A North Carolina sheriff’s office said an anonymous tip led deputies to a 9-year-old boy who had been locked outside overnight; the temperature was 28 degrees.
Sheriff Richie Simmons said deputies responded in minutes and found the child locked in a dog kennel, which was secured with a padlock.
The child was treated at the hospital and later released; two other children found inside the home were checked out by EMS at the scene but Simmons said they had no obvious injuries.
Jonathan Star and Sarah Star, the child’s father and step-mother, were arrested and charged with felony child abuse, misdemeanor child abuse, and false imprisonment.
Detectives also later arrested Shelly Barnes, the boy’s aunt, for felony child abuse, misdemeanor child abuse, false imprisonment, possession of firearm by felon, and maintaining a dwelling place for controlled substances.
In court on Thursday, Jonathan and Sarah Starr’s bonds were increased from $30,000 to $100,000 secured. Shelley Barnes’ bond was increased from $60,000 to $300.000.
