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 conditionsJames 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.
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 neglectInterviews 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.
“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.