The Lead Off
- Two Muncie parents have been arrested after deputies say they found two children living in severely unsanitary conditions inside a Delaware County home.
- A health inspector reportedly entered the residence wearing a hazmat suit due to the condition of the property.
- Both children were removed from the home and placed in the custody of Indiana Department of Child Services.
MUNCIE, IND. (WOWO) Two Muncie parents are facing felony neglect charges after authorities say a domestic dispute led deputies to discover what they described as hazardous and unsanitary living conditions inside a home on Piccadilly Road.
According to FOX-59 – Court documents identify the suspects as 38-year-old Daniel Haisley and 28-year-old Brittany Troup. Both were arrested Wednesday by Delaware County sheriff’s deputies.
Domestic call leads to investigation
Deputies were initially called to the residence after a reported argument in which Troup allegedly locked Haisley out of the home. According to court documents, Troup said she did not wish to pursue charges related to the dispute.
However, while at the scene, deputies observed conditions inside the home that prompted further investigation involving child welfare officials and a health inspector.
Conditions inside the residence
According to court documents, deputies reported finding spoiled food throughout the living room, trash and debris along the walls, and unsanitary conditions throughout the residence.
Officials reported:
- A diaper containing feces left in a hallway for an extended period of time
- Cockroaches observed in and around spoiled food inside the refrigerator
- Insects throughout the home
- A non-functioning toilet reportedly filled with feces
- A laundry area blocked by large piles of clothing
Deputies also reported that the children living in the home had visible filth on their bodies, including dirt on their feet and fingernails.
Health inspector called to scene
A health inspector was later requested to evaluate the residence. According to the report, the inspector wore a full hazmat suit while entering the home due to safety concerns.
The inspector ultimately declared the residence unfit for habitation.
“This is not healthy for the children,” a deputy wrote in his report, according to court documents.
Statements and allegations
Court documents state that Troup admitted the couple used marijuana in the home when questioned by investigators. She also reportedly acknowledged that the children were not consistently provided with adequate food or water.
Authorities say both children were removed from the residence and placed into the custody of the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Charges and custody status
Haisley and Troup have both been charged with neglect of a dependent, a Level 5 felony.
Both suspects were taken into custody following the investigation. The case will be reviewed by prosecutors as it proceeds through the court system.
The Takeaway
Investigation began with domestic dispute call
Deputies were initially responding to a reported argument at the home but shifted focus after observing unsafe conditions inside the residence.
Authorities describe severe unsanitary living conditions
Court documents detail widespread filth, insect infestations, and non-functioning sanitation facilities that prompted a health inspector to use protective gear.
Children removed as legal process continues
Both children were taken into protective custody by Indiana DCS, while the parents face felony neglect charges and await further court proceedings.
