Parents locked kids, baby in ‘putrid’ storage unit while they slept with family dog in SUV: cops

A shocking case of child neglect unfolded in Milwaukee when a pair of heartless parents locked their six children, including a 2-month-old baby, inside a storage unit while their dog was allowed to sleep in their car. Charles Dupriest, 33, and his wife, Azyia Zielinski, 26, were charged with child neglect after bystanders heard the children crying from inside the padlocked unit.

The distressing discovery took place after a 911 call prompted Milwaukee police to investigate. Firefighters had to cut the padlock to access the children, who were found in deplorable conditions. The unit had no electricity or running water, only a mattress, a couch, and a bucket filled with urine. The children, aged between 9 years and 2 months, were forced to sleep in these appalling conditions.

One of the children shared with police that they were instructed not to be loud while locked inside the unit. A 5-year-old girl described the ordeal, mentioning that they tried to open the door but couldn’t. She also revealed that they used a bucket for bathroom needs and were upset that the family dog got to sleep in the car while they had to stay in the unit.

The negligent parents were later found sleeping in their SUV with the dog nearby. They claimed that the family had been kicked out of a homeless shelter a month prior but admitted they could have sought help from friends or family instead of subjecting their children to such inhumane conditions. The children also disclosed that their father carried a firearm and would sometimes discipline them harshly.

Zielinski and Dupriest were charged with multiple counts of child neglect, with Dupriest facing an additional charge of criminal possession of a weapon. They are currently detained in the Milwaukee County Jail on bonds of $10,500 and $10,000, respectively.

This disturbing case highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that parents fulfill their responsibilities towards their offspring. The children involved in this incident have been rescued from a traumatic situation, and legal actions are being taken to hold the parents accountable for their reprehensible actions.