Joplin, Missouri — A missing-child investigation led police to a Missouri home that authorities described as a “house of horrors,” where they allege a 12-year-old girl with special needs had been confined inside a dog cage secured with padlocks and zip ties.
Four members of the same family have now been arrested and face criminal charges in connection with the disturbing allegations.
Missing Girl Leads Police to Missouri Home
The investigation began Sunday morning after someone inside a home on East Pool Street in Joplin contacted police to report that a child was missing.
According to court documents, the 12-year-old girl had reportedly run away from the residence and had been missing for approximately an hour.
Police were told she had special needs and was reportedly wearing only a diaper when she left the home. Authorities launched a search involving multiple agencies. After approximately two and a half hours, officers located the girl.
Police Chief Richard Pearson said she appeared malnourished, although she did not appear to have obvious physical injuries. Despite her age, authorities said the girl was approximately 4 feet tall and weighed around 50 pounds.
Police Describe Home as a ‘House of Horrors’
Officers then went to the residence from which the girl had reportedly escaped. From the outside, Pearson said, the property appeared relatively ordinary. Inside, however, investigators allegedly found conditions that were dramatically different.
Court documents describe extreme clutter, garbage, food and clothing throughout the home, making it difficult for officers to move around.
Authorities also reportedly discovered numerous animals inside cages, while others were allegedly roaming freely through the residence.
Investigators described a strong, foul odor that was reportedly so overwhelming that officers had to step outside. Animal urine and feces were allegedly found throughout the property, along with piles of garbage and dirty clothing.
Police said there were more than 80 animals inside the home, including some that were reportedly dead.
Girl Allegedly Kept Inside Padlocked Dog Cage
The most serious discovery involved the girl’s alleged living conditions. According to court documents, officers found a dog cage outside the master bedroom where the child was allegedly made to sleep.
Investigators said she was reportedly kept inside the cage wearing only a diaper, with a pillow and blanket provided.
The cage allegedly had multiple padlocks and zip ties attached to it, which authorities said were used to prevent the girl from escaping. Police believe the child may have been confined in the cage, at least during overnight hours, for between one and two years.
Family Members Allegedly Acknowledged the Confinement
The four people arrested in the case were identified as Shane Ross, 50; Crystal Ross, 46; Hannah Ross, 25; and Megan Ross, 19.
Authorities said Shane and Crystal Ross are the parents of Hannah and Megan. Shane Ross reportedly told investigators that the girl was his niece and had lived with the family for approximately 10 years.
According to investigators, the adults appeared to acknowledge that keeping the child inside the cage was wrong. Crystal Ross allegedly admitted that the arrangement could be causing emotional and mental harm to the girl.
Family members reportedly offered different explanations for why the child was confined, claiming they feared she could hurt other people in the home.
They allegedly told investigators that the girl had threatened to kill a family member while they slept and had also threatened to burn down the house.
Four Family Members Face Felony Charges
All four defendants are facing felony charges of abuse or neglect of a child causing serious emotional or physical injury, as well as misdemeanor charges related to alleged animal neglect or abandonment.
Authorities have detained the four defendants in Jasper County without bond. Police Chief Pearson described the case as one of the worst child abuse incidents officers had encountered during their careers.
The girl has received care following her discovery, while authorities continue investigating the conditions inside the home and the treatment she allegedly experienced.
The defendants had preliminary arraignments scheduled for Wednesday, according to court records.
The allegations remain accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What do you think should happen in cases involving alleged long-term abuse of vulnerable children? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
