GRAFTON, W.Va. — Seven children were in state custody, their parents in jail and the house in which they lived condemned.
Taylor County authorities described the condition of the home shared by Kristen Parks, 28, and David Parks, 37, as deplorable.
A code enforcement officer executed a welfare check at the West Main Street home in Grafton Wednesday after human feces was discovered in the yard.
Grafton city police were called for a child welfare check.
Lt. David Holcomb noted in a police report an overwhelming stench in the home. At least six of the children were sharing one bedroom. The beds in the home were described as filthy.
Kristen Parks, the biological mother of all seven children who range in age from 9 months to 8 years, told police she was overwhelmed and had an ongoing case with Child Protective Services.
David Parks is the biological father of three of the children and guardian of the other four.
The husband and wife each face 7 felony counts of child neglect creating a risk of injury.
The children were taken to Grafton City Hospital for care.
Police indicated the home was full of cats and every family member was covered in fleas and lice.
Kristen Parks was also transported to the hospital to be disinfected and for lice removal.
Kristen and David Parks were taken to Tygart Valley Regional Jail.