Authorities in London, Ontario have pressed charges against a couple after finding a malnourished 10-year-old boy in their home, living in horrible conditions and covered in his own waste.
"The master bedroom — an alleged jail cell for a 10-year-old boy for as long as two years. ... The boy had come to Canada four years ago from an unnamed Asian country without his parents." (Via CTV)
The boy was found after an anonymous tip to Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex. CTV reports the homeowners were called to the scene and when police entered the home, they found the boy living in so-called "squalid" conditions.
"The bedroom had food waste, feces and urine on the floor and on the bed. ... The child was confused, of course, and upset but the child is doing quite well now." (Via London Free Press)
Local outlets report the boy's guardians are his aunt and uncle. Neighbors told reporters they initially saw the boy when he first started living with the couple, but figured he wasn't living there anymore because they didn't see him.
The boy was reportedly fed fast food twice a day. The couple's 9-year-old daughter was also living with the family but CBC reports she was fed properly and there's no evidence she was confined in the house.
The couple has been charged with forcible confinement and failing to provide the necessities of life. Although the boy was malnourished, authorities say they're optimistic about his recovery. The boy said all he wants now is a good meal and a chance to go to school.
