Georgia neighbors who helped a child after he escaped accused abusive parents say they’re concerned about potentially overlooking signs that something was amiss.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Tyler and Krista Schindley have been charged with attempted murder, false imprisonment, cruelty to children, and other related charges. Police found the victim, a 10-year-old, alone in a Griffin neighborhood Friday after he escaped his family home.
The victim told neighbors Michael and Kim Seigler that he didn’t want to go back home after he wandered along Westminster Circle barefoot and hungry, looking for something to eat.
“We thought he was about six,” Michael Seigler told WSB-TV. “We didn’t know how old he is. The little boy just stayed to himself. They were very quiet people. I say, very private.”
Police said the victim weighed just 36 pounds when the neighbor found him. When officers arrived, he told them he was trying to get to Kroger to buy food.
“My wife, it just tears her up,” Michael Seilger added.
The child was taken to an area hospital after the neighbors contacted police. He was treated for low heart rate and malnutrition.
“As a mother, I can’t comprehend it. As a human being, it breaks your heart. We aren’t releasing any photos of this child for obvious reasons, but I will tell you, the photos are absolutely horrible, and anybody with a human heart, who looks at them, should be shaken to their core,” DA Marie Broder said, according to Fox 5.
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“It is my true belief that had he not gotten out of the home, this case would be a very different one.”
The Schindlers have four other children who appeared to be OK, according to police. Neighbors, however, said that they would see the children left home alone while their parents took vacations.
The children are now in the custody of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services.
Investigators say that the investigation will be lengthy and new details may not be available for a while. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Krista, left, and Tyler Schindley/Spalding County Sheriff’s Office]
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