In a distressing turn of events, a Miami Beach couple was arrested after police discovered their five children living in squalid conditions without basic necessities.
Sanel Canovic, 40, and Azra Nikocevic, 33, face charges of child neglect after authorities found their children in a Miami Beach apartment lacking electricity, food, and a functioning toilet. The alarm was raised when a passerby noticed a 6-year-old child crossing the street unsupervised in a high-traffic area, leading police to the residence.
Upon arrival, the officers met the couple’s oldest child, a 12-year-old, who answered the door to the apartment on 15th Street. Inside, four other children were found, all expressing hunger and revealing they had their last meal at 10 p.m. the previous night. The apartment’s condition was dire, with no food, electricity, or working cooking facilities. The toilet was also in disrepair, containing stagnant water and feces.
The children’s plight extended beyond immediate hunger; they shared a single full-size bed and lacked clean clothing, with officers noting a strong odor and visible soiling. The 12-year-old daughter played the role of caregiver, explaining that their meals depended on school provisions and occasional food their parents brought home. She recalled being instructed by their father to rely on school meals, leaving them often hungry, especially during school breaks.
The parents reportedly left $20 for occasional food purchases, which the children would use sparingly on fast food. Interviews revealed that the parents frequently dined out, neglecting to provide for the children’s dinners, and had not done laundry in weeks, forcing the children to wear dirty clothes.
Nikocevic and Canovic were eventually located by the police. Nikocevic admitted to issues with paying the electricity bills, leaving the family without power for weeks, while Canovic chose to remain silent, requesting an attorney through a Croatian speaker. Both parents have been charged, and a bond was set at $2,500 each.
This concerning case highlights the vulnerabilities children can face in unstable home environments, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and prompt action in ensuring children’s welfare.
The arrest of this Miami Beach couple underscores the critical need for awareness and intervention in situations where children might be at risk. It serves as a reminder of the community’s role in safeguarding the vulnerable.
Source: Nbcmiami
