Two parents from Georgia have been charged with attempted murder and child abuse after their starving 10-year-old son was found wandering through their neighborhood looking for a grocery store where he could beg for food.
Police in Griffin arrested Tyler, 46, and Krista, 47, Schindley after neighbors in the upscale enclave found the emaciated boy roaming through the streets on Friday. The child begged police officers to ‘please not make him go back.’
The boy was reportedly barefoot, hungry and confused.
Authorities said the child had been intentionally starved and weighed just about 36 pounds when he was found – the weight of an average 4-year-old.
District Attorney Marie Broder said during a Tuesday news conference: ‘This child was, simply put, being starved to death, and it is tragic.’
Police in Griffin arrested Tyler and Krista Schindley after neighbors found their emaciated son roaming through the streets on Friday
The couple have been charged with attempted murder, in addition to several counts of child abuse
‘I truly believe that if he had not gotten out of that home, this would be a very different case,’ she added.
‘This case is just disturbing. It’s heartbreaking,’ said Broder who has spent the bulk of her career prosecuting child abuse suspects.
‘As a mother, I can’t comprehend it. As a human being, it breaks your heart. We aren’t releasing any photos of this child for obvious reasons, but I will tell you, the photos are absolutely horrible, and anybody with a human heart, who looks at them, should be shaken to their core.’
The parents were accused of locking the child inside his bedroom and leaving him alone at the house for ‘extended periods of time and on multiple occasions, with no access to lights, food, clothing or adult interaction and/or assistance,’ according to court documents.
The couple also allegedly withheld hot water, toilet paper and views of the outdoors. At one point, it is believed they beat the 10-year-old, causing further injuries.
The abuse is believed to have occurred for at least three years, beginning in May of 2020.
The Schindleys’ home in Griffin, Georgia, which is worth an estimated $447,000
Tyler Schindley in a photo from his Facebook profile. He’s charged with attempted homicide in the second degree and attempted malice murder along with wife Krista. He also faces several charges of cruelty to children, battery and false imprisonment
According to officials, the boy was one of five siblings living in the half-million dollar home – not the oldest or the youngest. Authorities did not share information about the conditions of the other children, but said it seemed that the 10-year-old boy was the only one being starved.
The couple’s home has a current estimated value of $447,000 in an area where the median housing price is $191,000.
Tyler Schindley voluntarily came into the local police department after his son was found and spoke with investigators. Krista Schindley was arrested after that, following a separate interview she had.
Tyler’s Facebook page listed him as a manager at a local Under Armour store.
Recent posts promoted a flotation spa, of which he and his wife appeared to be franchise owners of the McDonough and Peachtree City locations of True Rest Float Spa.
In a Mother’s Day promotion posted to the True Rest Float Spa’s Instagram page on May 1, Krista Schindley is seen leading a guest into a spa chamber.
The owners of the True Rest Spas have distanced themselves for the Schindleys, saying they were ‘horrified and shocked’ by the arrest.
Tyler Schindley appeared to enjoy an active lifestyle. He is shown here competing in a sporting event that included jumping over burning coals
The boy was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for malnutrition and a low heart rate. The child also suffered ‘dental injury and disfiguration’ as a result of his treatment, which the parents seemingly failed to treat.
Law enforcement officials added the four other children have been placed in the custody of Georgia’s Child Services department.
The couple have been charged with attempted homicide in the second degree and attempted malice murder. They also face several charges of cruelty to children, battery and false imprisonment.
The couple is due in court on Monday.
