ROCK CAVE, W.Va. (WDTV/Gray News) – Authorities in Upshur County arrested a West Virginia couple after discovering three children living in disturbing and unsanitary conditions.
Catara White, 25, and Trevor Howell, 26, are facing felony child neglect charges after deputies found children ages 2, 5, and 15 inside a home on Frazier Road in Rock Cave, surrounded by rotting garbage, feces, and other hazardous materials.
The investigation began after multiple complaints were made about loose dogs, the home’s collapsing floor, and the couple asking neighbors for food and help showering the children.
When deputies arrived, they reported encountering piles of rotting trash, blood-stained dog feces, decaying food in cookware, and a roof leak over the children’s beds. Vomit was also present inside the home.
Court documents revealed that children were walking barefoot through smeared feces, and newborn puppies were found in the bathroom, also surrounded by feces. A disturbing moment occurred when a 5-year-old child was seen drinking from a Crock-Pot left outside.
Authorities also noted open sores on the 2-year-old’s arm and found marijuana and drug paraphernalia within the children’s reach.
All children and animals were removed from the home for their safety.
White and Howell are being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail, each on a $50,000 bond.
