2 Malnourished Texas Children Found Living in Dog Crates as Mom, Boyfriend Are Charged

Photo: Wise County Sheriff’s Office

When authorities responded to an alleged domestic violence incident near Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday morning, they found a disturbing scene.

According to authorities, Harkings is the biological mother of all four children. Fabila is the father of one of the children.

Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin tells theWise County Messengerthat the children were dirty and appeared malnourished. “There was food in the house, but it was locked up where the kids couldn’t get it,” he told the newspaper.

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“The four children have been taken to Cook’s [Children’s Medical Center] in Fort Worth to be examined,” Sheriff Akin told theStar Telegramin a telephone interview Tuesday.

The Star-Telegram reports that the children were released from the hospital on Tuesday night and placed with foster families.

“DFPS investigators will continue working with law enforcement on the case,” Marissa Gonzales with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services told the newspaper.

The couple remains in the Wise County Jail as of Wednesday afternoon, PEOPLE confirms. Fabila’s bond has been set at $60,000; Harkings’ bond is $75,000.

They have not entered pleas. Court records do not reflect an attorney authorized to speak on behalf of either.

source: people.com