Police arrested the mother and stepfather of three unsupervised children and an adult man with a disability who appeared malnourished after officers found them in a southwest Atlanta residence.
Shalanda Monroe, 38, and Jarvais Monroe, 33, returned to the scene and were taken into custody Saturday, police spokesman John Chafee said.
Officers responded to the house in the the 3000 block of Thornberry Lane on Saturday about 5:30 p.m.
The children were first discovered unsupervised by the home’s former residents, who had moved out about three weeks ago, according to Chafee.
“They returned to the home today to retrieve some of their property, when they located the children and 21-year-old in the home,” Chafee said. The former residents called police.
The mother and stepfather were charged with violating state law on protection of disabled adults and elder persons.
The younger children, ages 9, 11 and 12, appeared to be in good health, police said.
Chafee said it is his understanding that the woman is mother to the 21-year-old man, identified as Marqua Monroe, and the three children.
“The children have been placed in the care of a family member, and (the Division of Family and Children Services) is following up with them,” Chafee said.
The 21-year-old was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Police are still investigating.
In other news:
About the Author
