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Kids locked in storage unit, 2 people charged
Two people have been criminally charged in connection to the discovery of six young children locked in a Milwaukee storage unit, one of whom was only two months old. The Milwaukee Police Department discovered the children on Tuesday, Sept. 16, and later confirmed that those children were "unhoused."
35-year-old Charles Dupriest and 26-year-old Azyia Zielinski have been charged with the following:
Young children found in locked Milwaukee storage unit
The complaint goes on to say that the eldest child told detectives it was their responsibility to take care of the children when Charles and Azyia, the defendants, were away. The child also said that they needed to give the baby a bottle when the baby cries, and that the child had no phone or means to contact Charles and Azyia in an emergency.
None of the children were reported to be injured.
State of the storage unit
What we know:
The complaint goes on to say that the unit was in disarray, and the smell was "putrid." There was a sectional couch and a twin mattress on which three of the children slept. The mattress had no bedsheets. There were boxes of chips, milk, and a case of soda. There were no lights, electricity, or running water.
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Azyia Zielinski initial appearance
Azyia Zielinski has been charged with several accounts of child neglect, accused of locking six young children in a Milwaukee storage unit. On Friday, she made her initial appearance in Milwaukee County court. The state recommended a $1,000 bail, which completely surprised the commissioner.
"You are supposed to protect them and these children are now supposed to have lifelong scars that will affect every aspect of their life and a PR bond? This court has a duty to protect these children and protect others. This type of mentality to think this is okay, this cannot go on," said Commissioner Andrea Bolender.
Ultimately, a $5,000 cash bond was issued for Azyia. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 25.
Charles Dupriest had his initial appearance later in the day, where the state recommended a higher cash bail of $10,000.
The commissioner found that recommendation better. However, she still doubled the cash bail to $20,000.
His preliminary hearing is also scheduled for Sept. 25.
The Source: The information in this post comes from the criminal complaint provided by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, as well as prior reporting. Court information is publicly available on the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) website.
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