Georgia Couple Arrested for Allegedly Leaving 3-Year-Old Child Alone in Shed ‘Without Running Water or Electricity’
A shocking and deeply disturbing case of alleged child abuse has emerged from Douglasville, Georgia, where a couple has been taken into custody after authorities say they subjected a three-year-old child to unthinkable living conditions. According to official reports, Sarah Pombert, 34, and Joseph Turner, 35, were arrested on June 2 and charged with second-degree child cruelty for allegedly leaving their young son, Bjorn Turner, to live alone in a backyard shed for more than three weeks.
The Arrest and Charges
Court documents reveal that between May 1 and May 22, Pombert and Turner are accused of confining the toddler to a shed located behind their residence. The arrest warrant, filed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on May 29, outlines a harrowing scene: Bjorn was found in an unsanitary environment, unbathed, unclothed, and left unsupervised. The shed where he was allegedly kept had no running water or electricity, raising serious concerns about the child’s health, safety, and basic human dignity.
Authorities described the living space as “dirty” and “unfit for habitation,” asserting that the couple’s actions displayed criminal negligence. The lack of access to clean water, adequate shelter, clothing, and parental supervision are all cited as violations leading to the charges of cruelty.
How the Situation Unfolded
While the full details surrounding how the child came to be discovered remain under investigation, reports suggest that law enforcement responded to a tip or welfare check that led them to uncover the grim reality behind the couple’s home. What they found shocked even seasoned investigators. The child, believed to be living alone in the shed for three weeks, was reportedly malnourished, dirty, and showing signs of neglect.
According to unnamed sources close to the investigation, Pombert and Turner may have been living in the main house during this time, while knowingly leaving Bjorn isolated and exposed to the elements. The reason for this alleged treatment has not yet been publicly disclosed, but authorities are pursuing a full investigation to determine motive and potential long-term abuse.
Community Reaction and Legal Ramifications
The case has sparked outrage across Georgia and beyond, as community members grapple with the idea that such treatment could befall a child in their midst. Social services have stepped in to provide care and evaluation for the child, who is now in the custody of the state or a protective agency.
Child welfare advocates have expressed deep concern over the case, calling for stricter oversight and support systems to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. “This is a tragic reminder that some children are suffering in silence right in our own neighborhoods,” said one local advocate. “It takes vigilance and compassion to protect them.”
If convicted, Pombert and Turner could face significant prison time, fines, and a permanent loss of parental rights. Second-degree cruelty to children in Georgia involves causing excessive physical or mental pain through criminal negligence and is considered a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison per offense.
What Comes Next
The couple is currently being held at the Douglas County Jail, awaiting a bond hearing and further legal proceedings. Child Protective Services and law enforcement continue to investigate the extent of the abuse and whether other individuals may have been aware of or complicit in the situation.
Meanwhile, young Bjorn is reportedly undergoing medical and psychological evaluation. Experts note that while children are remarkably resilient, the kind of isolation and neglect he allegedly endured can have long-lasting developmental and emotional impacts.
As this story develops, authorities are urging the public to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect. In Georgia, and across the United States, anonymous tips can be lifesaving, as this case has tragically proven.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
This heartbreaking case serves as a critical reminder of the responsibility we all share to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.