News

Actions

Mom, Aunt Arrested After Child Found Naked In Neighborhood

Posted at 6:23 AM, Jun 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-22 06:23:23-04

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– A mother and aunt are in jail after sheriff’s deputies said the living conditions for their seven children were "deplorable."

A naked 4-year-old boy running down Merrick Drive caught the attention of several neighbors Thursday. So much so, one couple called the sheriff’s office after getting the boy home. 

"It’s not safe in a big neighborhood like this. You never know who is going to be walking around. Thankfully that couple was nice enough to bring it home."

The sheriff’s office says when deputies got to that home, they smelled urine and saw bugs and dirty laundry all around. 

They say when they went in further, there were feces on the wall and only three beds for seven children. 

"I was deplored. It’s horrible to think that children were living like that. That’s something you read about but you don’t think you’re going to see it happening right next door to you."

Dora Bays says she recently moved into the neighborhood and knew something wasn’t right with the children. Weeks ago, she saw the same boy, also outside and unclothed. 

"I’m glad that something was done and I feel real horrible. I’ve had a real bad day thinking, anxiety-wise, what those kids have suffered."

Sheriff’s deputies arrested the childrens’ mother, Krystyn Lawson, and an aunt, Shelby Barrett. 

Both are charged with wanton endangerment and seven counts of endangering the welfare of a child. 

All seven children are in the custody of social services.