DAYTON — Weeks after two children were found wandering in the street, a mother and her boyfriend are collectively facing more than 100 child abuse charges.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Kyle Knox, 38, and Kayla Shepherd, 29, both appeared in court Thursday to be arraigned on dozens of new charges that were filed against them last week.
Shepherd, the mother of a 9-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, is facing several endangering children and drug charges. Her boyfriend, Knox, is facing over 100 felony charges involving child abuse.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Man facing attempted murder charges in Springfield road rage case
- Check your tickets! Winning Powerball ticket worth $1 million sold in Ohio
- Winter Weather Advisory issued ahead of more snow Friday
Court documents obtained by News Center 7 show police and prosecutors believe the children were the victims of “horrific abuse.” They allege isolation, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, especially for the young boy.
The investigation into the couple began on Arlene Avenue in November. The little girl told police they’d escaped from their house.
As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, court records show the children had been confined to one room in the house since June 2024. Police said that the room was full of trash debris and evidence of physical abuse.
Police noticed the boy had severe swelling of the face and lips, as well as lacerations to his back. He was rushed to Dayton Children’s Hospital, where doctors said his injuries looked like he was a victim of torture.
One neighbor told News Center 7′s Mike Campbell that he never saw any children at the home where Shepherd lived. Another neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said he saw one child when Shepherd first moved in, but things changed.
“When she moved in, I think he started coming around a few months after,” the neighbor said.
Court documents also indicated that the girl told police Knox used lighters, belts, box cutters, and his fists to abuse her brother.
Knox is scheduled to be back in court in two weeks. Shepherd is scheduled to be back in court in February.
News Center 7 has reached out to Montgomery County Children Services to see if they have taken temporary custody of the children. We’re awaiting a response.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]