A couple faces charges following accusations of severe neglect of their children, with a police official deeming it as “one of the most distressing cases I have ever dealt with.”
Amberly Britton and Mark Myers are accused of confining, starving, and neglecting their three children, in addition to other alarming abuse allegations. The children were reportedly left hungry to the point where they had to break into locked cabinets to find food, and they endured physical punishment after vomiting due to extreme hunger, among other claims of abuse.
The couple was charged after a lengthy investigation was initiated when one of their children attended school with a severe cut that required medical attention. Britton and Myers did not respond promptly to the situation. Authorities visited the family’s home in Missouri and found hazardous and unsanitary conditions, including clutter, strong urine odors, lack of bedding, and dirty dishes and debris throughout the residence.
Reports indicate that the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator were secured with locks to restrict the children’s access to food. Britton and Myers defended the locks, stating they were necessary to control the children’s diet.
Despite being given opportunities to address safety concerns, the adults were uncooperative and failed to make meaningful improvements. The children revealed that they were frequently locked in their bedroom, expected to care for themselves, prepare meals, and get ready for school without adequate supervision from the adults who were often asleep for extended periods.
The children also disclosed incidents of physical abuse, such as being hit with belts and other objects, as well as being confined in their room with screwed-shut windows. Investigators confirmed these accounts and found locks on cabinets, refrigerators, and bedroom doors requiring fingerprints for access.
The living conditions in the family’s home were described as unsanitary and uninhabitable, with no children’s belongings or adequate heating. Britton reportedly showed no remorse and blamed her children for the situation, while Myers also denied the allegations and accused the children of lying to investigators.
Detective Sgt. Brian Adelsberger expressed shock at the severity of the neglect and psychological impact on the children, calling it one of the most disturbing cases he has encountered. Both Britton and Myers are facing charges of drug trafficking and endangering the welfare of a child. They are currently held on $250,000 cash-only bonds.