After authorities allegedly found a Florida couple and their five children alone in a home without food, electricity, or a functional toilet, they were taken into custody.
According to court documents, Sanel Canovic, 40, and Azra Nikocevic, 33, are each accused with five charges of neglecting a child without causing bodily harm.
Christopher Bess, spokesman for the Miami Beach Police Department, The investigation started Tuesday afternoon when a bystander saw a 6-year-old youngster crossing the street by himself in the busy 700 block of 15th Street.
After the bystander called 911, police found the young child and escorted him to his apartment in the area.
The parents were arrested as a result of the terrible discovery made by the police. Four additional kids, all younger than twelve, were inside, according to Bess. Bess said there was no food, no electricity, and no functional bathrooms.
The kids said they were hungry because they hadn’t eaten in more than 12 hours. While they tried to find their parents, officers brought the kids to the police station and fed them.
“They couldn’t be located,” Bess clarified.
An arrest affidavit acquired by Miami NBC affiliate WTVJ revealed more details about the children’s circumstances. Officers found that there was a lot of poo in the house’s toilet.
The kids claimed that because there was no toilet paper in the apartment, their parents forced them take showers after using the restroom.
In the restroom, police discovered dirty rags. According to the affidavit, the children wore soiled clothing and smelled of urine.
They also claimed to have been without electricity for about two months, according to the affidavit.
The oldest daughter explained that they usually ate breakfast and lunch at school, but because they were on Christmas break, they frequently had nothing to eat.
Their mother reportedly left them $20 at McDonald s before leaving for work on Tuesday.
The parents would frequently share an evening meal without providing food for the children, the affidavit allegedly stated. They would often leave the children at home while they went out to dinner.
Officers finally located the mother and instructed her to go to the police station. She explained that they were behind on their bills, so the electricity was turned off about six weeks ago.
Nikocevic also confirmed that she gave her children $20 for food but had no way of knowing if they ate anything because they couldn t reach her at work.
Canovic arrived at the police station, but refused to speak with officers without a lawyer.
Cops took him to the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Facility, where he is currently on a $7,500 bond.
Nikocevic was released under her own recognizance. Their next court date is scheduled for January 30.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.