Authorities have apprehended a couple following the discovery of six children, including a two-month-old baby, living in distressing conditions inside a storage unit. Police were alerted to the situation by a concerned individual hearing a child’s cries at a storage facility on Tuesday, September 16, around 1:36 am.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement found the six children, aged between two months and 9 years old. The duration they had been left in the unit was unclear, but fortunately, none of the children appeared to be physically harmed. Azyia Zielinski, 26, and Charles Dupriest, 33, have been charged in connection with this incident.
Reports from investigators described the dimly lit, windowless unit as being in disarray, furnished only with a sectional couch and a bare twin mattress devoid of bedding. Although soda, milk, and snack boxes were present, there was a lack of basic amenities like running water, electricity, and lighting. An orange bucket containing urine was found in the center of the room.
The overwhelming stench inside the unit forced detectives to leave, with Zielinski reportedly emotional and tearful during her court appearance, facing six counts of child neglect. Dupriest faces charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and six counts of child neglect.
Furthermore, a neighbor observed the family with children frequenting the StorSafe unit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since the summer. Another renter of the storage facility expressed astonishment at the lack of children ever seen on the premises, questioning the circumstances that led to this troubling situation.
The investigation into this disturbing incident continues, with charges under review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. Attempts to reach out to the facility’s management for comments have been unsuccessful. The Mirror has also sought a response from StorSafe regarding the situation.
The priority now is ensuring the well-being of the children involved and providing them with the necessary care and support as the case unfolds.