Two individuals, Charles Dupriest, 35, and Azyia Zielinski, 26, have been charged with several counts of child neglect after six children were discovered locked inside a Milwaukee storage unit. The shocking incident unfolded on September 16, when Milwaukee Police responded to a report of a child’s cries coming from within the locked unit. What they found inside was distressing: six children, the youngest just two months old, surrounded by unhygienic conditions with a sole bucket serving as a bathroom.
The storage unit, lacking basic amenities like electricity or running water, was described as being in disarray, with only a sectional couch and a twin mattress for the children to sleep on. The eldest child reported being tasked with caregiving responsibilities, including feeding the baby, while the adults, Dupriest and Zielinski, were away and unreachable as they lacked a phone.
In a statement to police, both defendants claimed that they had been homeless and usually spent nights sleeping in an SUV along with their dog while the children remained locked in the storage unit. However, they admitted that the children could have stayed with family or friends. A firearm was discovered in the SUV, which both adults initially denied ownership of, though Azyia later claimed responsibility for it.
During court proceedings, Commissioner Andrea Bolender expressed disbelief at the state’s initial recommendation for a $1,000 personal recognizance bond, deeming it far too lenient given the gravity of the charges. The bond was subsequently raised to $5,000 cash for Azyia Zielinski. Meanwhile, Charles Dupriest faced a recommended $10,000 bail, which Commissioner Bolender increased to $20,000, citing the need to protect the children and prevent further such incidents.
Neither of the children sustained physical injuries during their time in the storage unit, though the psychological impact of such living conditions remains of significant concern. Both defendants have preliminary hearings scheduled for September 25.
This case highlights the dire consequences of extreme poverty and the serious implications of neglect, underscoring the necessity for systemic support for vulnerable families. While the immediate focus is on the welfare and future of the six children, the broader societal issues concerning homelessness and the safety net for those in crisis must also be addressed.