Horror in Pontiac: Michigan mother arrested for allegedly abandoning kids in squalid home

UPDATED: Feb 20, 2025 23:28 IST

A 34-year-old woman from Michigan, Kelli Marie Bryant, has been arrested and charged with child abuse after authorities discovered her three children living alone in terrible conditions for years. She was taken into custody on Friday and is currently in Oakland County Jail.

The investigation began when Oakland County sheriff’s deputies were asked to conduct a welfare check at a townhouse on Lydia Lane in Pontiac. The landlord informed authorities that Bryant had not paid rent since October and had not been in contact since December.

When deputies arrived at the home, they found three children — ages 15, 13, and 12 — living in deplorable conditions. According to the sheriff’s office, garbage was piled up to four feet in some areas, mold was widespread, and human waste was found throughout the house. The toilet was overflowing, and feces were even found in the bathtub.

Children Left Alone for Years

Investigators later discovered that Bryant had been living at another location in the city and would occasionally drop off food for her children. However, the children were mostly left to fend for themselves in the unlivable environment.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard described the case as one of the worst and most prolonged incidents of child abuse he has ever seen. He praised the community for stepping in to help the children and expressed relief that Bryant would face legal consequences.

“This was one of the worst and longest-running cases of child abuse I have seen in my career,” Bouchard stated. “I am thankful for the outpouring of support from the community to help these children have better lives. I am gratified to see this suspect will be held accountable for this unforgivable treatment of these children.”

Bryant is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Thursday.