Parents arrested after starving 10-year-old son runs away and begs for food

Krista Schindley (left) and Tyler Schindley (right) were arrested after their 10-year-old son was found begging neighbors for food (Picture: Spalding County Sheriffs Office)

Two parents in Georgia were charged with attempted murder after their 10-year-old son was found starving and begging not to be returned to his home.

Neighbors in an upscale suburb of Griffin were shocked when they discovered a small child wandering around the neighborhood and begging for food on Friday evening.

The child, who has not been named, was found by concerned neighbors, who said he was searching for a grocery store to find food.

According to a spokesperson from the Griffin Police Department, the child asked responding police officers to ‘please not make him go back.’

Tyler Schindley turned himself in after his son was found on Friday (Picture: Spalding County Sheriffs Office)

‘Officers noted that the child seemed very small, very thin, and his skin was discolored,’ police said.

The 10-year-old boy weighed only 36 pounds when he was taken into custody on Friday, May 12.

He was taken to a hospital, where he is currently being treated for malnutrition and a low heartbeat. He was also suffering from a ‘dental injury and disfiguration’ that his parents failed to treat.

‘This child was, simply put, being starved to death, and it is tragic,’ District Attorney Marie Broder said on Tuesday. ‘It’s heartbreaking. As a mother I can’t comprehend it.’

Krista Schindley was arrested shortly after her husband was taken into custody (Picture: Spalding County Sheriffs Office)

She continued: ‘It is my true belief that had he not gotten out of the home, this case would be a very different one.’

The child’s parents, Tyler and Krista Schindley, were arrested on Friday. They face several charges, including attempted murder, false imprisonment, and cruelty to children.

According to an arrest warrant, the Schindleys would keep the child locked in his room for hours without light, food, and clothing. The room also lacked access to ‘hot or warm running water, outside view, toilet paper, electronic communication, human interaction, adult supervision or access to exit.’

According to court records, the Schindleys have other children living at that home, who are currently being interviewed by investigators.

‘We aren’t releasing any photos of this child for obvious reasons, but I will tell you the photos are absolutely horrible,’ District Attorney Broder said at a press conference. ‘Anyone with a human heart that looks at them should be shaken to their core. I certainly was.’

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