A Michigan mother has been charged with child abuse after abandoning her three children who were found living in “absolute squalor” for years, authorities have confirmed. Kelli Marie Bryant, 34, faces three counts of child abuse in the first degree after her 15-year-old son and his two sisters, aged 12 and 13, were discovered in distressing conditions during a welfare check at their Pontiac home on Feb. 14.
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Described as “unspeakably horrific” by the authorities, the children were found wearing soiled clothing, with matted hair and overgrown toenails. Shockingly, the girls appeared not to have stepped foot outside the home for several years, while the boy reportedly slept on a mattress on the floor, and the girls on pizza boxes. Bryant is currently being held in the Oakland County Jail and, if convicted, could face up to life in prison or a lengthy term. Prosecutors also plan to petition for the termination of Bryant’s parental rights to the children.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard expressed his dismay at the case, labelling it as one of the worst and longest-running instances of child abuse he has encountered in his career. He thanked the community for their support in helping the children towards a better life and emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability for the reprehensible treatment the children endured.
The mother’s neglectful actions came to light after the landlord alerted authorities to the family’s absence since December, having last received rent in October 2024. Upon entering the residence, officers were confronted with appalling conditions – rooms filled with up to four feet of garbage, pervasive mold, overflowing toilets, and human waste scattered throughout the property.
According to the authorities, the children revealed that they had been fending for themselves since 2020 or 2021 without attending school, relying on sporadic food deliveries left on the doorstep. The neglect extended to the mother’s failure to provide essential items such as toilet paper or personal hygiene products. While the boy had intermittent contact with the mother, the girls appeared to have been completely isolated from her for years.
Following their rescue, the children were taken to the hospital for assessment before being placed under the care of a relative via Child Protective Services. The severity of the case has left the community reeling, prompting calls for justice and support for the children as they embark on the journey to recovery. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this disturbing case.
As details of this harrowing situation emerge, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The shocking nature of the neglect endured by these children highlights the critical role that community awareness and intervention play in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals. This case underscores the urgent need for swift and decisive action to address instances of child abuse and neglect, emphasising the collective responsibility we share in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.