Mom and Stepdad Arrested After Allegedly Leaving 14-Year-Old Alone

Local authorities say a 14-year-old in Eight Mile, Alabama, was found living alone and taken for medical care after an employee reported her stumbling; her mother and stepfather were arrested on child abuse and animal cruelty charges.

Local law enforcement reports that a 14-year-old girl in Eight Mile, Alabama, was located after an employee at a nearby store reported seeing her stumbling on Jan. 4. Deputies say the teen told detectives she had been living alone at her mobile home since about February and had not seen her mother and stepfather since Oct. 31. Officers say they executed a search warrant at the residence and found multiple dogs; one dog was found deceased and other animals were removed by animal control. The girl's mother and stepfather were arrested and charged with child abuse and animal cruelty and were taken to the county jail. What authorities reported: - The initial investigation began after a store employee reported a teenage girl stumbling outside the store on Jan. 4. - Deputies say the teen told detectives she had been living alone since about February and had not seen her parents since Oct. 31. - Officers executed a search warrant at the mobile home and located multiple dogs; animal control removed the animals and one dog was found deceased. - Marchelle Lynn Pertilla and Eugene Medrano were arrested and charged with child abuse and animal cruelty and were transported to Mobile County Metro Jail. - Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said investigators are seeking answers about why the teen was living alone. Summary: Authorities report the case led to both child welfare and animal control involvement and resulted in criminal charges against the teen's parents. The parents remain in custody and the teen was taken for medical evaluation. Undetermined at this time.