Mother Charged with Child Abuse After Kids Found in Abandoned Home
In a shocking case out of Pontiac, Michigan, 34-year-old Kelli Marie Bryant has been charged with child abuse following the discovery of her three children—two girls aged 12 and 13, and their older brother, 15—living in what authorities described as “absolute squalor.” The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office reported that the conditions were so dire that the children had not been outside for several years and were found wearing soiled clothing, with matted hair and severely overgrown toenails, which made it hard for them to walk.
The disturbing situation came to light during a welfare check on February 14, initiated by the landlord, who had not seen Bryant since December. Upon inspection, officers were confronted with a home in a state of disarray, littered with garbage piled up to four feet high in some areas, while mold and human waste were discovered throughout the property. The children had been surviving in the house, reportedly abandoned since 2020 or 2021, by relying on food left on the porch—food meant for them by their mother or perhaps left by a stranger. According to authorities, the mother had not provided essential items like toilet paper or hygiene products.
Following their rescue, the children were evaluated at a hospital and subsequently placed into the care of a relative via Child Protective Services. Sheriff Michael Bouchard, expressing his horror, labeled the case as “one of the worst and longest running” he had encountered. The Oakland County Prosecutor, Karen McDonald, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that what the children endured was “unspeakably horrific.”
Bryant has been charged with three counts of first-degree child abuse, which could lead to life imprisonment or a lengthy prison term. In addition, prosecutors are looking to terminate her parental rights. This case not only underscores the crucial role of community vigilance but also raises awareness about child neglect and the dire need for intervention in similar cases. The community has already rallied to support the children, emphasizing collective accountability for their welfare.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
