In a troubling incident in Carroll County, Georgia, authorities have arrested a couple on charges of child cruelty after their three young children were discovered alone in squalid conditions at a campsite. The children, aged 2, 4, and 5, were found amidst apparent filth at Little Tallapoosa Park, where the family had been residing due to homelessness, according to reports by WAGA.

The alarming situation came to light when a fellow camper noticed the children unaccompanied and contacted the police. The two older children informed the camper that they hadn’t eaten for two days, prompting immediate concern.

Particularly distressing was the condition of the 2-year-old boy, who has Down syndrome. He was reportedly in severe distress, unable to support his head, walk, or speak.

Emergency services were called, and the children were transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. As the emergency response team arrived, the parents, identified as Jason Askea, 46, and Kira Askea, 41, returned to the campsite.

According to arrest warrants, the toddler had suffered brain damage as a result of medical neglect, with deputies highlighting that his seizures had been left untreated.

The arrest affidavits further reveal that the parents had discontinued the boy’s prescribed oxygen support, which was crucial for his brain development, and had removed a feeding tube essential for his nutritional needs, as reported by Law&Crime.

All three children had sign of dental neglect.

The Askeas are being held without bond on charges of cruelty to children with excessive physical or mental pain, while the children are in state custody.