Two children taken into protective custody in Texas on neglect allegations

Two children aged 8 and 10 found in a foul-smelling house in Texas were taken into protective custody. Police detained two individuals on charges of endangering a child.

Scraper SystemJune 02, 2026, 07:11 PM

In the US state of Texas, police took two children into protective custody in a house reported to have a bad odor. According to officials, the children aged 8 and 10 were found neglected in the house for a long time. Police reported that the teams approaching the house noticed a sharp smell and one officer said the building "smelled like death." After seeing many flies around the windows, the door and windows were knocked on, but no response was received from inside. Subsequently, the teams entering the house encountered Michael Robbins, 34, and John Robbins, 68, at the entrance. The two were later detained. An inspection of the house revealed that the floor and surfaces were completely covered with rotting garbage. Police stated that there were decaying foods in the kitchen, insects, flies, rat and mouse droppings in the sink, and maggots. The two children inside were found sitting in a bathtub half-filled with dirty water. Police reported that the children's hair appeared matted and infested with insects, and when asked to be dressed, they returned with clothes carrying a bad odor and old food stains. According to officials, the odor emanating from the children resembled urine, feces, body odor, and stagnant water. The children also told the police that they had never attended school and could not read or write. The investigation report noted that one of the children was found to have decayed adult teeth. Officials stated that the children had to look after each other and that Michael Robbins and John Robbins did not provide them with food. Temple police announced that the children were immediately removed from the house and taken to McLane’s Children’s Hospital. According to information from neighbors, the children had not left the house for years. Police and child protection units conducted an investigation at the scene. Michael Robbins and John Robbins were charged with abandoning or intentionally endangering a child. The two suspects are held at Bell County Jail on a $30,000 bail each.

Two children taken into protective custody in Texas on neglect allegations

Two children aged 8 and 10 found in a foul-smelling house in Texas were taken into protective custody. Police detained two individuals on charges of endangering a child.