Redstone Township, PA – Pennsylvania State Police say two parents are facing charges after investigators discovered five children living in what troopers described as “deplorable” and dangerous conditions inside a Fayette County home.
On August 8, troopers from the Belle Vernon Patrol Unit responded to 612 Willis Avenue to assist Fayette County Children and Youth Services following reports of unsafe living conditions. Police said they found five siblings, ages 5 to 14, living without beds, with windows boarded up, and feces covering the walls. Troopers also reported finding fleas, limited food, and minimal clothing inside the house.
Investigators said the father, James Russell Kahl, locked the children inside their bedroom from the outside, using three deadbolt locks. The door reportedly had no handle on the inside, preventing escape. Video cameras were hardwired to the father’s room to monitor the children, who were allegedly trapped for long stretches of the day and night.
A judge signed an emergency removal order, and the children were immediately placed in the care of county services. Forensic interviews were conducted in the following weeks, and the children remain in placement.
On September 3, police executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered a stun gun, a replica pistol, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Both James Russell Kahl, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, were arrested and processed at the Belle Vernon barracks.
Charges include endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, prohibited offensive weapons, and drug offenses.
Key Points
- Five children, ages 5 to 14, were found living in “dungeon-like” conditions in Redstone Township.
- Police say the father locked the children inside their room with deadbolts and monitored them by camera.
- James Russell Kahl and Carly Kahl were arrested after drugs and weapons were found during a search.
Authorities called the case one of the most disturbing examples of child endangerment they’ve seen in Fayette County.
