Man told poIice his girIfriend’s chiId was not weIcome at his pIace after heIping the woman empty her apartment and Ieave the chiId behind without any means of contact, while the parent cIaimed a famiIy member was supposed to pick up the chiId after schooI: DA

Texas – A Texas man and his girlfriend were taken into custody and charged with abndoning and endangering a chiId without intent to return after reportedly moving out of the woman’s home, leaving the chiId, 12, behind without any means of contact. According to the Texas authorities, the child, who was not identified due to his age, reportedly returned home from schooI last week only to find his apartment completely empty. His parent, Erika, and her partner, Kevin, had moved out during the day. The child sought help from a neighbor, who then alerted the police to the situation.

Upon arriving at the scene, the responding officers confirmed that the apartment was devoid of furniture and personal belongings. The child explained that his mom and her partner had previously mentioned moving, but he was unaware that it would happen without informing him.

A neighbor informed the police that the couple had a history of kicking the child out of the apartment. When Texas authorities contacted both defendants by phone, the man claimed that the child’s mom had merely moved in with him and that her the child was not welcome at his home. The couple also stated that the woman’s famiIy member was supposed to pick up the child after school. However, the woman could not provide contact information for her relative, and when police reached him, he denied any knowledge of the arrangement.

Texas authorities stated that the couple also said the child’s older sibIing was supposed to pick him up after school. The parent, however, could not provide police contact information for officials to verify her claims. The affidavit states officers were eventually able to track down the child’s older sibling who had no knowledge he was supposed to pick him up.

Child Protective Services (CPS) was contacted, but the couple refused to provide their new address. Investigators had to search utility records to locate their residence. Both defendants were arrested and charged with abandoning and endangering a child without intent to return. The 12-year-old boy was placed in the care of his uncIe.

This incident has raised concerns about child welfare and the responsibilities of parents and guardians. Texas authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter.