In Vernon, CT, a distressing incident came to light as authorities revealed that a woman had left her four children alone for an extended period while she embarked on a trip to New York. This case has sparked widespread concern and outrage.

"Mother's Neglect: Four Kids Left in Desperate Circumstances"

Initial Discovery

On November 8th, Vernon Police were called to a Terrace Drive home to conduct a welfare check. Upon their arrival, they were shocked to find all four children - aged 11, 6, 4, and 5 - left unattended in the apartment. The living conditions were truly deplorable. The three youngest children were found to be naked, and the oldest had no shoes. The two-bedroom apartment was covered in dirt and trash, with no beds in the bedrooms. The children were sleeping on a pull-out sofa next to a dirty guinea pig cage.It was evident that the children had no clean space to wash themselves or brush their teeth. The kitchen was filled with old food, toys, dirt, clothes, and trash. The fridge was empty except for expired milk and a bottle of juice. Police also had to direct the children multiple times not to step in the human and cat feces on the floor.

Police Investigation and Actions

During the hours that police were in the home, they witnessed the children eating moldy food off the ground. A joint investigation with the State Department of Children and Families was immediately launched. It was discovered that the mother, 40-year-old Lindsey Powell, had left her children alone and traveled to New York. DCF workers arrived at the home and, after completing their investigation, removed the children from the apartment.Powell had previously informed officers that the three youngest children have autism. Authorities believe she had no intention of returning to care for her kids. This act of neglect has left the community in shock and disbelief.

Community Reactions

Shannon Moderacki, who was visiting a friend in Vernon, expressed her heartbreak, saying, "It breaks my heart. Definitely jail time. It's terrible. Crimes against kids in my eyes are some of the worst." Gabriel Rivera, also visiting a friend in Vernon, added his voice, emphasizing the severity of the situation.This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the need to protect the well-being of children. Lindsey Powell's actions have drawn severe criticism and she has been charged with four counts of risk of injury to a child. She was arraigned in Vernon and held in lieu of a $250,000 surety bond.The community is now waiting to see how this case will unfold and hopes that such incidents can be prevented in the future.