A disturbing picture began to take shape Wednesday inside an Ohio “House of Horrors,” where authorities say 16 children had been confined in a cramped room.
The children, whom officials said “looked like feral animals,” were rescued Tuesday morning after the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office carried out a search warrant tied to a separate investigation.
What officers found inside the Hamden residence was appalling. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson called the scene “pure evil.”
Newly released, distressing images show the squalid conditions the children — ranging from 18 months old to 18 years old — were allegedly forced to endure.
The home, located in the small town, was sealed off with yellow police tape as trash was seen strewn across the front yard.
The front porch area was cluttered with boxes, refuse and assorted belongings, including a bicycle, piled haphazardly around the entrance.
Other images provided a look inside the property, where officials said the filthy conditions included human waste spread throughout the home.
One particularly revolting photo appeared to show a window missing its glass pane, with the opening blocked by heaps of debris and garbage.
Vile photos from the dilapidated Ohio home where 16 children were rescued have surfaced
The home in the small town was cordoned off with yellow police tape, while garbage littered the front yard
One nauseating photo appeared to show a window with no glass pane, its opening blocked by piles of debris and trash
More photos showed another part of the home’s interior with stained walls as garbage bags and cardboard boxes block an entrance.
Bowls of cat and dog food were also seen sitting outside the home’s front porch.
Food containers, trash, and even high chairs could be seen scattered throughout the home through broken windows.
The rear of the house was also blocked off by police tape, with car tires lying in overgrown bushes and the back porch strewn with junk – including a wagon.
Some of the children discovered Tuesday were unable to speak and one – an 18-year-old who was developmentally disabled – could not even write her name, investigators said.
‘Most of our livestock was kept in better conditions than the children,’ said Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain. ‘Just a disgusting scene.’
Two parents and grandparents were each charged with 17 counts of endangering children, a second-degree felony.
The suspects were identified as Gary Siders Jr, Gary Siders Sr, Christina Siders and Elizabeth Siders.
Felony charges were filed by the DA’s office because the parents and grandparents were responsible for causing ‘serious physical harm,’ according to prosecuting attorney William Archer.
A cat looks out from a side door opening of the home where garbage is seen piled inside
Garbage bags, cardboard boxes, and trash are seen blocking an entrance of the home
Food containers, trash, and even high chairs are seen scattered
Bowls of cat and dog food were also seen sitting outside the home’s front porch
More junk is seen through a door opening in the house of horrors
Police tape surrounds the rear of the home where various objects including car tires are scattered in the grass
Several children were in serious condition when found, and two had to be flown to level one trauma centers because of their injuries.
When asked about their emotional state at a press conference, Wilson said that investigators’ primary concern upon arrival was getting the children to a hospital due to the extent of their medical conditions.
Officials did not confirm how all the children were related, but said it was not a human trafficking situation.
Authorities added that the four arrested were not locals and appeared to have been traveling.
‘Our children deserve better from their parents, guardians, and custodians. No child should endure these kinds of conditions,’ Archer, the prosecuting attorney, said.
‘My office will do everything in our power to make sure these children get the love and care they deserve. My office will prosecute these persons to the fullest extent of the law.’
Elizabeth Siders mugshot, authorities added that the four arrested were not locals and appeared to have been traveling
Gary Siders Jr mugshot, officials did not confirm how all the children were related but said it was not a human trafficking situation
Gary Siders Sr mugshot, the four in custody remain in jail on a $300,000 bond
Christina Siders mugshot, the four were arraigned in the Vinton County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday
The four suspects were arraigned in the Vinton County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday morning and remain in jail on a $300,000 bond.
Investigators said in an update that they now believe the Siders have lived in multiple Ohio counties since 2008 and have avoided establishing medical or government records.
