Two arrests were made recently in Springfield following an investigation into possible child endangerment. Springfield Police conducted a welfare check on April 15 after an anonymous caller reported unsafe conditions at a home on Catalina Lane.
The caller, who had dropped off a child earlier that day, reported observing trash throughout the house, a strong odor, little food, and said the child claimed she hadn’t eaten for two days.
Officers were dispatched around 8:39 pm and initially got no response. A naked toddler, who looked to be about 2 years old, appeared in a front window alone. A 12-year-old boy later answered the back door, telling officers he was home alone caring for his siblings, ages 2, 4, and 7, while their parents had been gone for over an hour.
The children were alone from shortly after 8 pm until after 9 pm, when the parents returned after being contacted by the 12-year-old boy.
Authorities determined the home was unsafe and posed a serious risk to the children.
The parents, 35-year-old Kwain Karrick and 32-year-old Hollie Bracco, were both arrested on charges of child abandonment and endangering the life or health of a child.
Karrick and Bracco initially refused entry to the responding officers due to five reportedly aggressive dogs, but did allow officers inside after securing them.
Once inside, police found severe unsanitary conditions: large amounts of trash, food waste, insects, overwhelming odor, and feces on floors and surfaces. The kitchen had non-functioning appliances and bugs; the bedrooms had soiled beds. The bathroom was also reported to be unusable.
Every room reportedly contained piles of trash with no clean sleeping areas, and there was insufficient food or space for food preparation.
Authorities determined the home was unsafe and posed a serious risk to the children, which led to Karrick and Bracco’s arrest.
Details regarding court appearances have not been released.
Below is a picture of Kwain Karrick (Left) and Hollie Bracco (Right), courtesy of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
