In a shocking case of child neglect, local police in Oviedo arrested a couple on April 29, 2025, for keeping their three children locked up in their home under deplorable conditions since 2021. The children, two eight-year-old twins and a ten-year-old boy, were discovered in a family chalet located in the Fitoria neighborhood, surrounded by excrement and living in what authorities are calling a "house of horrors." The father, a 53-year-old German national, and the mother, a 48-year-old woman of American origin who also holds German nationality, are now in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
The investigation began on April 14, 2025, when a concerned neighbor alerted the Family and Childhood service of the Oviedo City Council. The neighbor had grown suspicious after hearing voices from the house and noticing that children were sometimes visible through the windows, yet they never seemed to leave the property. This prompted local authorities to monitor the situation closely.
According to police reports, the couple had not enrolled their children in school and had effectively isolated them from any social interaction for nearly four years. The children were discovered in extremely poor health, showing signs of malnutrition and psychological distress. "They were oblivious to all contact with reality," one police investigator recounted. "When we brought them outside, they breathed deeply as if they had never been outdoors before."
The operation to rescue the children involved a coordinated effort by seven members of the Oviedo Local Police, social services personnel, and a German translator. This team accessed the home shortly before a city-wide blackout on the evening of April 29, 2025. Upon entering, they found the children in a state of fear, each wearing three masks stacked on top of one another, a bizarre precaution taken by their parents who claimed the children suffered from serious health issues.
Police Commissioner Francisco Javier Lozano described the scene as "a chaotic and extreme situation." He emphasized the gravity of the circumstances, stating, "We have dismantled the house of horrors." The children have since been placed under the care of the regional government and are receiving necessary medical attention.
Following the initial report, police surveillance revealed that the only time the door of the house opened was to collect large food deliveries, raising suspicions about the family’s living conditions. The authorities noted that the volume of food ordered was far too much for a single adult, further indicating that there were more individuals living in the home.
After several days of monitoring, the police confirmed their suspicions and requested a meeting with the Minor's Prosecutor's Office, which resulted in a court order to enter the residence. Upon arrival, the father opened the door and, after being informed of the purpose of the visit, admitted that there were children inside. However, he insisted that they wait while the children were prepared.
As police entered the home, they were met with a disturbing sight. The children were huddled around their mother, who repeatedly insisted that they had severe health problems and instructed officers not to approach them. The conditions in which the children were found were described as appalling, with the home littered with animal waste and other unsanitary conditions.
Once the children were safely removed from the home, they were immediately taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Officials from the Principality of Asturias are currently assessing the situation to ensure the children's ongoing welfare.
The couple now faces charges of abandonment and illegal detention of their children. As the investigation continues, authorities have expressed disbelief that such a situation could occur in a community where everyone knows each other. "I never thought something like this could happen in our country," Commissioner Lozano remarked.
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting discussions about child welfare and the responsibilities of parents. The authorities are urging anyone who suspects similar situations to report them immediately. The safety and well-being of children must always come first, and vigilance from the community can help prevent further tragedies.
As this story develops, the local government is expected to implement measures aimed at increasing awareness and prevention of child neglect. The case serves as a grim reminder of the hidden struggles some families face and the critical importance of community engagement in safeguarding vulnerable children.
