Maryland Couple Locked Kids In Closets, Fed Them Dog Feces: Cops

MARDELA SPRINGS, MD — Authorities say a Maryland couple beat three children in their care, locked them in closets and force-fed them dog feces. Now, they face multiple child abuse charges. Amanda Wright, 29, and Besline Joseph, 25, both of the Mardela Springs, were arrested on Wednesday, state police said.

Investigators say three children, ages 8, 9 and 10, who lived with the couple endured repeated physical beatings since at least early summer of 2017 from both women. The women used "hands, extension cords, belts, sticks and other objects" to beat the kids, troopers said.

"The children sustained bloody noses, bruises and cuts," state police said in a release. "The investigation also revealed the suspects assaulted the children multiple times with an electronic control device."

Investigators said the children were also locked in closets and a basement.

"There was limited time when they were not confined," state police said. "They were reportedly fed a diet of bread, water, oatmeal and, at times, were forced to eat dog feces."

The women allegedly threatened to kill the kids if they told anyone what was happening to them.

Both face charges including first-degree child abuse, reckless endangerment, use of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, false imprisonment and causing ingestion of a bodily fluid.

An investigation started on Monday after state police learned of child abuse allegations. Child protective services removed the three children from the home that night.

An investigation is ongoing.

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