Wisconsin Parents Arrested for Locking Six Children, Including Newborn, in Putrid Storage Unit with Only Bucket Toilet
Milwaukee, WI – A disturbing case of child neglect has emerged in Milwaukee, where a couple allegedly locked their six children, four of whom are under six years old, inside a storage unit with only a bucket to use as a toilet. Authorities arrested Charles A. Dupriest, 33, and Azyia C. Zielinski, 26, who now face multiple charges related to this harrowing case.
The children, ranging in age from just two months to nine years, were found locked in a dark, confined space with a foul stench so bad first responders could barely stay inside. The horrifying circumstances shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in protecting vulnerable children from abuse and neglect.
The Startling Discovery and Police Response
In the early hours of Tuesday, Milwaukee Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a crying child trapped inside a locked storage unit at the Storsafe facility on North 27th Street. Upon arrival, they heard the persistent cries coming from behind a padlocked garage-style door. Firefighters cut the lock to enter storage unit B58.
Inside, officers discovered six children, all locked inside with only a bucket containing urine as their restroom facility. The detective’s report detailed that the only light visible to the children came through a narrow crack in the door. A five-year-old child told officers, “We’re not supposed to be loud,” and was soon seen urinating in a bucket.
- Children’s ages: 9, 7, 5, 3, 2 years, and 2 months.
- The 9-year-old claimed responsibility for caring for his siblings.
- The children had no means of contact or emergency assistance.
- The smell inside was so putrid responders could not stay inside, even with doors open.
Conditions Inside the Storage Unit and Family Background
The bleak conditions inside the unit were heartbreaking. The children slept without proper bedding or lighting, relying on a bucket for urination and defecation. A facility employee recalled hearing a male voice ordering the children to be quiet months prior and captured footage of the parents dropping them off. The employee had reported these concerns to management at that time.
When police located Dupriest and Zielinski shortly after, they found the couple sleeping in a vehicle in the same parking lot, while the children remained locked away. Despite claiming to be homeless, the parents admitted the children could have stayed with other family members but instead were left in the storage unit.
“The stench from inside was so putrid they could not remain inside even with the garage door open,” police said.
Trauma and Testimonies from the Children
During a forensic interview, the five-year-old girl expressed feelings of sadness and anger, describing how she deliberately made the storage unit dirty after being locked inside. She recounted attempts to open the door that failed and was upset that the family dog slept comfortably in the car while she and her siblings endured the harsh conditions.
The child also revealed that their father carried a firearm and disciplined the nine-year-old with physical punishment severe enough to cause concern for hospitalization.
“She said her parents went to bed while the children were still awake. She said her father carried a firearm, pointing to her hip.”
Legal Charges and Next Steps
Both parents were arrested and charged with six counts each of child neglect. Additionally, Dupriest faces a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. They are currently held at the Milwaukee County Jail, with bonds set at $10,500 for Dupriest and $10,000 for Zielinski. Their court dates have not yet been scheduled.
- Charles A. Dupriest, 33 – charged with child neglect and firearm possession.
- Azyia C. Zielinski, 26 – charged with child neglect.
- Children currently in protective custody awaiting further care.
This deeply troubling case, reported by Law&Crime, emphasizes the critical importance of vigilant child welfare monitoring and intervention.
Reflecting on Child Welfare and Protection
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities many children face in abusive or neglectful environments. It also highlights the bravery and diligence of first responders who act swiftly in crisis situations to safeguard innocent lives.
Authorities continue to investigate to ensure the children’s safety and wellbeing, while experts emphasize the need for increased community awareness and support systems for at-risk families.
What do you think about this alarming case? Have you or someone you know encountered similar child neglect situations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!