Four family members have been arrested in Putnam County, Florida, following the discovery of a "house of horrors" where a six-week-old infant was found severely neglected and malnourished. The investigation began on July 7 when the Department of Children and Families (DCF) contacted the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. A caseworker reported concerns about the infant's health, including severe diaper rash and unhealthy weight loss, and noted that the mother, Jodie Danielle Cannon, 26, had refused to take the baby to a doctor.
Deputies responded to the residence and, during an initial interaction with Cannon, arranged for the infant to be transported to a hospital for a medical evaluation. Doctors determined the newborn's vital signs were critically weak, with a low heart rate, low temperature, and dangerously low weight, making death a high likelihood had intervention not occurred. The infant was subsequently placed in DCF care after being released from the pediatric intensive care unit.
During the initial visit, two additional children were removed from the home and placed under state care due to the infant's condition and the state of the residence. The oldest child, adopted by Melissa Keal, remained in the home initially as authorities lacked sufficient evidence for removal at that time.
Deplorable Living Conditions Uncovered
A search warrant executed on July 28 revealed disturbing conditions within the home. Authorities described the environment as a "house of horrors," citing the presence of animal feces and urine, black mold, flies, cockroaches, and hazardous flooring. Children were allegedly sleeping on flea-infested mattresses in rooms with feces-covered floors and rotting floorboards. A police report noted a strong odor of animal urine emanating from the residence, and a refrigerator inside contained spoiled food and a "strong, unhealthy odor" that affected a SWAT team member.
Investigators found unsafe ceiling repairs with visible black mold painted over, and rotted floors in multiple rooms, including a bathroom. The only usable bathroom was in disrepair. The discovery of these conditions led to the removal of the fourth child from the home.
Arrests and Charges
Following the findings from the search warrant, four family members were arrested. Jodie Danielle Cannon was charged with neglect. Her mother, Melissa Royann Keal, 50, her stepfather, John Richard Keal, 52, and the father of Cannon's children, Jordan Tyler Wilson, 30, were arrested a week after Cannon's initial arrest. All three were charged with child neglect with great bodily harm. Wilson, who has a distinctive facial tattoo, was given a $2,500 bond, while John and Melissa Keal were each given a $3,000 bond. Cannon faced the highest bond at $35,000. All defendants were ordered to have no contact with the children if released.
Seven animals, including four dogs and three kittens, were also removed from the home. The animals were voluntarily surrendered, so no animal neglect charges were filed. Authorities stated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Gator DeLoach commended the foster parents caring for the children, stating that they have a long road ahead. He also noted that the infant rescued from the home is now "thriving, happy and gaining weight."