A New Mexico couple was arrested on Tuesday for keeping their 15-year-old daughter in a chicken coop for months.
According to KRQE, Patricia Madrid, 36, and Jammy Jackson, 59, allowed the girl to use the bathroom twice daily and fed her only ramen noodles. Other children in the home ate whatever they wanted and were spared from the abuse.
The investigation began in September 2024, when Child Protective Services received a report about the teen girl. The girl reportedly told the agency that she had been locked up in the coop for long periods, and she was kept outside in extreme weather conditions.
According to KOB, the victim also said she was kept in the chicken coop every day from April to September, except for three days when they went on a family trip.
Jackson and Madrid were also accused of hitting the teen and pulling a gun on her. The couple allegedly told police that their daughter had outbursts but they did not abuse her.
During their investigation, detectives reportedly uncovered a slew of text messages between Jackson and Madrid in which they discussed the abuse they were accused of.
Madrid and Jackson are charged with child abuse and conspiracy to commit child abuse. They remain jailed without bond.
Reports indicated that Madrid was charged with child abuse in 2020, though the case was later dropped.
[Feature Photo: San Juan County Adult Detention Center]