5 Children Kept Tied in Cages Until 1 Escapes, Found By Neighbor
Share this @internewscast.com

Three individuals have been taken into custody and charged with child and animal abuse after authorities discovered five children living in appalling conditions in a residence in Pennsylvania.

The case came to light when one of the children managed to climb through a window and was spotted by a neighbor walking his dog, according to WTAJ. The child was barefoot and emitted a strong odor of urine, prompting the onlooker to alert the police.

Inside the residence, officers uncovered four additional children. All five children, ranging in age from 2 to 7 years old, were discovered zip-tied to cages, where they were kept for as long as 20 hours a day. They were only released for meals before being immediately secured back in their cages.

Investigators described conditions at the hom as “horrific,” noting that doorknobs were removed and gates tied shut so the children could not get out. There was no running water, and animal feces was found throughout the living areas.

Several pets found in the home were also neglected.

According to an affidavit, officers brought the children Happy Meals from McDonald’s, and the kids appeared to “aggressively eat out of hunger.” The child who had escaped the home had initially tried to dig through the walls before climbing out a window.

Zoe Elise Zungali, 31; Dominic Andrew Zungali, 31; and Gillian Bem, 18; were all charged with child abuse and animal abuse. Police did not explain the relationships among the Zungalis, Bem, and the children.

“We’re very grateful to the police and first responders and the individual who called 911 that those children are now safe with the assistance of children, youth and families,” Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks said.

The Zungalis were ordered held on $150,000 bails each, while Bem’s bail was set at half that. All three have preliminary hearings set for July 31.

The children have been placed in state custody.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Shocking Walmart Showdown: Brave Employee Stops Armed Shoplifter in Daring Standoff

In what could have been a tragic encounter, an Ohio man allegedly…

Authorities Report: Mother and Boyfriend Deceive System for SNAP Benefits Following Unnoticed Death of Homeschooled 12-Year-Old

Insets, left to right: Karla Garcia (New Britain Police Department), Jonatan Nanita…

Infamous Manson Cult Member and Presidential Assassin Attempt Escape: Shocking Prison Break Uncovered

On December 23, 1987, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a fervent admirer of notorious…

71-Year-Old Brain Tumor Patient Assaulted During Dog Walk, Rescued by Good Samaritans, Daughter Reports

Jeff Zimmerman (left) with daughter Kiera Zimmerman (right) and their family dog…

Car Crash in Hotel Courtyard Leaves Patrons Hospitalized: A Shocking Incident Unfolds

A man has been charged after a car crashed into a hotel…

Cyclist Tragically Killed in Daytime Hit-and-Run Involving Hospital Employee Driving Untrained 20,000-Pound Truck: Lawsuit Alleges

Left inset: Alexander Rozos (Groce Funeral Home and Cremation Service). Right inset:…

Man Arrested for Stalking Ex-Girlfriend Using GPS Tracker and Threatening Texts, Police Report

Brian Neilinger (Broward County Jail). In a troubling case from Florida, a…

Gainesville Man Faces Charges for Stalking and Burglary in Recent Arrest

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Early this morning, 21-year-old Maurice Jacquez Johnson…

Tragic Turn: Man Shoots Partner Over Coin Dispute with Child in Car – Shocking Details Revealed

Inset: Alan Michael Mellow (Barry County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Missouri apartment…

Analyzing the Legal and Human Consequences of Rising Injury Claims in Florida

Photo courtesy of Pexels Florida consistently ranks among the states with the…

Shocking Theft at Élysée Palace: Silver Steward Nabbed for Stashing Priceless Silverware

Three men are set to face trial next year following the arrest…

Tragic Loss at Sea: Beloved Teacher Fatally Injured in Cruise Ship Collision

Tragedy struck on the Nile River when a cruise ship accident claimed…