Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — A Roy couple was arrested in April for investigation of multiple counts of child abuse after four children were found bruised, malnourished and living in filthy conditions, according to police.
As of Monday, formal charges had not been filed against the 27-year-old man and 28-year-old woman. But according to a court filing in April on a separate case, the man was determined to be "not competent and not restorable" and unable to stand trial, court records state.
The man had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, acute psychosis with auditory hallucinations and generalized anxiety disorder, court records state.
The child abuse investigation began April 17 when Weber County sheriff's deputies were called to the couple's house to assist Child Protective Services.
"(Child Protective Services) observed unsanitary and unhealthy living conditions, children in need of normal care, and one child with bruising consistent with child abuse," according to a Weber County Jail report. "All four children were medically evaluated and were deemed malnourished and show signs of emotional neglect."
The children were all between the ages of 2 and 4, according to a series of search warrant affidavits. Deputies noted the children had excessive earwax, grimy hair, overall poor hygiene and were malnourished, the warrants state.
The woman "stated her doctor told her not to clean the child's ears," the warrants state. "The children reported eating only Pop-Tarts and being beaten by both their mother and stepfather."
Staff members at one of the child's school reported bruising to the woman, who responded by saying "she would stop taking her kids to school until bruises were healed. (She) however, refused to admit causing the bruises.
"(She) also claimed the children were autistic, but no official diagnosis has been found at this time," the warrants continued.
The children were taken into protective custody.
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
