Great-grandparents left three neglected kids in feces-covered home, MO cops say
A report of animal abuse by children led to child neglect charges against their great-grandparents, Missouri officials said.
The two guardians responsible for a 9-year-old, 7-year-old and 6-year-old were charged with abuse or neglect of a child and endangering the welfare of a child, according to probable cause affidavits filed on July 16.
Their attorney information was not listed. McClatchy News is not naming the suspects to protect the identity of the children.
The kids were approached by deputies responding to a call for animal abuse in Polk County on July 15, the probable cause said. The officer noticed trash and debris piled in front of the home and saw clutter through the door, deputies said.
Deputies said they were called back to the home later that day where they discovered “extremely unsanitary and inappropriate living conditions” inside.
The kids were “dirty from head to toe,” according to deputies, adding they were covered in bites and scratches. The children were also described as being “very thin in build,” the affidavit said.
Inside the home, clutter and trash left little space for walking, according to deputies, and the great-grandfather said the home had no running water since June 25.
Verbal abuse from the two guardians could also be heard coming from the home, the affidavit said.
“Animal feces from dogs, cats and mice littered the floor,” deputies said.
The toilets were also being used by the people living in the home despite them being unable to run, according to deputies.
Both great-grandparents said they had taken the children to bathe at a motel and a friend’s home, according to the affidavit. When deputies pressed for details, however, they did not produce dates, names or receipts, court documents said.
The great-grandmother told deputies the children were the cause of the unsanitary home because of their behavioral issues, the affidavit said. She told deputies the guardians had discussed getting mental health care for the children, but never did so.
The great-grandfather said the two were unable to “keep up” with the young children, the affidavit said.
The children were removed from the home and taken to the hospital.
The guardians were issued a criminal summons to appear in court on Sept. 17.
Polk County is about a 215-mile drive southwest from St. Louis.
This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Great-grandparents left three neglected kids in feces-covered home, MO cops say."
