Authorities serving a search warrant at a dilapidated Ohio home found 16 children living in deplorable conditions, surrounded by human waste and confined to one room for the past several years.
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Some of the children – who ranged in age from 1 ½ to 18 years old – couldn’t speak. Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain said they were living like “feral animals.”
Ohio children rescued
What they’re saying:
Investigators were carrying out a search warrant in an unrelated investigation when the children were discovered in Hamden, a tiny town about 60 miles southeast of Columbus. They believe the children spent most of their time in a room that was roughly 12 feet by 12 feet, living in indescribable filth. No one outside their family seemed to know about their existence.
One of the 18-year-olds found was unable to write her own name. The children weren’t enrolled in school, and there don’t appear to be any medical or government records.
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“Most of our livestock was kept in better conditions than the children,” Cain said. “Just a disgusting scene.”
Seven of the children were taken to hospitals in Columbus, while two were flown by helicopter. One was in critical condition on Tuesday. Others have been admitted for further treatment.
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“It’s the type of thing that we’re not used to seeing here in America,” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said. “They looked like almost feral animals. It was terrible.”
Dig deeper:
Police didn’t release photos of the home or the conditions the children were kept in, but according to The Associated Press, a door left open at the home shows bits of trash inside. A wooden deck and the backyard are filled with discarded tires, a high chair and other debris.
Gary Siders Sr. and Gary Siders Jr. (WSYX)
Parents, grandparents charged
What’s next:
Investigators said four adults – the children’s parents and grandparents – have been charged with 17 counts of endangering children. Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders appeared in court Wednesday where a judge entered not guilty pleas on their behalf and set bond at $300,000 for each. They have not yet been assigned lawyers.
The children are in temporary custody of the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.
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