Parents Arrested for Child Neglect after Children Discovered Living in Deplorable Conditions
7,580,541
Published 2021-04-22
FCSO deputies arrived at the residence and could immediately hear a small child yelling, “Mommy! Mommy!,” as well as a loud banging noises coming from inside the home that were later determined to be from a child banging his juice cup against the wall asking for something to drink. As deputies approached the residence, they observed large piles of trash near the front door as well as a foul smell emitting from inside the residence.
Contact was then made with the mother of the children, Christina Coe (DOB: 11/22/1994), as well as the father, Gilbert Bridewell (DOB: 2/3/1994). Upon entering the house, deputies observed more trash scattered along the floor of all the bedrooms and all the rooms were in total disarray. Numerous cockroaches were observed walking along the floor, walls, inside the refrigerator, crawling in the beds, and also walking near a child’s pacifier. Deputies also noticed feces on the walls and in the children’s beds.
When questioned about the condition of the home, Coe stated that she was ‘trying her best.’ When asked when the last time the children had received a bath, Coe stated the children were bathed at a neighbor’s home earlier that day. However, all of the children were wearing dirty clothing, had dirt covering their legs and feet, and their diapers had not been changed.
When asked if the children ever received baths inside of the home, Coe stated that she had a plastic bath tub for the children that was used regularly inside the master bedroom. Deputies located the tub still in its original packaging, covered and dust, and it did not appear to have been used.
Based on the circumstanced, the FCSO contacted the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and a case worker arrived to assess the situation. Under the recommendation of DCF, all three children were removed from the home and placed into the custody of a family member.
“I am so glad that we were able to get these kids out of this house before someone was injured or became seriously ill as a result of the conditions inside the home,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Between the trash, bugs, and the human excrement found inside the home, this situation could have had a tragic ending. Hopefully, DCF and other agencies will help these parents and children get the help they need. It is unfortunate these conditions and the parent’s lack of actions deteriorated to a criminal case.”
Christina Coe and Gilbert Bridewell were arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. They are both charged with three counts of Felony Child Neglect without Great Bodily Harm. The children are ages 2, 1, and 7 days old.
All Comments (21)
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The cop was firm, direct and straight to the point.
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Cleaning your house doesn't cost money. Loving your children doesn't cost money. Don't use that excuse.
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"I have no family" YOUR CHILDREN ARE YOUR FAMILY. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN
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Thank you to those neighbors who cared enough to step in and make the calls!! You're heroes!
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“They are just really loud and scream a lot” “Yeah it’s called a child” This cop had the perfect comeback and wasn’t playing around props to him
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“They scream a lot” “Yeah it’s called a kid” Absolute hero
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My grandmother had a dirt poor childhood. Her mother used to say to her, "Just because we are poor, doesn't mean we have to be dirty".
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Kids are usually "loud and vocal" when they're screaming desperately to be taken care of. What a horrible mother.
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My grandmother always said that being poor is no excuse for being a slob.
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My grandfather used to say "being poor is not an excuse for living like a pig and neglecting basic human living conditions"
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My dad died when I was 4 and my brother was 10. Our mom had never so much as written a check before (it was the 60's and our Dad was possessive). She got TWO jobs, kept a 2 br ranch house clean (no help from us kids) and managed new clothes for school every year and good home cooked food on our plates. Hardly any "welfare" available then either. SHe had $350 a month SS and some money from veterans since my Dad served in WWII. Oh, and EVERY CHristmas we had presents. She did have her parents to watch us while she worked, at least for the first 5 years. Mom was the BOMB! Lost her at age 90 in 2020.
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As an adult who was a neglected child, God bless this officer. May those kids be healthy and safe
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"Are you looking for someone" "YEAH YOU!" I love how the officer set the tone right off the bat!
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Just because you CAN have children, doesn't mean you SHOULD have children.
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This cop was so disgusted and angry on these children’s behalf. God bless him.
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Please, if you see child abuse, report it. So many children face neglect not only at the hands of their parents but by their community who look the other way. These neighbors are a great example of how everyone should respond to child abuse, making numerous reports until something gets done. I sincerely hope these kids and their mother get the help they so desperately need.
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Every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child
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She’s not upset about her kids she’s upset that she’s going to jail.
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The desperation in that little voice crying for mummy and daddy got me straight in the heart. Can tell by how raspy baby's voice was, they'd been screaming out for them quite some time. Gut wrenched.
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This is 100% parental neglect. They failed. And the kids are asking, "Do you see me? Do you hear me? Do I matter?". Well, nobody's listening. Children learn more from WHAT YOU ARE than what you teach. I get the feeling these people will never understand that.
