An 11-year-old boy who was confined to his room by his mother has been rescued after being found malnourished and covered in waste.
Rachel Nicole Blaylock, aged 40, was taken into custody by authorities in Baytown, Texas, following a request for an urgent welfare check on her child at their mobile home.
Upon entering the residence, an officer detailed the scene in a court affidavit, describing a house filled with flies and a strong stench of feces that caused physical discomfort.
The child, a non-verbal autistic individual, was discovered in his room weighing only 46 pounds (20kg), with fecal residue on his body and under his nails.
Investigators revealed that the boy had been confined using a lockable screen door from the outside, preventing him from leaving the room while allowing Blaylock to monitor him.
The same officer noted the unsanitary conditions of the child’s bedroom, highlighting the filthy mattress and presence of feces throughout the room.
In court documents, it was recounted that Blaylock was instructed to take her son to the hospital, to which she responded with reluctance, expressing disdain for medical professionals.
Medical evaluations disclosed severe autism and significant dental decay in the child, indicating neglect as the cause. Blaylock faced charges of child injury and an additional charge of methamphetamine possession, with a bond set at $250,000 (£186,000).
The boy’s grandmother reported to authorities that he was frequently confined in his room for extended periods, preventing her from providing him with basic necessities. She mentioned his lack of schooling due to potty-training issues and a habit of removing clothing.
The grandmother criticized Blaylock’s parenting, stating she was neglectful and uninvolved in the child’s care.
Furthermore, records revealed that a Child Protective Services worker had previously advised Blaylock to seek medical attention for the child due to his critically low weight.
For an 11-year-old boy in the US, the average weight is 79 pounds (35kg).