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An investigation into the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl in Joplin, Missouri, United States, ended up revealing a scene that authorities described as one of the worst child abuse situations they had ever encountered. The minor, who has special needs, was located hours after her family reported her missing. But what the officers found inside the home subsequently opened an investigation for alleged child abuse and neglect, as well as animal cruelty.
According to police, the minor had allegedly been forced to sleep inside a dog kennel for more than a year, while around 80 animals lived on the property, both outside and inside.
According to US media, on Sunday, August 9, Joplin police received a call from a family reporting that the girl had been missing for approximately an hour. They mentioned that the child suffered from autism, so the search began immediately.
The minor was located about two and a half hours later. Due to the high temperatures, she received medical attention. However, the investigation took an unexpected turn when officers began checking the conditions of the family home.
According to authorities, inside the house there was accumulated dirty laundry, feces, and urine, as well as numerous animals (five dogs, 19 cats, three rabbits, 46 poultry, five turtles, and a pig). They also found six dead animals.
The local police said it was one of the most serious cases of child abuse they had seen during their careers. They also stated that they found evidence that the minor had been forced to sleep inside a dog kennel for more than a year.
Due to such conditions, the minor is malnourished and is considered a victim of alleged prolonged neglect and abuse.
¿Quiénes son los padres detenidos por el caso?
Four adults were arrested: the mother, 46-year-old Crystal Ross; the father, 50-year-old Shane Ross; and the minor's sisters, 25-year-old Hannah Ross and 19-year-old Megan Ross. Police identified Crystal and Shane Ross as the minor's adoptive parents.
The four face serious charges related to child abuse and neglect, as well as animal neglect and abandonment, while prosecutors are analyzing possible additional charges.
[Publicidad]