A Wisconsin couple has been faced with charges of child neglect after being accused of locking their six children in a storage unit. The couple, Charles Dupriest, 33, and Azyia Zielinski, 26, are facing two counts of child neglect and four counts of neglecting a child under 6 years old. Additionally, Dupriest has been charged with possession of a firearm.
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The incident came to light when police responded to a report of a child crying in a storage unit near 27th Street and Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee. Upon arriving at the scene, officers heard a child crying and another child coughing. Subsequently, the Milwaukee Fire Department had to cut the padlock off the unit, where they discovered the children ages 9, 7, 5, 3, 2, and 2 months inside.
Authorities revealed that the storage unit lacked plumbing and electricity, forcing the children to urinate in a bucket. The conditions inside the unit were described as “putrid”, with the children’s only source of light being a crack at the bottom of the garage door. The children were found with minimal furniture, including a sofa, a bare mattress, and a bucket used for urine.
According to reports, the 9-year-old child claimed responsibility for taking care of his five younger siblings, including feeding the infant and comforting her when she cried. The child also alleged that their parents would become intoxicated and physically discipline them. Both Dupriest and Zielinski were found sleeping in an SUV outside the storage unit with their dog.
During Zielinski’s court appearance, she became visibly emotional as the court commissioner addressed the severity of the situation. The couple claimed they had been homeless for about six weeks and had resorted to living in the storage unit. Zielinski is currently held on a $5,000 bond, while Dupriest’s bond is $20,000.
Unfortunately, cases of child neglect and abuse continue to be a prevalent issue that requires immediate attention and intervention. Agencies such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline provide crucial support and resources for those who suspect child abuse or are in need of assistance.
The shocking details of this case highlight the importance of vigilance and reporting any signs of potential child neglect or abuse to prevent further harm to vulnerable children. The legal proceedings for Dupriest and Zielinski will need to address the serious allegations brought against them and ensure the safety and well-being of their children moving forward.
Cases like these serve as a stark reminder of the duty to protect children and provide a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive. The community’s response to such incidents plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the welfare of children and holding perpetrators of abuse and neglect accountable for their actions.