
Georgia couple kept daughter locked in bedroom because of her behavioral problems.
On Sunday, detectives arrested a Georgia couple who allegedly locked their mentally challenged daughter in her bedroom as a form of punishment. The authorities discovered recording devices inside the 18-year-old girl’s room, as well as a door-locking device that prevented her escape.
Georgia Couple Confessed Daughter Was Having ‘Behavioral Issues’
Janet and Neil Farrell, the Georgia couple arrested on Sunday, told the detectives they’d had good reasons to lock up their 18-year-old daughter. Allegedly, the child’s being diagnosed with ‘behavioral issues’ which makes it hard for her to maintain discipline.
According to the police report, on Saturday, the Georgia couple called the emergency line to report the child’s disappearance. They’ve told the police officers that their daughter went missing a night before and that she’s probably lost in the woods.
The authorities mounted a search and rescue party and eventually found the child. She confirmed spending the better part of the night looking for a way to get home.
During their stay at the couple’s house, the detectives found clues pointing to an escape attempt. According to the authorities, the door to the girl’s bedroom had an intricate locking mechanism which could have prevented her from escaping.
More than that, a search of the room revealed surveillance equipment and a metal bucket the child would use, at times, to urinate or defecate. The room itself appeared poorly furnished.
Conclusion
When the authorities confronted the Georgia couple about the child’s bedroom, the two admitted keeping her locked for periods ranging from days to months.
Moreover, the detectives discovered that during these prolonged punitive sessions, the girl was beaten on the soles and was denied everything except meals and bathroom time.
The Georgia couple was charged with first-degree cruelty to children, intimidation of disabled adults, and exploitation.
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