A couple is facing charges following allegations of severe neglect towards their children, prompting one law enforcement official to label it as “one of the most distressing cases I have ever handled.”
Amberly Britton and Mark Myers are accused of confining their three children, depriving them of food, and forcing them to fend for themselves, among other disturbing claims of abuse. Authorities reported that the children were in such dire need of nourishment that they resorted to breaking locks on cabinets to eat and endured physical punishment after vomiting due to extreme hunger, among other mistreatment allegations.
The couple’s arrest came after an extensive investigation initiated when one of the children arrived at school with a severe cut requiring medical attention. Britton and Myers failed to attend to the child’s injury promptly or seek medical help. Upon visiting the family’s residence in Missouri, investigators and law enforcement officers discovered hazardous and unsanitary living conditions, including extreme clutter, strong urine odors, lack of bedding, and an abundance of dirty dishes and debris.
Allegedly, the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator were secured with locks to prevent the children from accessing food, as per reports from lawandcrime.com. Britton and Myers defended the locks as a means to regulate the children’s diet.
According to the probable cause statements, the adults displayed evasive behavior, impairment, or unresponsiveness during multiple visits and failed to comply with drug testing requests following suspicions of methamphetamine use in the home. Despite being given opportunities to rectify safety hazards, no significant improvements were made.
The children revealed to authorities that they were frequently locked inside their room, sometimes overnight. The 13-year-old child disclosed experiencing pain, severe hunger, and subsequent punishment for vomiting. They also described having to take care of themselves and each other, including preparing meals and getting ready for school, as the adults slept for extended periods without supervision.
The residence was deemed uninhabitable due to alleged unsanitary conditions and lack of heating, with no toys or children’s clothing found. Shockingly, Britton allegedly shifted blame onto her children and showed no remorse for the reported abuse and neglect. Myers also allegedly accused the children of lying about their treatment when questioned by investigators.
Detective Sgt. Brian Adelsberger described the case as one of the most severe instances he has encountered, emphasizing the extent of neglect and psychological impact on the children. Both Britton and Myers face charges of second-degree drug trafficking and three counts of first-degree child endangerment from the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and are being held on $250,000 cash-only bonds.
