Crime

Couple, who held their 4-year-old developmentally disabled child in improvised cage and instructed the grandparents to keep the child locked down, were arrested

Iowa – In a shocking case from Iowa, a couple has been arrested after their 4-year-old developmentally disabled child was found wandering alone, leading to the discovery of a “makeshift cage” where the child was reportedly confined. Sheriff K. Aistrope reported the disturbing details in a recent press release.

The authorities were alerted to the situation early Thursday morning when a report came in about a small child wandering alone along the road. Upon arrival, deputies found the young child “covered in filth” and a disturbing mix of human and animal fe*es. Investigation quickly led to the discovery of another child in a nearby home, prompting immediate medical evaluations for both.

Inside the residence, deputies uncovered two makeshift cages. The primary cage, described by Sheriff Aistrope, was crudely constructed from a pack-and-play playpen, with a baby gate fashioned as a roof and secured with zip ties. The conditions within were appalling, as the child was unable to stand upright, creating a hazardous and dangerous environment. A second similar structure was found within a walk-in closet. The parents, identified as D. Perry and L. Hamilton, both 26, were reportedly responsible for this dire setup. According to authorities, the parents had instructed the children’s grandparents, who were supposed to be looking after the kids, to keep the 4-year-old confined to the cage. According to reports, the child managed to escape and leave the home without alerting the sleeping grandparents.

Following their arrest, Perry and Hamilton face serious charges, including neglect or abandonment of a dependent person—a felony, and child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor. Held at the county jail, they have been denied bond, with additional charges pending as the investigation continues. The case has drawn the attention of the Department of Health and Human Services, which responded to the scene. Several children were removed from the home, highlighting the potential for further undisclosed abuse or neglect. This incident has raised serious questions about the oversight of vulnerable children and the mechanisms in place to protect them from harm.

As the community reels from the harrowing details of this case, local authorities and child protection services are under scrutiny for their roles in preventing such extreme cases of child abuse. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover how such a grievous situation was allowed to develop and what steps can be taken to prevent similar cases in the future. The legal process will continue to unfold as the courts determine the appropriate consequences for the actions that led to such profound neglect and endangerment of young lives.

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