A Georgia couple was arrested on child cruelty charges after their three young children were found alone and in apparent feces at a campsite in Carroll County last month.
Court records say the children — ages 2, 4, and 5 — were found at Little Tallapoosa Park, where the family had been living after reportedly losing their home, WAGA reported. Another camper at the park noticed the children alone and called police after the two older children told them they had not eaten in two days.
The 2-year-old boy, who has Down syndrome, was in very poor condition, unable to hold up his head, walk, or talk.
An ambulance was called to take the children to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and as it arrived, the parents — Jason, 46, and Kira Askea, 41 — arrived back at the campsite.
Arrest warrants say 2-year-old suffered brain damage caused by medical neglect. The child’s seizures had gone untreated, deputies said.
Arrest affidavits say the parents had stopped the boy’s prescribed oxygen suppoer which was “essential for his brain development” and had removed a feeding tube that was “essential for his calorie intake,” Law&Crime reported.
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.
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[Featured image: Kira Askea and Jason Askea/Carroll County Jail]
