A 12-year-old boy in Texas was found alone in an empty apartment after his mother and her boyfriend allegedly moved out without him. The boy’s mother, Erica Renee Sanders, and her boyfriend, Keven Dwayne Adams, were taken into custody on Friday following a call to the Copperas Cove police department. The boy had come home from school to discover his family and belongings missing, as per an arrest affidavit.
The boy sought assistance from a neighbor, showing them the empty apartment. When the police arrived, the boy reportedly told them that his mother and Adams had previously discussed plans to relocate. However, he was unaware that the move would occur while he was at school.
Local law enforcement was able to contact Adams and Sanders by phone. The couple claimed that the boy’s uncle was supposed to pick him up, but they were unable to provide any contact information for the uncle. When the police eventually managed to reach the uncle, he denied any knowledge of such an arrangement.
Adams, during his conversation with the police, reportedly expressed frustration about Sanders’ son. The couple also declined to provide their current address when contacted by child protective services, according to the affidavit.
The neighbor who had initially assisted the boy informed the police that this was not the first time the couple had left the boy alone. He alleged that Sanders and Adams had previously evicted the boy from their home.
Both Sanders and Adams have been charged with abandoning or endangering a child without intent to return. The Coryell County Sheriff’s Office has not yet confirmed whether the couple remains in custody.