In a distressing incident, Miami Beach police have arrested a couple on child neglect charges after finding their five children living in deplorable conditions.
Authorities intervened when a 6-year-old child was reported unsupervised, crossing a bustling street in Miami Beach alone. This led police to an apartment on 15th Street, where they discovered four more children, all under 12, residing in shocking circumstances.
The investigation revealed an apartment devoid of electricity, food, and basic sanitation. The children were found dirty and hungry, having not eaten since the previous evening. They recounted that they often went to bed without food during school breaks.
The eldest child, at 12 years old, disclosed her role in taking care of her siblings while their parents were at work. She described enduring on infrequent meals, recalling her father’s remark, ‘You eat at school, so you don’t eat at home.’
The living conditions were dire, with the apartment lacking essentials such as toilet paper and clean clothing. The bathroom was in a deplorable state, with a non-functional toilet filled with stagnant water and waste, underscored by soiled rags on the floor.
The parents, Sanel Canovic and Azra Nikocevic, have been identified and are now facing serious charges of felony child neglect. Meanwhile, the children have been placed under protective custody as investigations continue.
This case highlights a severe instance of neglect, prompting authorities to take swift action to safeguard the welfare of these children. It underscores the critical role of community vigilance and law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals.
Source: Wsvn
