Two Georgia parents have been charged with attempted murder and child abuse after their starving 10-year-old son was found wandering their neighborhood looking for a grocery store where he could beg for food.
Griffin police arrested Tyler, 46, and Krista, 47, Schindley after neighbors in the upscale enclave found the emaciated boy wandering the streets on Friday. The child begged the police “not to bring him back”.
The boy was would have barefoot, hungry and confused.
Authorities said the child was intentionally starved and weighed around 36 pounds when found – the weight of an average 4-year-old child.
District Attorney Marie Broder said at a press conference on Tuesday, “This child was, quite simply, starved to death, and that’s tragic.”
Griffin police arrested Tyler and Krista Schindley after neighbors found their emaciated son wandering the streets on Friday
The couple have been charged with attempted murder, in addition to several counts of child abuse
“I really believe that if he hadn’t come out of that house, it would be a very different case,” she added.
“This case is just disturbing. It’s heartbreaking,” said Broder, who has spent most of his career pursuing child abuse suspects.
“As a mother, I cannot understand it. As a human being, it breaks your heart. We’re not posting any photos of this child for obvious reasons, but I’ll tell you, the photos are absolutely horrifying, and anyone with a human heart who looks at them should be shocked.
The parents were accused of locking the child in his room and leaving him alone at home for “long periods of time and repeatedly, without access to light, food, clothing or medicine. interaction and/or assistance of an adult”, according to the court. documents.
The couple would also have withheld hot water, toilet paper and the view of the outside. At one point, it is believed they beat the 10-year-old boy, causing further injuries.
The abuse is believed to have occurred for at least three years, starting in May 2020.
The Schindleys’ home in Griffin, Georgia, worth around $447,000
Tyler Schindley in a photo on his Facebook profile. He is charged with attempted second degree homicide and attempted malicious murder with his wife Krista. He also faces multiple charges of child cruelty, assault and battery and forcible confinement.
Officials said the boy was one of five siblings living in the half-million-dollar house – not the oldest or the youngest. Authorities did not share information about the conditions of the other children, but said it appeared the 10-year-old boy was the only one starving.
The couple’s home has an estimated current value of $447,000 in an area where the median home price is $191,000.
Tyler Schindley voluntarily came to the local police department after his son was found and spoke with investigators. Krista Schindley was arrested after this, following a separate interview she had.
Tyler’s Facebook page listed him as the manager of a local Under Armor store.
Recent posts have promoted a floatation spa, which he and his wife appear to be franchise owners of the McDonough and Peachtree City locations of True Rest Float Spa.
In a Mother’s Day promo posted to True Rest Float Spa’s Instagram page on May 1, Krista Schindley is seen leading a guest into a spa room.
The owners of True Rest Spas distanced themselves from the Schindleys, saying they were “horrified and shocked” by the arrest.
Tyler Schindley seemed to enjoy an active lifestyle. He is shown here competing in a sporting event which included jumping over hot coals
The boy was taken to a local hospital, where he is being treated for malnutrition and a low heart rate. The child also suffered ‘dental injuries and disfigurement’ as a result of his treatment, which the parents apparently failed to treat.
Law enforcement officials added that the other four children had been taken into the custody of the Georgia Department of Children’s Services.
The couple have been charged with attempted second degree homicide and attempted malicious murder. They also face multiple charges of child cruelty, assault and battery, and forcible confinement.
The couple are due in court on Monday.
