Five Children Allegedly Kept in Locked Dungeon by Parents Monitoring Them with Cameras
Authorities in Redstone Township, Pennsylvania, have arrested a couple accused of keeping their five children locked in a dungeon-like room inside their home.
James Russell, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, allegedly confined the children aged between five and 14 in a bedroom secured with three deadbolts and no door handle. The room was reportedly under constant surveillance through cameras linked to the father’s room to stop the children from escaping.
State police launched an investigation in early August and uncovered disturbing conditions, including boarded-up windows, walls smeared with feces, flea infestations, little food or clothing, and no beds. “It’s sickening, that’s the only word I can use to describe what we saw and what those children went through,” Trooper Ally Wilson said.
Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele confirmed the children “were basically held in captivity in this room,” adding that investigators found evidence of surveillance and the use of a stun gun against them. “There’s no reason to be using a device like a stun gun which is less lethal, not non-lethaln against a child,” he stressed.
During the search, officers also recovered a stun gun, a replica pistol, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. According to the criminal complaint, Russell allegedly forced Kahl to use the Taser on one of the children.
All five children were rescued and placed under the care of Fayette County Children and Youth Services. Aubele said the investigation is ongoing, including tracing the suspects’ supply chains.
The parents face multiple charges including aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment, and weapons offenses. Trooper Wilson said, “I’m hoping that these parents go to jail, and they answer for what they’ve done.”
The tip that led to the investigation reportedly came from a brave family member who contacted ChildLine. Redstone Township is approximately 45 miles south of Pittsburgh.
