Keenia Haynes allegedly left her four youngest children home alone while she went to Kroger last Wednesday afternoon in Memphis, Tennessee—ending up charged with child neglect after police found a 3-year-old trying to drink bleach inside the residence, according to an arrest affidavit.
The discovery came after officers responded to a report of a "child welfare concern" and spotted Haynes' 3-year-old and 2-year-old running into traffic on Ridgedale Street, nearly getting hit by a car. Police intervened and made contact with the children, who pointed back toward their home in the 3900 block of Ridgedale Street.
Background
According to the arrest affidavit, officers entered the residence after the children directed them there and found no adults present. Inside, they located two infant twins secured in car seats—police say the infants were asleep "and would not wake up." The home had no air conditioning and was described as unkempt.
Paramedics evaluated the infants, who "appeared small for their age," according to the document. Officers also discovered a bleach bottle in the kitchen where the 3-year-old was attempting to drink from it.
At approximately 3:16 p.m., Haynes returned to the residence carrying a beer, the affidavit alleges. She told police she had gone to Kroger to purchase food and claimed she had only been gone about 30 minutes. Her other children—ages 7, 8, 12 and 13—were at school during the incident.
The Charges
Haynes, 35, is facing four counts of child neglect in connection with allegedly leaving her four youngest children unsupervised. Police say the charges stem from her decision to leave the toddlers and infant twins home alone while she went shopping. The Tennessee Department of Children's Services was contacted to make custody and care arrangements for all eight of Haynes' children.
Key Takeaways
- Officers responded to a child welfare call before spotting two young children running into traffic, nearly struck by a vehicle
- Police found four children—including infant twins in car seats—left alone inside the home without adult supervision or air conditioning
- A 3-year-old was discovered attempting to drink bleach from a bottle in the kitchen
- Haynes allegedly returned home carrying a beer approximately 30 minutes after leaving for Kroger, according to police
- She faces four counts of child neglect and is scheduled for a bond hearing
What's Next
Haynes remains in custody pending her court appearance. A bond hearing has been set where a judge will determine whether she should be released ahead of trial. The Tennessee Department of Children's Services continues to handle custody arrangements for the eight children involved.