A California sheriff announced Friday police arrested two women after they found three neglected kids inside their home just outside Salinas.
Monterey County Sheriff Scott Miller told reporters police found an 8-year-old girl and 5 and 3-year-old boys living inside the home during a welfare check. The Californian reports the girl was chained down by her neck and one of her feet.
Police say both the younger brothers looked malnourished but the daughter was in even worse condition. The girl was reportedly "skeletal thin" and looked like she hadn't eaten much food in the last few months.
Police say they believe the young girl was chained at times so that she couldn't reach any food.
Police arrested 31-year-old Eraca Craig and 42-year-old Christian Deanda last weekend on charges of false imprisonment and child endangerment. (Via KION)
According to police, they were tipped off when the children had missed different appointments. The two older children were home-schooled, so there were no school attendance records for police to follow.
Police say the home was cluttered and dirty. The local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also rescued three dogs, six cats and other animals from the home. The animals reportedly had water but not much food.
Police also say the unnamed 8-year-old girl had to go to the hospital for five days because of her malnutrition. She and the 5-year-old boy were both adopted, while the 3-year-old was the biological son of one of the women. The Monterey County Herald reports both of the women were also expected to get married at the end of the month.
Police say the children are being held in protective custody. Both suspects are expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
