Authorities in Redstone Township, Pennsylvania, have arrested a couple accused of holding their five children captive in a dungeon-style room at their home.
James Russell, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, allegedly confined children aged five to 14 in a bedroom locked from the outside with three deadbolts and no door handle. The room was reportedly monitored with cameras connected to the father’s room to prevent the children from escaping.
State police began investigating in early August and discovered “boarded up windows, feces-covered walls, fleas, very little food and clothing and no beds,” according to Trooper Ally Wilson. “It’s sickening, that’s the only word I can use to describe what we saw and what those children went through,” she said.
Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele said the children “were basically held in captivity in this room” and noted evidence of surveillance and the use of a stun gun against the children. “There’s no reason to be using a device like a stun gun, which is less lethal, not non-lethal, against a child,” he said.
Investigators also recovered a stun gun, a replica pistol, drugs, and drug paraphernalia from the residence. According to a criminal complaint, Russell allegedly forced Kahl to use a Taser on one of the children.
All five children were rescued and placed under the care of Fayette County Children and Youth Services. Aubele said the investigation is ongoing, including tracing the suspects’ supply chains.
The parents face multiple charges including aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment, and weapons offenses. Trooper Wilson said, “I’m hoping that these parents go to jail, and they answer for what they’ve done.”
The tip that led to the investigation reportedly came from a brave family member who contacted ChildLine. Redstone Township is approximately 45 miles south of Pittsburgh.
