A Flagler County woman, Amanda Gaisford, was arrested on charges of child neglect following a disturbing discovery at her home on Fanwood Court in Palm Coast. Deputies were initially called to the residence on December 7th, after a weapons disturbance involving a 16-year-old and 19-year-old Donovan McKelvin. The altercation reportedly escalated when the teen allegedly pointed a gun at a person in a car, and McKelvin damaged the vehicle.
When deputies arrived, they interviewed the witnesses and the 16-year-old’s mother. While the mother claimed the weapon was a BB gun, others at the scene insisted it appeared to be a real firearm. As a result, the teenager was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and McKelvin was charged with criminal mischief. Both suspects were processed, with McKelvin released on bond, while the 16-year-old was sent to juvenile detention.
However, the situation became even more alarming when deputies obtained a search warrant and returned to the home. Upon entering, deputies found a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun in the living room, easily accessible to the four children living in the house. The conditions inside the home were deemed deplorable. Trash and spoiled food covered the floors, and the toilets were clogged and filled with waste due to a lack of running water. Fleas, cockroaches, and spiders infested the home, and deputies also found drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and prescription medications, scattered throughout the property.
The homeowner, Amanda Gaisford, was arrested for four felony counts of child neglect without great bodily harm. Her bond was set at $10,000, and she remained in custody as of Friday. The Florida Department of Children and Families took custody of her four children, and Palm Coast Animal Control removed three cats from the property.
Sheriff Rick Staly expressed his concern over the discovery, stating, “This house was in disgusting condition that nobody should be subjected to, especially children. I am happy that we were able to get these children out of this house before any of them seriously hurt or accidentally killed themselves by stumbling upon a loaded firearm or became seriously ill due to the deplorable living conditions and exposure to illegal narcotics.”
