FLINT, Mich. – Two men and a woman are facing multiple felony charges after two dogs were found dead and a 9-year-old boy was found living in a home in deplorable condition.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said in a press conference on March 19 that two dogs were found dead and emaciated, with one being found in a pizza box. Deputies also found a 9-year-old boy living in the home.
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The investigation began when AT&T workers in the area of Mable Avenue in Flint saw a manhole cover that was lifted and saw that $30,000 worth of WiFi wire had been cut and stolen from the project.
When deputies showed up and found the wire at a home, they saw the house was in deplorable condition, as well as a dead dog inside a cage next to a living dog in the front of the house.
Inside the home, they learned the dogs at the front were not the only dogs that were emaciated or dead. A puppy was found alive but malnourished, and a dead puppy was found in a pizza box.
“You don’t treat animals this way,” said Swanson, “You don’t treat people this way.”
Swanson also said a 9-year-old boy was living in the home, as well. He noted the fridge in the home had no power, and food was rotting inside.
Detectives responded, saying that they had saved the two dogs that lived there and sent the boy to Child Protective Services.
Charles Ashbaker, a 38-year-old from Flint, faces multiple felony charges including animal abuse and drug possession.
Kelly Walker, a 29-year-old from Flint, was also charged with animal abuse and torture, as well as child neglect.
Dougal Nelson Jr., a 47-year-old from Flint, is facing charges of resisting a police officer.
Swanson held a press conference on March 19 regarding the animal abuse cases:
