Two abnormally skinny and bruised children showed up at a home in the Socastee area early in the morning, claiming they had been dropped off at a nearby coffee shop. The younger brother stated that they had been left at a Dunkin’ around sunset the previous day and walked to the house in the 6000 block of Bay Road. The nearest Dunkin’ is a mile and a half from the house. When the boys knocked on the side door, they were directed to the front door by a woman inside the home. They told her they were cold and hungry and did not know where they were.
The children mentioned that they had been kept in a locked room “for extended periods” during the previous summer by a man they did not know. According to the police report, the boys appeared to be malnourished and had been given one peanut butter sandwich every one to two days. They also had bruises along their backs, cuts in various areas, possible infections, and scars. It was revealed that the suspects had been caring for the children for around five years and had seven other children in the home.
One of the suspects claimed to have seen the children leaving through the front door and heading towards the entrance gate. Another suspect mentioned that they had been looking after the boys and the other children in the home. The police conducted a walk-through of the premises. As of Monday morning, the case was still under investigation, and no arrests had been made. Horry County spokesperson Aaron Spelbring confirmed that the case was ongoing and provided no further details.
The situation with the abnormally skinny and bruised children raised serious concerns about their welfare and the circumstances surrounding their treatment. The fact that they had been left at a coffee shop and had to walk a considerable distance to seek help indicated a disturbing lack of care and attention. The physical condition of the children, including signs of malnourishment and injuries, suggested possible neglect or abuse. The involvement of multiple suspects in caring for the children added complexity to the investigation.
The discovery of the children at the home in the Socastee area highlighted the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicious behavior or concerns regarding child welfare. The response of the police and authorities to the situation was crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of the children involved. The ongoing investigation and lack of arrests indicated the complexity of the case and the need for thorough examination of the circumstances. The welfare of the children remained a top priority as the investigation continued to unfold.
