Parents in Georgia arrested for child abuse after 10-year-old, 36-pound son was caught begging for food

Two Georgia parents have been charged with attempted murder and child molestation after their starving 10-year-old son was found wandering their neighborhood looking for a grocery store where he could beg for food.

Police in Griffin arrested Tyler, 46, and Krista, 47, Schindley after neighbors in the posh enclave found the emaciated boy roaming the streets on Friday. The child begged police officers to “please don’t let him go back.”

The boy was Reportedly barefoot, hungry and confused.

Authorities said the child had been deliberately starved and weighed about 36 pounds when found — the weight of an average 4-year-old.

Prosecutor Marie Broder said at a press conference on Tuesday, “This child, simply put, was starving and it’s tragic.”

The couple has been charged with attempted murder, in addition to several counts of child abuse

“I do believe that if he hadn’t gotten out of that house, this would be a completely different case,” she added.

“This case is just disturbing. It’s heartbreaking,” said Broder, who has spent most of her career prosecuting child molester suspects.

“As a mother, I can’t comprehend it. As a human it breaks your heart. We’re not releasing any photos of this kid for obvious reasons, but I can tell you, the photos are absolutely horrific, and anyone with a human heart looking at them should be shocked to the bone.”

The parents were accused of locking the child in his bedroom and leaving him alone in the house for “long periods of time and on multiple occasions, without access to light, food, clothing or adult interaction and/or assistance,” the court said. court. documents.

The pair also allegedly withheld hot water, toilet paper and an outdoor view. At one point, they are believed to have punched the 10-year-old, causing further injuries.

The abuse is believed to have taken place for at least three years, starting in May 2020.

According to officials, the boy was one of five siblings living in the half-million-dollar home — neither the oldest nor the youngest. Authorities did not share information about the condition of the other children, but said it appeared the 10-year-old boy was the only one left hungry.

The couple’s home has a current estimated value of $447,000 in an area where the median home price is $191,000.

Tyler Schindley voluntarily came to the local police after his son was found and spoke to investigators. Krista Schindley was subsequently arrested, following a separate interview she had.

Tyler’s Facebook page listed him as a manager at a local Under Armor store, but recent posts promoted a flotation spa, which he and his wife appeared to be franchise owners of True Rest Float Spa’s McDonough and Peachtree City locations.

In a video posted to the True Rest Float Spa’s Instagram page on May 1, Krista Schindley is seen leading a guest into a spa room.

The owners of the True Rest Spas have distanced themselves from the Schindleys, saying they were “appalled and appalled” by the arrest.

A recent message from the True REST spa owners said the franchisees had been replaced following their shock arrests

The Schindleys’ home in Griffin, Georgia, where neighbors say the couple often left their children at home for long periods of time while on vacation

Tyler Schindley in a photo from his Facebook profile. He faces charges of second-degree second-degree manslaughter and attempted murder with intent. He also faces several charges of cruelty to children, battery and false imprisonment

Tyler Schindley seemed to have an active lifestyle. He is shown here taking part in a sporting event that involves jumping over burning coals

The boy has been transported to a local hospital where he is being treated for malnutrition and a low heart rate. The child also suffered “dental injuries and disfigurement” as a result of his treatment, which the parents apparently failed to address.

Law enforcement officials added that the four other children have been placed in the custody of Georgia’s Child Protection Department.

The couple has been charged with attempted second-degree manslaughter and attempted murder with intent. They also face several charges of cruelty to children, battery and false imprisonment.

The couple must appear in court on Monday.