Pittsburgh police find 4 children living in “horrible” conditions | Mother taken into custody
PITTSBURGH —
Police say they were responding to an assault when they discovered four children living in horrible conditions at a Pittsburgh home.
Officials were called to a reported “active assault” in the area of Shanley Manor Drive around 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Authorities say when they arrived, witnesses refused to speak to them and nothing was found in the area.
However, at the scene, police say they detained a woman who was “highly irate and uncooperative” with police. That woman was identified as Koreya Washington.
Police say while clearing the house and searching for victims in the reported assault, they found four small children without clothing and covered in dirt.
The home itself was filled with dirt, trash and food scraps on the first and second floors, while the walls were covered in feces and other unknown dried liquids.
Officials say they spoke with a coworker who was familiar with Washington. That social worker told authorities they had attempted to provide the woman with resources, however Washington allegedly declined.
Washington allegedly told police her boyfriend didn’t allow her to leave the home and that she is a victim of domestic violence. She also alleged she couldn’t clean because her boyfriend doesn’t allow her to do so and messes it up.
Police say Washington contradicted herself by saying her boyfriend was never home and she could not clean because then her children cry.
According to authorities, two of the children told police they were hungry.
The children were taken from the house to a hospital while Washington was taken into custody.
The criminal complaint said “Washington continued to blame her situation on everyone except herself and stated to (the reporting officer) that nothing should happen to mothers who don’t care for their children if the mother is a victim of domestic violence.”
Washington is facing four counts of endangering the welfare of children.