James Russell, Carly Kahl: Parents charged after holding five kids in ‘dungeon’ inside Pennsylvania home
WARNING: GRAPHIC DETAILS
In a horrendous case of child abuse, two parents have been arrested for allegedly holding their five children captive in a ‘dungeon’ within their home in the US.
Police say they were alerted anonymously by a family member and, after gaining entry to the home in Redstone Township, Pennsylvania, discovered the children locked away, living in a room that was monitored by CCTV cameras.
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The room was locked from the outside with three deadbolts and no door handle.
“This room functioned as a dungeon with video cameras hardwired to the father’s room,” a Pennsylvania State Police statement said.
“It appears that these children were basically held in captivity in this room.” Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele added.
Investigators found a stun gun, a replica pistol, drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the home and will allege Russell made Kahl use the Taser to punish one of the children.
“There’s no reason to be using a device like a stun gun, which is less lethal, not non-lethal, against a child,” Mr Aubele said.
Emergency services personnel attending the scene said they were disgusted by what they uncovered and officials will be seeking harsh penalties for the couple allegedly responsible.
“It’s the only word I can use to describe what we saw and what those children went through,” Trooper Ally Wilson told local news services.
Russell and Kahl will face charges of aggravated assault, endangering welfare of children, reckless endangerment, using an incapacitation device and various weapons offences.
“I’m hoping that these parents go to jail,” Trooper Wilson said.
“And they answer for what they’ve done.”
The children have been placed under the care of Fayette County Children and Youth Services.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
