News Summary
In Milwaukee, authorities have charged a couple with multiple counts of child neglect after six children were found locked in a storage unit without power or water. The children, aged 2 months to 9 years, were discovered in unsanitary conditions, prompting emergency responders to intervene. The parents, Azyia Zielinski and Charles Dupriest, face serious allegations of neglect and additional charges, highlighting the severe impact of homelessness and neglect on vulnerable children.
Milwaukee – Authorities in Milwaukee have charged a couple with multiple counts of child neglect after six children, ranging in age from 2 months to 9 years, were discovered locked in a storage unit without power or water. The children were found early Wednesday morning around 1:30 a.m. at a facility on N. 27th St. after an emergency call alerted police to a child crying from within the unit.
Upon arrival, firefighters had to cut a padlock to gain access to the storage space, which was in disturbing conditions. Inside, investigators found a bucket containing urine, highlighting the unsanitary living situation. The unit lacked basic necessities, with no electricity or running water, and was lit only by a small crack in the garage door. Authorities reported that the children had no food available except for items they scavenged from garbage.
Charged with multiple counts of child neglect are the children’s parents, Azyia C. Zielinski, 26, and Charles Albert Dupriest, 33. In addition to child neglect, Dupriest faces an extra charge for possession of a firearm by a felon. During court proceedings, the commissioner described the situation as horrific, pointing out how fortunate the family was that none of the children suffered fatal consequences from their living conditions.
Details from the investigation indicate severe emotional and physical neglect. Children in the unit reported feelings of sadness and fear regarding their environment. A 9-year-old child stated they were responsible for the care of younger siblings and mentioned using the bucket for toileting purposes. During the investigation, a 5-year-old child was observed urinating in the bucket. The overall odor inside the unit was reported to be “putrid.” Minimal furniture in the unit consisted of a sectional couch and a twin mattress without any sheets.
According to police records, Zielinski and Dupriest claimed they had been homeless for about six weeks after their eviction from Joy House, a shelter for women and children. They reportedly slept in their SUV with their dog while their children remained locked inside the storage unit. Surveillance video from the storage facility showed the parents dropping off the children at the unit.
Despite receiving $2,000 a month from social security benefits and food stamps, the couple displayed signs of neglect towards their children. Past behavior included drinking alcohol, and reports indicated that Dupriest had physically punished the children. The children had reportedly been living in the storage unit for over a month prior to their discovery. This situation had raised concerns months earlier, resulting in an eviction notice being issued to Zielinski and Dupriest.
Within the couple’s SUV, officers discovered a loaded firearm in the center console. Zielinski claimed the gun was hers, although she conceded that both of their DNA would be found on it. Their past history indicates that both individuals had previously faced eviction claims, contributing to their unstable living situation.
This distressing case of child neglect has drawn attention to the severe impacts of homelessness and substance abuse on families and children. The circumstances surrounding the incident highlight the urgent need for support systems to prevent such situations from occurring in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Six Homeless Children Found Locked in Milwaukee Storage Unit
Children Found Locked in Storage Unit in Milwaukee
Six Children Found Locked in Storage Unit in Milwaukee
Six Children Found Locked in Storage Unit in Milwaukee
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- TMJ4 News
- WISN 12 News
- Wikipedia: Child Neglect
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
