Richmond, Kentucky — A Kentucky mother and father have been arrested after police say they locked their two nonverbal sons inside a closet where the boys clawed at the walls until their fingers were bloody while trying to escape.
Authorities identified the suspects as Stephanie Harmer, 36, and Casey Farthing, 41, who now face multiple felony charges following a disturbing investigation at an apartment in Richmond.
Police say the case came to light after a landlord reported that the family had left their rental property in extremely poor condition.
Landlord’s complaint led police to shocking discovery
According to investigators, the landlord contacted the Richmond Police Department after discovering that former tenants had left the apartment in what authorities described as “deplorable conditions.”
Officers responded to the property and found the home severely damaged.
Authorities say the apartment contained cockroaches, dirty diapers, and human feces, along with significant property damage estimated at about $2,500.
Investigators also noticed that several interior doors had locks installed on the outside, raising concerns about how the rooms had been used.
Bloody walls discovered inside closet
While inspecting the apartment, officers reportedly found a disturbing scene inside a bedroom closet.
Police say the closet walls had blood stains and damaged drywall that appeared to have been clawed from the inside.
Investigators believe the damage was caused by children attempting to escape while locked inside the closet.
The discovery immediately triggered a deeper investigation into possible child abuse.
Children allegedly locked inside as punishment
Authorities later learned that Harmer and Farthing had lived in the apartment with their three children — two boys ages 9 and 8, and a 5-year-old daughter.
Police say the two boys both have autism and are nonverbal, meaning they are unable to communicate verbally.
During the investigation, Kentucky Child Protective Services interviewed the children.
According to investigators, the young girl told officials that “mommy and daddy lock the boys in the closet when they’re bad.”
This statement raised further concerns about possible long-term abuse.
Children showed signs of injuries and neglect
Authorities examined the children and reported signs of injuries.
One child reportedly had fingers covered in dried blood and a broken fingernail, which investigators believe may have occurred while trying to escape the closet.
Police also documented additional signs of neglect.
Investigators reported that none of the children had ever brushed their teeth and that all three children were still wearing diapers.
These findings prompted further involvement from child welfare officials.
Parents dispute claims about closet lock
When questioned by investigators, the parents allegedly claimed the lock on the closet door was already installed when they moved into the apartment.
However, police say the landlord disputed that claim, stating the lock had not been present before the family moved in.
Authorities say the evidence at the scene contradicted the parents’ explanation.
Multiple felony charges filed
Harmer and Farthing were both arrested following the investigation.
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The couple now faces several serious charges, including:
- First-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12
- First-degree unlawful imprisonment
- First-degree criminal mischief related to property damage
Both suspects are currently being held at the Madison County Detention Center.
Court proceedings expected to continue
According to court records, the couple was scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment hearing shortly after their arrest.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as child welfare officials continue evaluating the situation involving the children.
Officials have not released further details about the children’s current living arrangements.
What steps do you think communities and authorities should take to better identify and prevent cases of child abuse like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
