Columbia, South Carolina — A South Carolina couple is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say they abandoned three young children in a roach-infested home for days, leaving them alone when a fire broke out and nearly turned deadly.
According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden and 21-year-old Malik Locke have each been charged with three counts of neglect by a legal custodian following a disturbing investigation into the conditions inside the home and the children’s injuries.
Officials say the case remains under investigation, and prosecutors indicated that additional charges could still be filed.
Firefighters Found Children Trapped Inside Smoke-Filled Home
The incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. Monday, when police officers responded to reports of smoke coming from a home on Floran Street in Columbia.
Firefighters forced their way inside after encountering heavy smoke and rapidly worsening conditions. As crews battled flames in the front section of the house, they discovered three children—ages 6, 4, and 2—in and around several bedrooms.
The children were immediately removed from the home and treated for severe burn injuries before being transported to a local hospital. They were later transferred to the Augusta Burn Center in Georgia for specialized treatment.
Police said that as of Tuesday evening, all three children remained in critical but stable condition.
Investigators Say No Adults Were Home
Authorities said no adults were present inside the residence when emergency crews arrived.
Investigators later tracked Oden to an apartment about a mile away. Police allege that when officers attempted to arrest her, she tried to avoid capture by hiding inside a closet.
She was taken into custody, while Locke was also arrested during the investigation. According to local reports, Locke is the father of one of the children, while Oden is the mother of all three.
Prosecutors Describe Disturbing Living Conditions
During a bond hearing, prosecutors alleged the children had been left alone for at least one week before the fire started. Authorities also revealed troubling details about the children’s condition.
The youngest child was reportedly severely malnourished, and officials said one child had insects inside her diaper when first responders arrived.
Investigators further alleged that Oden admitted she had attempted to return to the home after the fire but left again after noticing police officers nearby.
Authorities also claim Locke knew the house was on fire and warned Oden that police were at the scene.
Officials Say Home Was Filled With Cockroaches
Fire officials described the conditions inside the home as some of the worst they had encountered. Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins said the residence was heavily infested with cockroaches.
“Big roaches … an army of roaches” were throughout the home and “getting all over these kids.”
Columbia Deputy Police Chief Melron Kelly also criticized the parents’ alleged actions following the fire.
“We had knowledge that she was in the area. Even after knowing what had happened here, she still did not contact law enforcement; she still didn’t contact family members.”
As investigators continue gathering evidence, authorities say additional criminal charges remain possible. Meanwhile, the focus remains on the recovery of the three young children, who continue receiving specialized medical treatment.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Do you believe child neglect laws should carry harsher penalties in situations like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
