A Madisonville couple is facing criminal abuse charges after investigation alleged they cruelly confined and malnourished an 11-year-old in their care for the last several years.
According to a news release from the Madisonville Police Department, police responded to a home in Madisonville to conduct a welfare check on the children there, after receiving reports of abuse and neglect where an 11-year-old in the home had been “grounded” since the age of five. The child was reportedly not allowed to leave their room and had to face the corner of the wall for hours on end—if the victim looked away from the wall, they were denied meals.
Upon arrival, contact was made with Krystal Day, who allowed officers to enter the home. Contact was made with the 11-year-old, who weighs 54 pounds, who was found facing the wall in her room—the window of the room was completely covered by plywood and there were two mounted cameras that were facing the corner were the child sat. There was only a bed in the middle of the room.
The child did confirm the information that was provided to DCBS, but reportedly did not want to talk more due to fear of punishment. Further investigation revealed that the 11-year-old was only allowed to leave the room to go to the bathroom, to go to school and sometimes to eat—the child reportedly had not eaten with the family since 2019, and was not allowed to have any contact with siblings or family members. If the victim tried to, there was further punishment.
In the family vehicle, a large piece of carboard was reportedly used to block the child from having contact with any other family member. The child was reportedly visibly malnourished and subjected to cruel confinement and punishment.
Krystal Day, identified as the step-mother to the victim, and the father Aaron Day were both arrested and charged with first-degree criminal child abuse against a child under the age of 12.
