Children starved, beaten in meth-filled Missouri house of horrors

A shocking case of child abuse has come to light in O’Fallon, Missouri, where a mother and father are accused of subjecting their three children to horrific conditions. Amberly Britton and Mark Myers have been charged with locking up, beating, and starving their children in a home that authorities described as “uninhabitable.”

The investigation into the couple began after school officials raised concerns when one of the children showed up at school with a severe gash that went unexplained for months. When authorities visited the home, they found a shocking scene – the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator were locked shut, denying the children regular access to food. The house was filled with the stench of urine and was completely unsanitary, with no working heat and no bedding on the mattresses.

The children, aged 13 and younger, reported being in severe pain from hunger and being subjected to physical discipline, including being struck with belts and other objects. They were also forced to care for themselves and each other, as the adults in the home slept for extended periods and failed to provide supervision. The children were forbidden from discussing what happened in the home and were regularly beaten and locked inside their rooms for long periods.

Authorities also discovered a large amount of methamphetamine in the house, and the adults appeared evasive and impaired during multiple visits. Despite being given the opportunity to clean and correct safety hazards, no meaningful improvements were made. Both Britton and Myers blamed their children for the abuse and conditions in the home, showing no remorse for their actions.

Britton and Myers have been charged with second-degree drug trafficking and three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Britton has a prior conviction for endangering the welfare of a child, while Myers has convictions for statutory rape, failure to register as a sex offender, and possession of a controlled substance.

This horrific case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting children and ensuring their safety and well-being. It is crucial for authorities to intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect to prevent further harm and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.