Overview

• Charles Dupriest and Azyia Zielinski each face six counts of child neglect, and Dupriest is additionally charged with felon in possession after police found a loaded gun in the family SUV.
• Firefighters cut a padlock to reach six children, ages about 2 months to 9 years, in conditions described as putrid with no electricity or running water and a bucket used as a toilet.
• Police say the parents were found asleep in an SUV at the storage facility, appeared intoxicated, and admitted the children had been in the unit about one and a half months despite family housing alternatives.
• A nine-year-old told investigators he cared for five younger siblings when the parents were away or drinking, according to the criminal complaint.
• Prosecutors note facility staff had reported concerns and issued an eviction notice, the children are now in Child Protective Services custody, and records show prior shelter and benefits with Joy House disputing the mother’s claim she was kicked out.