A Kentucky couple is facing child abuse charges after investigators discovered two nonverbal autistic boys locked in a bedroom closet, their fingers bloody from attempting to scrape their way out, according to court documents.
Background
Casey Farthing and Stephanie Harmer were arrested this week following a landlord's call about the deplorable condition of their apartment in Richmond, Kentucky. When officers responded to the old apartment, they found it roach-infested and filled with dirty diapers, old and dried food, and human feces. Court documents estimate $2,500 in damage to the property.
The couple had moved to a new apartment, where Richmond Police eventually located them. While conditions at the new residence were not as severe, officers still found trash and feces thrown throughout the living space.
The most disturbing discovery came inside a bedroom closet, where investigators found scratches and smeared blood on the walls. The closet door featured a lock different from other doors and cabinets in both homes.
The Investigation
The couple's 5-year-old daughter told Child Protective Services that her parents locked her two brothers — the 8-year-old and 9-year-old — into the closet "when they're bad." Both boys are nonverbal and have autism.
Investigators documented that the 8-year-old boy had dried blood on two of his fingers and a broken fingernail, consistent with attempts to dig out of the closet.
Farthing and Harmer denied the allegation, claiming the lock was on the closet when they moved in. However, the landlord denied this claim, stating there was no blood or scratch marks prior to their occupancy.
Harmer told investigators she had become overwhelmed by the mess and stopped trying to clean. Court documents indicate all three children wore diapers and had never brushed their teeth.
Key Takeaways
- Casey Farthing and Stephanie Harmer were charged with criminal abuse, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal mischief
- The couple's two sons, ages 8 and 9, are both nonverbal and have autism
- Investigators found blood on the 8-year-old's fingers and a broken fingernail
- The couple's 5-year-old daughter confirmed her brothers were locked in the closet "when they're bad"
- All three children were removed from parental custody
- Both defendants are being held on $25,000 bonds and barred from caretaking roles if released
What's Next
Farthing and Harmer remain in custody at the Madison County Detention Center. Their next court appearance has not been publicly scheduled. The children are now in the care of Child Protective Services.