DEMING, N.M. — Two parents were arrested after deputies found their six-year-old child locked inside a wooden shed, according to the Luna County Sheriff’s Office.
The child told deputies she was trapped inside the shed without water and unable to get out. The shed, located on Pequeno Road NE in Deming, had no electricity or running water. The incident occurred on June 20.
Investigators learned that Bruce and Samantha Anglin had left the child locked inside while they went into town with their younger child. The shed contained only a mattress with no blankets and was described as hot, dirty, dusty, and foul-smelling with urine and feces. Temperatures in the area had exceeded 100 degrees.
Court documents state the child went without water for more than 24 hours. Samantha Anglin claimed she tried to let the child out multiple times but was prevented by Bruce Anglin, who said the child was locked up as punishment.
Both parents were detained and later arrested on child abuse charges. They are currently held at the Luna County Detention Center. The children involved have been placed in the care of the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department.
