A couple in Iowa was arrested and charged with child endangerment after a 13-year-old girl was found severely malnourished upon escaping from their home.
Officers with the Sioux City Police Department were called to a residence around 3:35 p.m. on August 11 after receiving reports that a 13-year-old girl with autism was missing, according to court documents viewed by WKRC.
Police spoke to Brandon Myers and Emily Myers at the home, and they reportedly confirmed they were the child’s guardians. However, it’s not currently clear whether they are the parents of the teen.
Authorities later found the girl – who was severely malnourished and dehydrated – and took her to a hospital.
The teen spoke to police and said she had climbed out of her bedroom window to find food. However, she said she eventually returned to the home to take some from the kitchen. She then hid the food in a nearby vehicle, which police later discovered was filled with several snacks, including bananas and bagels.
Authorities searched the girl’s bedroom, and they reportedly found a lock on the outside of her door with a handle that was installed backward. Police also discovered that screws had been installed on the teen’s window frame so that it stayed closed, while her room was between 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the rest of the house, per the outlet.
Additionally, police found a plastic tote that was filled with urine in her room.
Brandon and Emily, both 45, allegedly admitted to police that they had locked the girl inside her bedroom every night without food or water, according to WKRC. They also said that they had the teen use a plastic tub to go to the bathroom while in the bedroom.
The couple allegedly admitted that they last saw the girl the night before she left the home, and they didn’t check on her again after falling asleep at 4 a.m., according to Fox 8 Live.
Brandon and Emily were arrested and taken into custody at Woodbury County Jail, and they are currently being held without bond.
Both Brandon and Emily have been charged with child endangerment causing injury. If they are convicted, they will face up to five years in jail.
It’s not currently clear whether Brandon or Emily have entered pleas or retained legal counsel following their arrests. The Sioux City Police Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding the case.
