A Georgia couple faces serious charges after reportedly forcing their 3-year-old son to reside in a filthy shed, lacking both running water and electricity, for almost a month.
Joseph Matthew Turner, 35, and Sarah Elizabeth Pombert, 34, face serious allegations of second-degree cruelty to children. In a shocking development, an arrest warrant issued by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reveals that Turner and Pombert forced a boy to reside in a shed behind their residence on Judge Avenue in Douglasville, located approximately 20 miles west of Atlanta, for nearly three weeks.
Turner and Pombert inflicted severe mental and physical suffering on the boy by confining him to a filthy shed lacking basic amenities like running water and electricity. They left the child unattended, unwashed, and without clothing, demonstrating a shocking level of negligence. Reports indicate that the suspected neglect took place from May 1 to May 22.
Authorities submitted the charges on May 29 and took the couple into custody on June 2, according to court documents.
Neighbour Matthew Govoni revealed to local ABC affiliate WSB that the shed was engulfed in flames during Memorial Day Weekend, igniting the investigation. Govoni reported a massive fire accompanied by explosions that obliterated the shed. The warrant lacked specifics regarding the fire and the methods used by investigators to uncover the purported abuse of the boy, who remained unharmed in the incident.
Govoni revealed that the couple resided in the house for roughly a decade and were not particularly friendly neighbours. He remained unfazed by the accusations.
The neighbour expressed sympathy for the boy.
“I’m saddened for them and the child, but I mean, for the child, I hope they can get to a place where they can be helped,” he said.
As of Sunday, Turner and Pombert continue to be held in the Douglas County Jail. Their legal representation status remains uncertain.
