LMPD: JCPS administrators find kids living outside, woman arrested on child endangerment charges

Aug 30, 2024 at 3:12 AM

Shocking Neglect: Children Found Living in Dire Conditions, Prompting Urgent Action

In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, two Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) administrators discovered two children, ages 10 and 11, living in dire conditions outside a residence on Home Park Drive in Louisville, Kentucky. The administrators immediately alerted the authorities, leading to a troubling investigation that has resulted in criminal charges against the children's mother.

Uncovering the Harsh Realities: A Harrowing Tale of Neglect

The Dire Discovery: Children Living in the Elements

According to the Louisville Metro Police, the two JCPS administrators were prompted to visit the Home Park Drive residence after receiving reports of concerning living conditions. Upon arrival, they were confronted with a heart-wrenching sight – the two young children, both appearing dirty, hungry, and injured, were living outside the home. The administrators quickly determined that the children's living situation was not only highly unusual but also potentially dangerous, prompting them to take immediate action.

Alerting the Authorities: A Cry for Help

The administrators swiftly contacted the police, providing a detailed account of the disturbing conditions they had witnessed. Their quick thinking and decisive action proved crucial, as the police were able to respond promptly and launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

Uncovering a Troubling Pattern: Neglect and Malnourishment

As the investigation unfolded, a troubling pattern emerged. Authorities discovered that a third child, a 16-year-old sibling of the two younger children, had arrived at school in a state of apparent malnourishment, dehydration, and neglect. This alarming development only served to underscore the severity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention.

The Teenager's Harrowing Account: Shedding Light on the Horror

The 16-year-old sibling provided crucial testimony to the police, painting a grim picture of the living conditions inside the Home Park Drive residence. The teenager revealed that their mother had been absent from the home, and the living conditions were described as filthy and unlivable. This harrowing account corroborated the administrators' initial findings and further emphasized the desperate need for immediate action to protect the children.

The Mother's Admission: Accountability and the Pursuit of Justice

The investigation took a troubling turn when 34-year-old Betty Snider, the mother of the children, provided a mirandized statement to the police. Snider acknowledged her awareness of the children's living conditions, further compounding the gravity of the situation. This admission has led to Snider being charged with wanton endangerment, abandonment of a minor, and endangering the welfare of a minor, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations and the commitment of the authorities to hold those responsible accountable.

The Children's Wellbeing: A Paramount Concern

As the investigation continues, the primary focus remains on the safety and well-being of the children involved. The three siblings were transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and care, indicating the urgent need to address their physical and emotional needs in the aftermath of this traumatic ordeal.