Anderson, Ind. — Two parents are facing neglect charges after Anderson police officers found their children living in filthy conditions and in close proximity to a 4-foot-long lizard that was being kept in the family’s bathtub.

Concerns Raised by Neighbor Tip

According to court records, police received a tip from a neighbor who was worried about the children’s safety. They told police the family’s apartment was covered in feces and that a “large reptile” was living in the bathroom.

Unbearable Conditions Discovered

“When the police came in the house, the smell was almost unbearable for them,” Prosecutor Rodney Cummings said. “The closer they got into the children’s bedrooms, it was even worse.”

All three children were wearing dirty clothes and smelled like stale urine, according to court documents. Police said there were “thousands” of flies and gnats covering the ceilings and walls of the apartment and trash was piled up.

Unlivable Situation

“It was just an unlivable situation,” Cummings said.

The officers then went into the apartment’s only bathroom and found the lizard living in the bathtub and the toilet “overflowing” with feces and urine.

Contradictions in Claims

The parents initially claimed the reptile was locked up but Cummings said the picture evidence tells a different story.

“It certainly leaves you the impression that the toys are there so the kids have been playing there next to the alligator,” Cummings said. “It just defies logic and common sense.”

The parents, 33-year-old Cristine Castro and 24-year-old James Johnson, are each facing three felony counts of neglect.

Removal of Children

All three children were removed by the Department of Child Services.

“Living in an environment like this. It’s just hard to imagine,” Cummings said. “You think about what’s the prospect for their future? It’s very saddening, very saddening.”

Fate of the Lizard

The prosecutor’s office believes the lizard was removed by animal control.

Urgent Need for Child Protection

The case underscores the critical importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Neglect charges against parents in such extreme circumstances highlight the necessity of timely intervention by authorities to protect vulnerable individuals. The removal of the children from the hazardous environment underscores the urgent need for robust child protection measures within communities.

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