Report: Kids Starved in Bathroom

New details are available about three Dallas children who were starved and locked in a bathroom.

Police said they learned about the case earlier this month when the children’s mother, Abnersis Santiago, called officers to the Budget Suites Motel on Stemmons Freeway.

She told officers she was afraid of her husband and wanted them there while she took the children and moved out.

But after seeing the 5, 10 and 11 year old, officers said they called Child Protective Services instead. They said the children looked like they were being starved.

Police described the case as one of the worst cases of child abuse they’ve seen.

Court documents describe just how badly the children were abused.

A doctor reported they were horribly emaciated, underweight and malnourished. He described their nutritional status as life threatening. He also said there was a history of severe, ongoing physical, emotional and mental neglect, the documents state.

All three were hospitalized for more than a week.

According to court documents, the children also told officers their stepfather, Alfredo Santiago, forced them to sit in the bathroom all day.

Both Alfredo and Abnersis Santiago are now in jail.

Police said the mother did not commit the abuse, but she didn’t do anything to stop it.

“It’s definitely her responsibility to see to the welfare of her children. She bears extreme responsibility, more so than anyone else,” said Sgt. Warren Mitchell.

Police said the couple also had a baby together. That child was healthy.

All four children are now in foster care.