Authorities in Vinton County, Ohio, discovered 16 children living in deplorable conditions, with officials describing them as "almost feral," while executing an unrelated warrant at a home last week. The children, aged 18 months to 18 years, were allegedly confined to a 12-foot by 12-foot room that was filled with human feces.
Officials expressed shock at the discovery, noting the significant challenges in communicating with the children, some of whom could barely speak. The oldest child, an 18-year-old, has developmental disabilities and cannot write her name, according to county Sheriff Ryan Cain.
Gary Siders II, his wife Elizabeth Siders, 33, and his parents, Gary Sr., 73, and Christina Siders, 66, were arrested and face multiple child endangerment charges. The initial warrant was for indecent exposure against Gary Siders II. Records indicate Gary Siders II married Elizabeth Siders in 2008 when he was 18 and she was 15. Because Elizabeth was underage at the time of her marriage, her parents also signed the marriage certificate, along with Siders’ parents.
The children had never been enrolled in school, and authorities are still working to determine the exact parentage of all 16 children, with Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson describing it as an "intra-family case."
Wilson described the conditions as "third world" and stated, "I cannot get the smell off of me." At least seven of the children were hospitalized in the Columbus area, with two requiring trauma center care.
The four suspects each face up to 16 counts of child endangerment, with bonds set at $300,000 each. If convicted of all charges, they could face a maximum sentence of 192 years in prison.