An Indiana man and woman are facing disturbing neglect charges after police say they left an autistic family member living in horrifying conditions so severe that blankets had become stuck to open wounds on his feet.
According to court records, Michael Tinsley, 39, and Tamara Eaton, 47, were both charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury and obstruction of justice.
Tinsley is also facing an additional marijuana possession charge tied to a prior drug conviction.
Authorities say the pair had been caring for Tinsley’s autistic brother after the man’s mother recently died.
The horrifying case began unfolding after the victim’s sister — who lives out of state — became worried about her brother and requested a welfare check at the home in Evansville, Indiana.
When officers first arrived, police say Eaton refused to let them inside and claimed adult protective services workers were already handling the situation.
Officers left at the time.
But days later, authorities got another alarming call — this time from an employee with a medical device company who reportedly warned that the home was unsafe.
Police returned to the residence and allegedly had to threaten to force the door open before someone finally answered.
What officers reportedly found inside shocked them.
According to investigators, the autistic man was discovered lying on a couch covered with a blanket that had become stuck to multiple wounds on his feet.
Authorities also said the victim had a burn injury on his arm and appeared severely malnourished.
The conditions inside the house were reportedly horrific.
Police described the residence as filthy and falling apart, with portions of the floor caving in, no running water, and an overwhelming smell of decay throughout the home.
Investigators also found very little food inside the refrigerator.
The victim was immediately transported to a hospital for treatment while Eaton and Tinsley were arrested and booked into jail.
The shocking allegations have left many stunned, especially after investigators revealed the victim had allegedly been living in those conditions while relying entirely on family members for care.
Both defendants are expected to appear in court for an initial hearing Tuesday.
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