A pair has been taken into custody following the discovery of six children, among them a two-month-old infant, residing in deplorable conditions inside a storage unit. Police were alerted to the situation by a concerned individual hearing a child crying at the storage facility in the early hours of a Tuesday. Upon arrival, law enforcement found the children, ranging in age from two months to nine years, with unclear details on how long they had been there. Fortunately, the children did not show any signs of physical harm. Azyia Zielinski, 26, and Charles Dupriest, 33, have been charged in relation to the incident.
Reports from detectives described the storage unit as disorganized and lacking windows, with minimal furnishings such as a couch and a mattress without sheets. Despite finding soda, milk, and snacks inside, the unit had no essential utilities like water, electricity, or lighting. Additionally, there was an orange bucket containing urine in the center of the room, emitting a strong odor that made it difficult for investigators to remain inside. Zielinski, visibly emotional, faced court charges related to child neglect, while Dupriest faced similar charges along with possession of a firearm.
The investigation revealed that Zielinski and Dupriest were found sleeping in a vehicle parked outside the unit with their pet dog, prompting one of the children to express distress over the situation where the dog had better sleeping conditions than the children. Neighbors recalled seeing the family with kids frequenting the storage unit, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. However, one tenant of the storage facility mentioned never witnessing any children on the premises despite daily visits, raising questions about the circumstances.
Concerns over the security and well-being of the children have led some individuals to consider seeking alternative storage solutions. The children, described as “unhoused” by the police, are now safe, and discussions are ongoing regarding their care and the review of charges by the District Attorney’s Office. Despite attempts to contact the facility’s management for comments, no response was provided. Further updates on the situation are pending as the investigation progresses.