‘House of horrors’ case update: $5 million bond set for Joplin father accused of abuse
What do you think?
A judge has set a $5 million cash-only bond for a Joplin father accused in a child abuse case involving a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly locked inside a dog kennel.
Shane Ross, 50, is one of four family members charged in the case. Prosecutors have expanded the cases against Ross; his wife, Crystal Ross, 46; and their adult daughters, Hannah Ross, 25, and Megan Ross, 19.
Updated court information lists nine charges against each defendant: five Class B felony counts of child abuse or neglect involving serious physical or emotional injury, one Class B felony count of first-degree kidnapping and three misdemeanor counts of animal neglect or abandonment.
The kidnapping charge alleges the defendants confined the girl while facilitating another felony, inflicting injury or terrorizing her.
The four previously pleaded not guilty to the initial charges filed after the girl was reported missing Aug. 9 from a home on East Pool Street.
Police said she was malnourished and wearing only a diaper but did not appear to have visible injuries. She was taken into protective custody and provided medical care and other services.
Probable cause statements allege the girl, who has autism, stood about 4 feet tall, weighed 50 pounds, and had not attended school for at least five years.
Investigators said she had been locked inside a large wire dog kennel nearly every night for as long as two years. The kennel was allegedly secured with two padlocks and reinforced with zip ties to prevent her from escaping.
Court documents allege the girl sometimes remained inside the kennel during the evening or when Shane and Crystal Ross left the house. Investigators reported finding soiled diapers inside the enclosure.
Police also described dangerous and unsanitary conditions throughout the approximately 1,300-square-foot home. Officers reported finding trash, spoiled food, clothing, and animal waste covering floors and blocking portions of the house.
Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson described the residence as a “house of horrors.”
Investigators reported removing more than 80 living animals from the property. Police also found several dead animals. Investigators surrendered the surviving animals to the Joplin Humane Society.
