Kentucky Parents Face Charges After Autistic Sons Allegedly Imprisoned in Bloody Closet

A Kentucky couple faces multiple charges, including criminal abuse and unlawful imprisonment, following the discovery of their two nonverbal autistic sons, aged 8 and 9, allegedly locked in a closet. Casey Farthing and Stephanie Harmer were arrested after a landlord's complaint about the deplorable condition of their former apartment led to a child abuse investigation. Authorities found the old residence infested with roaches, dirty diapers, old food, and human feces, with an estimated $2,500 in damages.

Upon locating the couple at their new apartment, officers observed similar unsanitary conditions, though less severe. Crucially, investigators discovered scratch marks and smeared blood on a wall inside a bedroom closet, which had a distinct lock. The couple's 5-year-old daughter reportedly told Child Protective Services that her parents would lock her brothers in the closet as punishment. The 8-year-old boy was found with dried blood on two fingers and a broken fingernail, while the parents denied the allegations, claiming the lock was pre-existing.

Harmer reportedly admitted to investigators that she became overwhelmed by the mess and stopped attempting to clean. Court documents indicate all three children wore diapers and had never brushed their teeth. All children have been removed from the couple's care. Farthing and Harmer were issued $25,000 bonds and are prohibited from any caretaking or supervisory roles with children if released.