Copperas Cove, TX – A Texas mother, Erica Renee Sanders, has been charged with felony child endangerment after allegedly moving out of her apartment with her boyfriend while her 12-year-old son was at school, leaving him to find their belongings gone when he returned home. The incident has prompted local authorities to investigate and press charges.
The Incident: Mother Moves Out Without Informing Her Son
On October 17, 2025, around 5:18 p.m., Copperas Cove Police were alerted to a troubling situation by the principal of the local middle school. The 12-year-old boy had gotten off the school bus that afternoon to find his apartment empty, with all furniture and belongings gone, according to a police report.
The child’s apartment in Copperas Cove, where he had lived with his mother, Erica Sanders, and her boyfriend, Keven Dwyane Adams, was described by responding officers as “empty and completely barren.” The young boy confirmed that the apartment was not in this state when he left for school that morning.
“His family packed up and moved and left him there,” the principal told officers.
Investigation and Evidence: Mother’s Actions and Inconsistent Stories
The boy reported that both Sanders and Adams had previously mentioned that they planned to move at some point, but never informed him of the exact time or date. According to the complaint, Sanders had told the officers that her brother (the boy’s uncle) was supposed to pick him up from school. However, she refused to provide any contact information for her brother, leaving officers without further details.
As officers investigated, Adams claimed that Sanders had not abandoned her son, but that the child was no longer welcome to live with them. He explained that Sanders was now living with him, and the boy had been told he would have to stay elsewhere.
“She was living with him now and [her son] was not welcome in his home,” Adams said during questioning.
While police were at the home, a neighbor informed officers that Sanders and Adams had a history of kicking the boy out of the apartment, further suggesting a strained relationship between the child and the couple.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Both Sanders and Adams were arrested, and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that Sanders has been charged with intentional abandonment of a child under Texas Penal Code, a third-degree felony. Sanders was accused of abandoning her son, who is under the age of 15, without any intention of returning to care for him.
According to police statements, the child was brought to the Copperas Cove Police Department for safety, and Child Protective Services (CPS) was alerted. Sanders and Adams later had a conversation with CPS, and the child was eventually released to Adams around 9:20 p.m. after a lengthy delay.
Statements and Reactions: Community and Authorities Speak Out
The community has expressed shock and concern over the situation. Neighbors and local officials have condemned Sanders and Adams’ actions, emphasizing the need for proper child welfare intervention in cases involving neglect.
“The boy had no idea what had happened. He was completely caught off guard by the move,” said a local officer.
Kennibrew, the boy’s mother, took to social media to express her outrage, stating she was devastated by the lack of communication from Sanders and Adams.
“I pray all kids are able to get prosecuted further down the line,” she wrote on Facebook, calling for full accountability for Sanders and Adams.
Background Context: Legal Implications of Abandonment
Under Texas law, abandoning a child is a serious criminal offense, especially if the child is under 15 years old. This case highlights child neglect and abandonment issues that can arise from dysfunctional family dynamics, with authorities stressing the need for supervision and support for at-risk children.
Legal experts say that Sanders’ actions are particularly concerning due to the lack of notice given to the child about the relocation and the failure to ensure the boy had a safe place to stay after she left.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Following the arrest, Sanders and Adams’ case has been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review. The investigation into the couple’s actions continues, and further charges could be brought depending on the outcome of the trial. The couple’s history of domestic tension and the lack of available family support for the boy is also likely to come under scrutiny during the legal proceedings.
The case has sparked local debates about child welfare and the responsibilities of parents in ensuring the well-being of their children, especially when moving or separating families.
Conclusion
This case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of communication and responsibility in parenting. As Sanders faces felony charges for abandoning her 12-year-old son, local authorities and the community continue to monitor the situation, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the child’s safety and future well-being.
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