Detroit police: Kids removed from filthy, 'deplorable' home

DETROIT – Three children have been removed from a house on Holmes Street in southwest Detroit after police found what they described as "deplorable" conditions inside the home.

The original call to police Monday night reported six children between the ages of 8 months old to 8 years old were left alone at the home. When police arrived they found a 20-year-old babysitting the children.

"There's open garbage, diapers -- used diapers, soiled diapers -- there was talk that the electricity has been turned off and it had been but it was turned on today," said Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt.

Another call was made to police Tuesday morning. Officers returned to the home where the same family friend was found looking after the kids. The mother was called home from her job.

Police asked the mother why there was no heat in the home and how long the power has been off. With human and animal waste found in the home, police called Child Protective Services.

"I am going to recommend, and I'm sure that Child Protective Services would agree, that no one can go back in that house. I don't care if you're a kid or an adult. It's not a mess, it's deplorable," said Dolunt.

Investigators do no believe the children had been physically harmed or abused. However, they will not be allowed to live in the unhealthy conditions of the home.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.