Sioux City Couple Charged After 13-Year-Old Found Severely Malnourished, Locked in Bedroom

A Woodbury County couple faces felony child endangerment charges after police say they locked their 13-year-old autistic daughter in her bedroom every night without food or water, leaving her severely malnourished and dehydrated.

Brandon and Emily Myers, both 45, were arrested Tuesday after the girl escaped through her bedroom window and sought help from a neighbor, according to court documents. The Sioux City Police Department responded to a report of a missing child at approximately 3:35 p.m. on Aug. 11.

The girl told officers she climbed out of her window to find food but returned home to take items from the kitchen. Police later found snack boxes, bananas, and bagels hidden in a nearby vehicle.

What did police find in the girl's bedroom?

When authorities searched the teen's room, they discovered a lock on the outside of the door with the handle installed backward. Screws had been placed on the window frame to keep it closed, and the room was 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the rest of the house.

Officers also found a plastic tote filled with urine, which the girl reportedly used as a toilet.

What did the couple allegedly admit to police?

During a police interview, Brandon and Emily Myers allegedly confessed to locking the girl in her bedroom every night without food or water. They reportedly admitted they had not seen the child since the night before she left and did not check on her again after falling asleep at 4 a.m.

What charges do Brandon and Emily Myers face?

Both face charges of child endangerment causing injury, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. They are being held without bond at the Woodbury County Jail.

The Woodbury County District Court has issued a temporary no-contact order prohibiting the couple from contacting the 13-year-old. They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday, Aug. 21.

It remains unclear whether the couple has obtained legal representation. The Sioux City Police Department and Woodbury County District Court did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential.