News Summary
In a shocking case of neglect, Milwaukee parents have been charged after their six children were found living in a locked storage unit without basic necessities. The children, ages 2 months to 9 years, were discovered trapped under dire conditions, using a bucket as a toilet and lacking essential services like electricity and running water. The parents face multiple felony charges, raising serious concerns about child welfare in the community.
Milwaukee parents are facing serious charges after their six children were discovered living in a locked storage unit without basic necessities. The children, aged between 2 months and 9 years, were found on September 16 inside the unit located at 5555 N. 27th St. According to police reports, the children had been using a bucket as a toilet and lacked electricity and running water.
Upon arrival, officers noted a “putrid” smell emanating from the storage unit. Investigators charged 33-year-old Charles A. Dupriest with six counts of child neglect, four of which are felonies due to the young ages of the children. Additionally, Dupriest faced charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His partner, 26-year-old Azyia C. Zielinski, was charged with the same six counts of child neglect, with four counts also classified as felonies.
The situation arose approximately one and a half months prior when the family became homeless after being evicted from Joy House, a shelter for women and children. Zielinski stated that the family left the shelter after she gave birth, although the specific reasons for their eviction were not detailed in the complaint. Joy House had previously accommodated them for two months in 2023, and again for over a month during June and July 2025.
Leaders of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission expressed their heartbreak over this tragic incident involving the children. It has been reported that Dupriest and Zielinski maintained they could have sought help from family or friends, although they admitted to staying in the storage unit three times a week for an extended time.
A 7-year-old child indicated that while the family sometimes stayed with an uncle, they primarily lived in the unit. Furthermore, the children confirmed that the only available light came from gaps in the garage door. Concerns about the children’s welfare had been previously raised by employees of the storage facility, who observed children entering the unit and reported it to management. One worker noted the presence of a twin bed set up inside the unit, highlighting further evidence of the children’s precarious living conditions.
One of the children, a 3-year-old girl, expressed sadness over their family dog being left in the car while she and her siblings remained inside the unit. An alarming detail is that the 9-year-old child reported that he was responsible for caring for his younger siblings when their parents were intoxicated. Reports indicate that the children were deprived of sufficient food, often resorting to rummaging through garbage for something to eat.
In addition to the neglect charges, Dupriest’s history as a registered sex offender may have precluded him from accessing shelters that accommodate children. He has a prior conviction for third-degree sexual assault involving a minor in 2010. Both Dupriest and Zielinski had a record of eviction claims, indicating a pattern of housing instability.
When police found the parents, they confiscated a loaded firearm from the SUV where they were sleeping. Disturbingly, one child described feelings of sadness and stated that they felt trapped in the unit with no means of escape in case of an emergency. Following their rescue, the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services responded swiftly to provide assistance to the children, ensuring they are given the necessary care and support.
This situation underscores significant concerns about child welfare and the responsibilities of parents in securing safe living conditions for their children.
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HERE Resources
Milwaukee Parents Charged with Child Neglect in Disturbing Case
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
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Child Neglect
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Google Search: Milwaukee children storage unit
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- People
- Google News: Milwaukee parents charged with child neglect
- Fox6Now
- Google Scholar: Child Neglect Cases
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.
