After 16 children, some with severe injuries, were rescued from a home full of excrement, four people, believed to be their parents and grandparents, have been charged with 17 counts of child endangerment.

The children, aged between one-and-a-half and 18, were discovered inside a crumbling house by the Vinton County Sheriff's Office in Ohio on Tuesday, June 30, and were described to be "kept in worse conditions than livestock”.

Law enforcement officers described the scene as “pure evil”, while Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson told a news conference they were found in “Conditions you cannot even imagine people being in, let alone children being in.”

Tragically, he added, “Some of these children couldn’t even speak.”

The property the children were found in was falling apart. Credit: Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson

Some of the children were completely mute

The area the children were held captive in for “most of the last four years” was reportedly no larger than 12 by 12 feet and had a high presence of human excrement.

The house they were found in, which is believed to belong to a deceased owner, was in such terrible condition that the children were “literally about to fall through the floor”, according to Wilson.

Heartbreakingly, the children had suffered such “serious physical harm” that two had to be flown to specialist trauma centres, while another seven were taken to Columbus Hospitals, with one admitted to the ICU and intubated.

Although the neglected brood were only thought to have been held in the decrepit Ohio property for four years, it is presumed that they had been mistreated and kept captive for the majority of their short lives, as the 18-year-old could not spell her own name and many of the others were completely mute.

Gary Siders Sr., 73, and the others face 17 total counts of child endangerment. Credit: Vinton County Sheriff’s Office

Neighbours had no idea what was going on

According to WBNS, neighbours told authorities that they were completely unaware of any children living in the home and believed that the adults who were keeping them captive were not locals and appeared to be travelling.

The neglected children were only discovered by local law enforcement while investigating another crime entirely.

While officials have not yet commented on the relationship between the children, they did confirm it was not a case of human trafficking, and the four adults responsible for their neglect have been cited as parents and grandparents, so it is assumed that they are a large group of siblings.

Since their arrest on Tuesday, Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders of Hamden, Ohio, entered not guilty pleas at a digital hearing.

Each sickening adult faces a minimum of two to eight years and a maximum of 12 years in prison for each of the 17 charges.

Featured image credit: Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson

A couple from North Carolina has been arrested and charged with murder after their adopted toddler son passed away from an alleged series of "exorcisms".

As reported by NBC News, the Surry County Sheriff’s Office said the police received a call on January 6 from Child Protective Services about a child who had been rushed to the hospital after suffering from a "medical emergency" the previous day.

The child in question was four-year-old Skyler Wilson and he tragically died on January 9 "from injuries related to the abuse sustained by his parents," authorities said, per the outlet.

On January 13, parents Joseph Wilson, 41, and Jodi Wilson, 38, were taken into custody and are now being held at the Surry County Detention Center under no bond for the alleged abuse they inflicted on the boy, according to a press release from the police.

"This is a tragic event that resulted in the death of a precious child way too soon," Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt said in his statement. "Please remember the other siblings involved in this situation as well as the investigators who worked tirelessly on this case in your thoughts and prayers."

The sheriff's office has revealed that the Wilsons have two biological children and were foster parents to two other children. The children have now been sent to the Department of Social Services, as noted by Mount Airy News.

According to People, documents disclosed that the father allegedly received a text message from his wife about how she was having trouble with "swaddling" Skyler.

She allegedly also sent a picture of the toddler "wrapped in a sheet or a blanket face-down on the Wilsons' living room floor with duct tape attaching him to the floor".

This prompted Joseph to call 911 to report that Skyler was having a seizure, however, an investigator reportedly heard a female voice in the background exclaim "It's my fault," per the warrants obtained by WFMY.

In addition to this, the publication shared that a former foster parent of the boy and his brother revealed to law enforcement that a month before his tragic death, she filed a report with the Department of Social Services after being worried for their wellbeing.

Furthermore, the former foster parent claimed that Jodi told her about allegedly restricting the boys' food, isolating them, and performing "exorcisms" which alarmed her.

The police searched the pair's home after their arrest and reportedly discovered turned-up wrist and ankle restraints as well as digital footage that apparently recorded the shocking abuse.

The bonds were allegedly used to control the boy during a "swaddling" technique Jodi discovered from Nancy Thomas - who is a "professional therapeutic parent" - according to Fox8.

Speaking to the outlet, Skyler's former foster mother described him as a loving social butterfly, saying: "He was so tiny and small but had a heart three times bigger than he was." She added: "I want to love unconditionally and remember his smile and the little things."

The Wilsons will appear in court on February 2. It has not been stated if they have obtained an attorney.

Featured image credit: Andriy Blokhin / Alamy

A perplexing and unsettling discovery has unfolded on an Ohio farm, where a farmer was found to have been living in his RV with his deceased wife for six years.

In late December, Robert Rea, a 70-year-old farmer residing at Nettle Creek Farm & Nursery in Salem, Ohio, sadly passed away. His son, 29-year-old John Rea, subsequently reported his father's death to the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office in early January.

However, what transpired next left authorities stunned.

Upon notifying law enforcement about his father's death, John informed them that there was another body on the farm. Initially, deputies scoured the expansive 40-acre property without success. Nevertheless, Sheriff Brian McLaughlin and another officer soon spotted an RV behind the barn, leading them to the chilling discovery of Robert's deceased wife, Peggy Rea, inside the vehicle.

According to John's account, his father passed away on December 31, and he had been residing in the RV with Peggy's lifeless body for the past six years.

Peggy Rea had passed away in 2017 at the age of 64, PEOPLE reports.

The Sheriff's office has now disclosed that Robert had been caring for Peggy's remains by himself over the course of six years. Her body was found surrounded by herbs, wrapped in a blanket, and was remarkably well-preserved considering the duration of her passing, per WFMJ.

Sheriff McLaughlin expressed his astonishment, stating: "I've been doing this for almost 34 years and never seen anything like it. I have never seen a body that has been gone that long and still that intact. We've had bodies that have been gone for much, much less time and had next to nothing left."

Both Robert and Peggy appeared to have died of natural causes, according to reports. Peggy's body was sent to the Columbiana County Coroner's Department, then transferred to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office. The latter conducted an evaluation to determine the cause of death and an approximate date of death, ultimately confirming that Peggy had been deceased for six years.

John revealed that his parents were devout Quakers who had expressed a desire to be buried at the same time, in accordance with their faith, per Cleveland.com.

As this perplexing and tragic case continues to raise questions, representatives from the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office and the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner have yet to respond to requests from PEOPLE for further information.

Featured image credit: NurPhoto / Getty

Five children were rescued from horrifying conditions inside a Pennsylvania home, where authorities say they were locked in a filthy room described as a “dungeon.” Their parents are now facing multiple charges, including child endangerment and assault.

Children discovered in deplorable conditions

James Russell Kahl, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, were arrested Wednesday after investigators uncovered the disturbing scene at their Redstone Township residence.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the children (ranging in age from five to 14) were allegedly confined to a bedroom with boarded-up windows, walls smeared with feces, flea infestations, and little access to clothing or food, CBS News reports.

“There were no beds, no proper care. It’s sickening, that’s the only word I can use to describe what we saw and what those children went through,” Trooper Ally Wilson told reporters.

Video footage showed both parents being led away in handcuffs, with neighbors visibly shocked by the discovery.

Locked 'dungeon' with cameras installed

Authorities first responded to the home on August 8 following a complaint to Fayette County Children and Youth Services (CYS). After securing a search warrant, state police found evidence that the children were routinely locked inside the room overnight and for large portions of the day.

Investigators say the door had three deadbolt locks on the outside and no handle on the inside, effectively trapping the children. Surveillance cameras were hardwired to the father’s bedroom, allowing the parents to monitor them remotely, WTAE details.

Police also discovered a stun gun, a replica pistol, and drug paraphernalia in the home.

A criminal complaint states that James Kahl admitted he would “not be removing the locks from the bedroom door for any reason," according to WPXI.

Children report abuse and neglect

Interviews with the children revealed further disturbing allegations. They told investigators that James frequently smoked marijuana throughout the day and neglected their care. They also claimed Carly was once ordered to use a stun gun on one of them as punishment.

The children have since been removed from the home and placed under the care of CYS.

Officials condemn abuse

“This is going to be a long process for these children to recover,” Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele said. “I can’t imagine living in a household like what we saw.”

Aubele praised the family member who came forward with concerns, saying their report may have saved the children from further harm.

Both parents are being held without bail on charges including child endangerment, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and drug possession.

“I’m hoping these parents go to jail and answer for what they’ve done,” Trooper Wilson said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Featured image credit: KDKA / YouTube.

A grandmother's chilling note was discovered after she allegedly poisoned her daughter and four grandchildren before taking her own life.

The bodies of 64-year-old Amy Steadman, her daughter Sarah Myers, 44, and Myers' four children were found inside an apartment in Mechanicville on Tuesday after a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check.

Mechanicville Police Chief William Rabbitt said officers were called after neighbors reported not seeing Steadman for some time.

"When officers were unable to make contact with Ms. Steadman, building management was contacted and access to the apartment was obtained. Upon entering the residence, officers located six deceased individuals," Rabbitt said, per The Mirror.

Authorities later identified the victims as Myers and her children, Harper Harmon, 13, Hudson Harmon, 11, and 10-year-old twins Gavin and Gracelynn Harmon.

A mother and her four children are believed to have been poisoned by their grandmother. Credit: Sarah Myers/Facebook

Neighbor noticed a 'smell of death'

Police believe the family had been dead for an "extended period of time," with investigators initially struggling to identify the victims because of the condition of their remains.

Neighbor Stephanie Sweeney said she became worried after not hearing from the family for nearly two weeks. She said that she noticed a foul odor coming from the apartment.

"I noticed the smell of death," Sweeney said, recalling that flies had gathered around the windows and air conditioner.

She contacted police for a welfare check at around 6:20PM on Tuesday.

"I knew immediately, so I just called, I had to," she said.

Police say a grandmother is believed to have poisoned her daughter and four grandchildren before taking her own life. Credit: Facebook

Handwritten note recovered from the apartment

Although the investigation remains ongoing, Rabbitt said evidence collected at the scene points to Steadman being responsible for the deaths.

Investigators recovered evidence "to indicate intentional poisoning," including "numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications."

Police also revealed that one of the children "suffered fatal sharp force injuries," though authorities have not disclosed which child.

Officials said they have found nothing to suggest anyone from outside the family was involved and believe everything happened inside the apartment.

The contents of the handwritten note have not been released.

Police awaiting final autopsy results

Law enforcement said the causes and manners of death for all six victims remain pending while investigators await toxicology reports, final autopsy findings, and the medical examiner's conclusions.

"We understand the public's desire to identify someone to hold responsible. However, it is important that this investigation be completed thoroughly and professionally before final conclusions are reached," Rabbitt said. "There remains no threat to the public."

The police chief also confirmed the children were homeschooled rather than enrolled in public school.

"Mechanicville is a close-knit city. Many residents knew the family involved, have children and grandchildren of their own, or simply cannot comprehend the loss of six lives under such heartbreaking circumstances," he added.

The family had been involved in a custody dispute

As investigators continue working to determine what happened, social media posts offer a glimpse into the family's life before the tragedy.

Myers regularly posted photos celebrating her children and once referred to herself as "mama bear" alongside a cartoon image featuring each of them.

Steadman also frequently posted about her grandchildren, writing in one post: "Any day with a grandchild in my arms, on my lap, in my home, or on my mind is an amazing day!"

The family had also been dealing with a lengthy custody dispute between Myers and her ex-husband, Brady Harmon.

According to court records, Harmon filed for divorce in March 2020, with the case concluding two months ago. Myers was awarded sole physical custody, while the former couple shared joint legal custody.

Harmon was ordered to pay $500 per week in child support and was granted scheduled visitation during the summer months.

Less than two months later, he filed an emergency motion seeking to enforce the custody order, while records show Myers had been ordered to appear in court on June 29, 2026, in potential contempt proceedings.

Public records reviewed did not show any criminal history for Harmon.

Police are cleaning out the apartment where the horrific incident took place. Credit : WNYT News Channel 13 Albany

Father says reunion with children was days away

Harmon revealed that he had not seen his children since 2019 but had recently reached an agreement that would have allowed them to spend the summer together.

"I went from I’m seeing my kids to I’ll never see my kids again," he said. "Hope to hell. Things happen, but nothing like this."

He said police have not told him how his children died and added that he does not know who could be responsible.

The custody agreement would have allowed the children to stay with him in Utah from July 1 until September 1.

Now, the distraught father says he plans to bury them there. "I want them as far away as possible from their mother," he said.

Featured image credit: Facebook