Toddlers Survive Locked Inside Apartment For Five Days


Two toddlers survived being locked inside an apartment for at least five days. Authorities said Qiara Te Dennis, age 23, was arrested on four outstanding warrants on June 10. Five days later, Dennis’ children were found locked inside her apartment. At the time of her arrest, the defendant did not reveal that she had any children.

Auburn, Washington, authorities were alerted to the situation when neighbors spotted a small child trying to escape through a second-story window. When officers arrived on scene, the apartment manager unlocked the door. They were stunned to find a 1-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl unsupervised and covered in filth.

In their official report, authorities describe the horrific scene:

“There was a large amount of rotten food and garbage on the floor and beds throughout the apartment… Inside the bedrooms were dirty and used diapers on the floor… it was difficult to walk through the apartment without stepping on rotten food, garbage, human feces or vomit.”

According to court documents, both children were at risk of “risked imminent death if there was no intervention.” Q13 Fox reports that the toddlers were locked inside the apartment for at least five days without fresh food, water, or attention.

As reported by The News Tribune, the children likely survived by eating grapes and crackers, which were scattered around the floor. It is unclear how or if they accessed water, as they were unable to reach the faucets.

Authorities said both children suffered from painful rashes, as they were covered in feces. However, the rashes are expected to heal with proper care. Although the children were hungry and covered in human waste, they did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.

Both toddlers were removed from the home and placed in protective custody.

In addition to her prior charges, Qiara Te Dennis is now charged with two counts of abandonment for leaving her toddlers locked inside her apartment. Prosecutors said Dennis “recklessly abandoned her children and as a result of being abandoned, she created an environment where the children suffered substantial bodily harm and an environment where they risked imminent death if there was no intervention.”

Following her arrest, Dennis did not offer any explanation as to why the toddlers were locked inside the apartment or how long they were alone. Neighbors said they did not realize the children were inside the apartment until they noticed the 3-year-old attempting to escape.

[Images via Shutterstock and 13Fox]

Share this article: Toddlers Survive Locked Inside Apartment For Five Days
More from Inquisitr