Oviedo, Spain, May 2 – In a heart-wrenching discovery, three German children were rescued from a house in Oviedo, Spain, where they had been confined for over three years. Their parents have been arrested on charges of domestic violence, habitual psychological abuse, and child abandonment.
The “House of Horrors”
The siblings—two 8-year-old twins and a 10-year-old—were found living in what Oviedo Police Chief Javier Lozano described as a “house of horrors.” The children had been locked up inside the home since October 2021, long after the Covid restrictions had ended, with no access to the outside world or schooling. Their isolation began after the final wave of the pandemic, and neighbors reported that no one had been seen entering or leaving the property since December 2021.
Police Investigation and Discovery
After receiving complaints from concerned neighbors about the children’s lack of school attendance, police launched an investigation. When they approached the house on April 28, the mother warned the officers that her children were “very sick.” Inside, officers discovered a grim scene: the house was filled with trash, medications, masks, and other unsanitary items, creating a hazardous environment for the children.
The children were found sleeping in cribs, which were defaced with drawings of monsters and dolls. The police described the situation as one that could have endangered the children’s health and safety.
Shocking Conditions of the Children
The officers were shocked by the children’s condition. While they were not malnourished, the children were dirty and had been completely cut off from reality. “When we took them outside for the first time, they saw a snail and went crazy—they were terrified,” one police officer explained.
Rescue and Medical Evaluation
The three children were immediately rescued and taken to the National Human Rights Centre for a thorough medical evaluation. They were later placed in the custody of Spain’s Ministry of Welfare and relocated to a juvenile centre.
The Parents’ Arrest and Charges
The parents, a 53-year-old German man and his 48-year-old American wife, were arrested and are currently held in pretrial detention without bail. The charges against them include domestic violence, psychological abuse, and child abandonment.
Impact of the Pandemic on Families
In a statement during a press conference, Police Chief Lozano said, “We’ve all been affected by Covid syndrome and what the pandemic has brought. We can only speculate about what led this family to live locked up for so long.” He also emphasized that the authorities had “given three children back their lives” and dismantled the “house of horrors.”
This shocking case highlights the long-term psychological and social impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable families. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of Covid-19, it is crucial to recognize how some individuals are still suffering from the psychological toll the pandemic has left behind.
Conclusion
The rescue of these children serves as a stark reminder of the lasting trauma caused by the pandemic, especially for children trapped in abusive situations. It is a call to action for communities and authorities to remain vigilant and support families in distress, ensuring that children’s safety and well-being are prioritized.
For more updates on child welfare and pandemic-related issues, stay tuned to our blog.
