A Katy woman shares a harrowing tale after discovering two young neighbors alone for weeks, while investigators seek their mother on child abandonment charges.
KATY, Texas — What started as a simple sleepover quickly turned into a troubling discovery for a Katy woman who says she learned two young girls in her neighborhood had been living on their own for weeks.
The girls, ages 11 and 6, are now safe, but investigators are still searching for their mother, who is facing child abandonment charges, according to court documents.
The woman, who asked not to be identified, told KHOU 11 it began in late March when her daughter’s classmate and the child’s younger sister asked to spend the night.
“At first it was just supposed to be a night,” she said. “Then it turned into Tuesday. That’s when I knew something wasn’t right.”
She said she tried not to involve the police at first, but after asking questions, the older child revealed their situation.
“I asked her, ‘Is your mom coming back? When is she coming back?’” the woman said. “That’s when she said, ‘I’m going to be honest — my mom has been gone for a month.’”
According to court documents, the girls had been left home alone for about six weeks, with the 11-year-old caring for her younger sister. Records also indicate their mother was giving them instructions remotely while they lived with limited food and in unsafe conditions.
The woman said the girls told her they often avoided being home alone by going to school — against their mother’s orders — so they could eat. They also spent time at a nearby park to stay out of the house.
“I asked the little girl what’s been going on,” she said. “She told me it’s been a lot… they’ve been eating dry cereal, bread and crackers for a month. They go to school to eat.”
After learning more, the woman decided to contact the authorities.
Court documents show the children were initially placed with an aunt, but investigators say their mother later took them following an altercation. Authorities allege she then tried to leave the state with the girls and fled from an airport before officers could make contact.
The children were later found safe in Ohio during a welfare check.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says detectives are now working with authorities and family members to resolve the situation. Officials also say the children’s mother has not returned to Harris County.
Speaking as a mother herself, the Katy woman said the experience was heartbreaking.
“It really hurt me,” she said. “Especially knowing they were scared.”
Now, she says she is simply grateful the girls are safe.
“Maybe this is a great opportunity for the girls to finally be somewhere safe,” she said.
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