A West Virginia couple has been arrested after police discovered a 3-year-old child stranded on the roof of a home in Gilmer County — a disturbing case that highlights a growing national trend of parental neglect. Sonya Adkins, 25, and Mason Adkins, 29, face multiple charges after officers found their children in deplorable conditions, prompting renewed concern over child welfare enforcement across the country.
Officers responded to a home on River Street in Glenville on April 10 at approximately 11:45 a.m. When they arrived, they saw a 3-year-old child crouched on the roof of the residence, about 12 feet above the ground. The child was “hunched over shivering from the cold rain, crying and scared,” according to the police report. A man inside the home was reportedly unaware that the child had made it outside and onto the roof.
Upon entering the house, officers had to unlock multiple doors to reach the children. They discovered that the children’s bedroom had been locked from the outside. Inside, another young child was found confined to a crib. Both children were reportedly covered in feces and urine, and police observed feces smeared on the walls, suggesting long-term neglect.
Deputies were forced to break a window to rescue the child from the roof. Authorities say the parents, Sonya and Mason, had not checked on the children since 8 p.m. the night before. During questioning, both admitted to staying up all night playing video games, and Sonya confessed to using marijuana.
Sonya and Mason Adkins have each been charged with two counts of child neglect creating a risk of serious injury or death, and one count of conspiracy. They are being held at Central Regional Jail with bond set at $50,000 each.
This case emerges amid an alarming increase in child neglect incidents nationwide. Experts say the combination of economic pressure, substance abuse, and digital addiction has contributed to a surge in cases where children are left unattended or living in unsafe environments. Child welfare advocates are calling for more proactive intervention and support services to prevent such tragedies before they escalate.
