Houston Mother Charged with Child Abuse Following Discovery of Neglected and Injured Kids
A Houston woman has been charged with two felony counts of injury to a child after authorities uncovered alleged abuse and neglect of her two young children, aged 4 and 6, according to court records.
The investigation began when officials responded to the apartment of 29-year-old Markita Chante Phearse, where they found two malnourished children, according to KHOU. The children reportedly told investigators they had been left alone for two days without food or water. The 6-year-old boy also revealed that he had never attended school and described being physically assaulted by his mother.
Court documents revealed the apartment was in deplorable condition, with holes in the walls, water pooling on the floor, and trash strewn throughout the space. Medical evaluations conducted after the children were removed from the home identified signs of abuse, including burns on the 4-year-old girl.
During the investigation, Phearse allegedly yelled at the children to remain silent, even in the presence of authorities. She was subsequently charged with two counts of injury to a child. At a court appearance on Tuesday, her bond was set at $15,000 per charge.
If released on bond, Phearse will be barred from contacting her children and must adhere to directives from Texas Child Protective Services, including completing a parenting class within 30 days.
The children are currently in protective care as the investigation into the case continues.