DeLand, FL – A 25-year-old woman from Ormond Beach was arrested on two counts of child neglect after her 4- and 5-year-old children were found wandering alone on busy streets while she was napping at home.
Children Found Alone by Employees
According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from Pet Paradise in Ormond Beach at around 4:30 p.m. Monday. Employees at the pet care facility had spotted the two young boys running around unsupervised for several hours.
The children, ages 4 and 5, were reportedly dirty, sweaty, and thirsty. After offering the boys water, which they drank quickly, the employees asked where they lived, but the boys couldn’t answer. They said they were hungry, and employees provided them with snacks and more water. When asked where they lived, the boys said they didn’t know but mentioned it was “far” away.
Deputies Respond to Mother’s Home
After being alerted, deputies went to Ashley Brianna Donique Boyd’s home, located nearly a mile away. When Boyd answered the door, she reportedly told officers that her children “should be inside.” When deputies informed her that the children were found at Pet Paradise, she seemed unaware of their absence.
Boyd claimed that she had been staying at her boyfriend’s house overnight, returning home at around 7:30 a.m. She told officers that her children had been eating breakfast with their grandmother before she left for work. Boyd said she put the kids in their room to watch “Lilo & Stitch” and fell asleep around 12:30 p.m., not waking up until deputies arrived.
Conditions Found Inside the Home
Upon inspecting Boyd’s home, deputies discovered a dirty bedroom, with food waste scattered around and a sharp knife found on top of the bed. The bed did not have sheets, raising concerns about the living conditions of the children.
Previous Incident and Arrest
This was not the first time Boyd’s children had wandered off. Deputies found a previous report from July 31, when the same children were found at a neighbor’s home about 30 minutes after leaving the house. Boyd acknowledged this previous incident to deputies, stating she had been “warned” about the consequences of the children escaping again.
Following the recent incident, Boyd was arrested and transported to Volusia County Jail. She was later released, and the children were placed in the care of their grandmother. Boyd is scheduled to appear in court on October 21, 2025.
Conclusion
This disturbing case highlights the risks children face when left unsupervised in unsafe environments. The authorities urge parents to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children at all times.
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