St. Charles County, Missouri – A Missouri couple is facing serious charges after investigators say their three children were locked inside rooms, denied food, beaten for vomiting from extreme hunger, and forced to care for themselves while living in hazardous conditions. The allegations came to light after one child arrived at school with a severe laceration that required immediate medical treatment, prompting state officials to intervene.
Incident Overview
According to a probable cause filing from St. Charles County Police, the home was discovered in an unsanitary and unsafe state when investigators entered. Reports say the children lived amid strong odors of urine, piles of clutter, dirty dishes stacked across surfaces, and mattresses with no bedding. Officials described the house as nearly uninhabitable, noting the absence of heat and the lack of toys or clothing belonging to the children.
When questioned, mother Amberly Britton and father Mark Myers allegedly deflected blame and insisted the children were lying about the abuse. Police say Britton showed no remorse and repeatedly accused the children of fabricating details about their treatment.
How the Investigation Began
The case began when child welfare officials were notified that a child arrived at school with a significant injury. That injury raised immediate concerns about the conditions inside the home. State investigators and police made multiple visits, observing issues that became progressively more troubling.
Authorities said both adults often appeared evasive or impaired and avoided completing drug tests after officers received information about possible methamphetamine use inside the residence.
Locked Cabinets, Restricted Food Access, and Starvation Allegations
One of the most disturbing claims centers on how the children were allegedly denied food. Police say every cabinet and the refrigerator in the kitchen were locked, making it impossible for the children to access food without breaking the locks. Interviews revealed the children were often so hungry that they vomited from severe hunger. After vomiting, they were reportedly punished.
Investigators say Britton and Myers claimed the locks were necessary to “control” what the children ate, but officers found no evidence supporting the need for such extreme measures.
Children Described Being Confined and Unsupervised
Two of the three children told authorities they were frequently locked inside their bedroom for long periods, including overnight. One child, age 13, reported intense stomach pain from hunger and described being disciplined after getting sick. They also said the windows in the room had been screwed shut so they could not leave.
The children told investigators the adults slept for long periods and failed to provide basic supervision. This led the children to wake themselves, prepare what limited food they could access, and get ready for school without adult involvement.
According to police, the children also described physical discipline involving belts, paddles, and other objects. Some injuries were allegedly hidden, and the children were told not to disclose what happened at home out of fear of further punishment.
Filthy Living Conditions and Lack of Basic Care
During their visits, investigators documented unsafe living conditions including:
- Strong odors of urine
- Extreme clutter and debris throughout the home
- No bedding on mattresses
- Lack of heat
- No children’s clothing or toys present
Despite recently receiving inheritance funds, police say Britton made no improvements to benefit the children and showed no effort to address any safety hazards.
Charges Filed and Current Status
Following the investigation, both Britton and Myers were charged with:
- Second-degree drug trafficking
- Three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child
Authorities confirmed both adults are being held on $250,000 cash-only bonds.
Why This Case Raises Larger Safety Concerns
Cases involving prolonged confinement, starvation, and physical discipline are among the most dangerous forms of child abuse because the harm is both physical and psychological. The details described by investigators point to long-term neglect, and the conditions of the home suggest the children were deprived of the most basic necessities.
Professionals emphasize the role of schools, neighbors, and community members in reporting signs of abuse when children show injuries, drastic behavioral changes, hunger, or fear of returning home. In this case, a single school injury report ultimately triggered the intervention that helped uncover the alleged long-term abuse.
What Investigators Will Likely Examine Next
As the case proceeds, investigators typically review:
- Medical evaluations of all children
- Forensic interviews
- Drug testing results
- Environmental safety inspections
- Financial records, especially regarding inheritance funds
- Previous welfare reports, if any
These findings can influence potential future charges or sentencing decisions.
Community Response
Child welfare advocates in Missouri say the case highlights the importance of early reporting and the need for continued oversight in homes where concerns have been raised. Officials say repeated warnings, evasive behavior, and failure to clean hazardous conditions often indicate deeper issues within a household.
Conclusion
The allegations against Britton and Myers illustrate a deeply troubling situation in which children were allegedly deprived of food, locked away, punished for natural reactions to hunger, and forced to live in dangerous conditions. With both parents now in custody, investigators continue to evaluate the children’s well-being and prepare evidence for court proceedings.
Community members with concerns about child welfare are urged to contact local authorities immediately, as timely action can prevent further harm.
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