A couple is facing allegations of imprisoning and depriving their three children of food, as authorities unearthed a disturbing situation at their residence. The children, reportedly so famished that they resorted to breaking cabinet locks to eat, endured physical abuse and severe hunger-induced vomiting, as detailed by law enforcement.
Mother Amberly Britton purportedly shifted blame onto her children for the mistreatment, displaying no remorse for the apparent neglect when questioned. She was charged alongside the father, Mark Myers, who similarly deflected responsibility onto the children, accusing them of fabricating claims during investigations.
According to the probable cause statements filed by the St. Charles County Police Department in Missouri, the Children’s Division launched an inquiry after one of the victimized children arrived at school with a significant injury requiring medical attention. Concerns about the child’s well-being and the home’s conditions led the Children’s Division to seek law enforcement intervention.
Upon entering the residence, investigators and officers were met with hazardous and unsanitary living conditions, including extreme clutter, strong urine odors, lack of bedding, and extensive filth, as per police reports. The kitchen cabinets and refrigerator were secured with locks to restrict the children’s access to food, with the parents justifying these measures as a means to regulate their diet.
In heartbreaking testimonies to investigators, two of the children described being routinely confined in their bedroom, sometimes overnight, and suffering hunger-related pain and vomiting. They disclosed having their windows sealed shut, corroborated by investigators who noted locks on cabinets, fridge, and bedroom doors.
The children revealed they were left to fend for themselves, prepare meals, and get ready for school due to the adults’ prolonged sleep and lack of supervision, further alleging physical abuse involving belts, paddles, and neck grabbing. Their injuries were allegedly concealed, and they were coerced into silence under threat of additional punishment if they sought help or food.
Britton and Myers have been charged with second-degree drug trafficking and three counts of first-degree child endangerment, each detained on $250,000 cash-only bonds. The family’s home, described as unsanitary and uninhabitable, lacked essential amenities, despite Britton receiving an inheritance recently.
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