “wanted to feel the grass,” highlighting the extreme isolation they endured. The two younger sisters appeared to have not been outside for years, and neighbors were unaware of the children’s presence.
Mother Arrested and Facing Legal Consequences
In May 2023, the 34-year-old mother was arrested at a separate location and taken into custody at Oakland County Jail. Prosecutors are still determining what charges will be filed against her.
Sheriff Mike Bouchard expressed his devastation over the case, stating:
“You wouldn’t do this to an animal, let alone your child.”
He emphasized the severity of the neglect, saying the children may have been living alone for four years or more. The father had lost contact with his children while serving time in prison and was prevented from seeing them after his release.
Community Support and Child Recovery (October 2023 Update)
Following the shocking discovery, the community has come together to support the children by donating clothes and money. After undergoing medical evaluations, the siblings have been placed in the care of a relative, where they are receiving proper medical treatment and support.
Authorities report that the children have shown significant improvements within days, despite suffering years of neglect and abuse.
FAQs
How were the children found?
The landlord became concerned due to missing rent payments and the mother’s lack of response. He requested a welfare check, leading to the discovery of the children living alone in squalid conditions.
How long were the children abandoned?
The children reported living alone since 2020 or 2021, indicating they had been abandoned for approximately four years.
What happened to the mother?
The mother has been arrested and remains in custody while prosecutors decide on the charges against her.
How is the community helping the children?
The local community has stepped in to help the children recover by donating clothes and money, ensuring they have basic necessities and a fresh start.
This case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of community awareness and timely reporting in protecting vulnerable children from neglect and abuse.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this case and discuss how communities can work together to prevent similar tragedies. Your comments and insights are valuable in raising awareness and fostering discussions on child protection and intervention.
