Tennessee Mother Told Stepfather to ‘Hit the Kids in the Throat,’ Kept Children in Trash-Filled Home, Police Say
WESTMORELAND, TENNESSEE — A 36-year-old Tennessee mother is accused of keeping her children in horrific living conditions and instructing her husband to “hit them in the throat” when disciplining them, according to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.
Mindy Michelle Mooney was arrested and charged with three counts of child abuse and neglect following a disturbing investigation that revealed both physical abuse and extreme neglect at the family’s home along Tennessee State Route 52 in Westmoreland — about 50 miles northeast of Nashville.
Children Found Living in Filth
The investigation began on October 9 when a Macon County detective responded to a request from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to assist with a suspected child abuse case.
Upon arrival, detectives found the home in a state of severe disrepair. According to court documents, trash and animal feces covered the floors, furniture, and even the children’s bedding.
“The smell of animal feces was overwhelming,” the detective noted in his report. “The entire floor was layered in garbage and filth.”
The children told authorities that the food in the home was rotten or moldy, and that they often had nothing to eat. Investigators confirmed the refrigerator and pantry were filled with spoiled and inedible food, further evidence of prolonged neglect.
‘Make Sure He Hits Them in the Throat,’ Mom Allegedly Told Stepfather
In interviews, one of the children described the violence they endured. The child alleged that Mooney instructed her husband on how to beat them, telling him to “make sure he hits them in the throat.”
The children also said they were frequently threatened and physically punished, according to the affidavit of complaint obtained by the Macon County Chronicle.
Children Withdrawn from School and Isolated
Authorities said Mooney removed the children from public school on September 1, cutting off their access to education and social contact. The victims reportedly had no form of homeschooling or enrichment activities, leaving them completely isolated inside the filthy residence.
“The home environment was unfit for human habitation,” the sheriff’s office said. “These children were living in conditions no one should ever experience.”
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Based on the living conditions, evidence of abuse, and the children’s statements, Mooney was arrested and booked into the Macon County Jail on a $60,000 bond.
She was scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on Wednesday, though case records were not immediately available. Authorities have not said whether the stepfather faces additional charges.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office said the children are now under protective care and receiving medical and psychological evaluations.
This case is one of several recent incidents across Tennessee highlighting severe child neglect and the importance of early intervention by child welfare services.
For continued updates on child welfare and crime investigations across the South, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.