A child neglect case has emerged following an eviction at an Elk City apartment, with disturbing conditions leading to the arrest of two adults.
According to a probable cause affidavit, on October 30th, the Beckham County Sheriff's Department alerted the Elk City Police Department of potential child neglect at an apartment in the 1900 block of West Broadway.
Police reports state that deputies were present for an eviction at the residence, where they found 40-year-old Nicholas Paul McLaughlin, 39-year-old Amanda R. Monie, and 61-year-old Andrea Colleen McLaughlin. Nicholas McLaughlin and Monie are the parents of two children, ages 10 and 8, who were at school at the time.
During interviews with the children, authorities discovered both had head lice and showed signs of bed bug bites. An inspection of the apartment revealed deplorable conditions, with unsanitary and biohazardous circumstances. The space was filled with animal waste odors, and feces were visible on the floors and walls. Accumulated trash, sticky floors, and spoiled food contributed to an uninhabitable environment.
A single bed with toys was found in a room with feces smeared on the wall, indicating inadequate living conditions for the children. Additionally, Nicholas McLaughlin and Monie reportedly had animal waste on their clothing. The apartment housed three dogs, three cats, and a guinea pig, exacerbating the unsanitary state.
Following the investigation, Nicholas McLaughlin and Monie were arrested on charges of child neglect. Court records show that an outstanding warrant has been issued for Andrea McLaughlin on charges of enabling child neglect.
