Missouri Parents Accused of Starving Their Children, Locking Them in Rooms, and Punishing Them for Vomiting From Extreme Hunger, Police Say
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MISSOURI — A Missouri mother and father are facing serious criminal charges after investigators say they locked their children in rooms, starved them, restricted access to food with padlocks, and punished them for vomiting from extreme hunger. Authorities described the home as “uninhabitable,” noting that the children survived under conditions of severe neglect and physical abuse.
Amberly Britton and Mark Myers are each charged with second-degree drug trafficking and three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. They are currently being held on $250,000 cash-only bonds, according to the St. Charles County Police Department.
Abuse Uncovered After a Child Arrived at School With a Serious Injury
The investigation began when one of the children arrived at school with a “significant laceration” requiring medical treatment. The Children’s Division contacted law enforcement after seeing additional signs of neglect and becoming concerned about the wellbeing of all three children living in the home.
When investigators entered the residence, they documented:
- Strong odors of urine
- Mattresses with no bedding
- Hazardous clutter and debris
- Dirty dishes and unsanitary surfaces
- Lack of heat inside the home
Authorities also found locks placed on kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator, preventing the children from accessing food. Britton and Myers reportedly claimed the locks were used to “control what the children ate.”
Children Report Being Locked in Their Room and Punished for Hunger
Two of the three children spoke with investigators and described a deeply disturbing pattern of abuse. A 13-year-old told officers she often experienced pain, vomiting from extreme hunger, and punishment after she vomited.
The children also said:
- They were regularly locked in their bedroom, sometimes overnight.
- They had to wake themselves, prepare their own food, and get ready for school because the adults were “sleeping for extended periods.”
- They were subjected to physical beatings with belts, paddles, or other objects.
- They were grabbed or dragged “by the neck.”
- They were instructed not to tell anyone about the abuse.
- They were afraid of being punished if they left their room or tried to get food.
Investigators confirmed the children’s statements, finding:
- Locks on all bedroom doors, some requiring fingerprint access
- Windows in the children’s room screwed shut
- Locked cabinets and refrigerators consistent with the starvation allegations
Parents Accused of Showing No Remorse
According to probable cause documents, Britton “blamed the children” during questioning and showed no remorse for the abuse they described. Myers allegedly gave similar responses, telling investigators the children “lie” about their treatment.
During visits to the home, adults reportedly appeared:
- Evasive
- Impaired
- Unable or unwilling to complete drug testing
Officials say they had received information that methamphetamine was being used inside the home.
Even after being given opportunities to correct safety hazards, investigators reported “no meaningful improvements.”
Home Deemed Uninhabitable Despite Recent Inheritance Money
The home was declared unsafe and uninhabitable, with investigators finding no toys, no clothing for the children, and no sign that Britton had used funds from a recent inheritance for their care.
Authorities stated plainly:
“There is no indication that any of those funds were used for the children.”
Charges Filed and Investigation Continues
Britton and Myers were arrested and charged with:
- Second-degree drug trafficking
- Three counts of first-degree child endangerment
Additional charges may follow depending on the results of ongoing forensic and medical examinations.
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