A couple from Missouri is facing serious allegations involving the mistreatment of their children, which include claims of starvation and confinement.

Authorities report that the children endured such extreme hunger that they resorted to breaking cabinet locks to find food. Additionally, they allegedly faced physical punishment for instances such as vomiting due to their severe hunger, among other issues.

Amberly Britton, the mother, is said to have shown a lack of remorse when confronted by police, instead placing blame on her three children for the alleged abuse and neglect. Her partner, Mark Myers, reportedly echoed this sentiment, accusing the children of lying about their treatment during discussions with investigators, according to probable cause documents submitted by the St. Charles County Police Department.

The investigation began when one of the children attended school with a serious cut that required medical attention, as noted in the probable cause documents. This incident prompted the Children’s Division to seek the assistance of law enforcement to further evaluate the child’s safety and the home environment.

Upon visiting the family’s home, state investigators and police reportedly discovered hazardous and unsanitary conditions. The environment was described as having extreme clutter, strong urine odors, bare mattresses without bedding, and surfaces cluttered with dirty dishes and debris, according to police reports.

The kitchen cabinets and refrigerator were allegedly secured with locks that prevented the children from accessing food. Britton and Myers claimed the locks were necessary to “control” what the children ate.

“During multiple visits, the adults appeared evasive, impaired, or unresponsive and repeatedly claimed to be unable to complete drug testing after investigators received information that methamphetamine was being used inside the residence,” the probable cause statements say. “Despite being given an opportunity to clean and correct safety hazards, no meaningful improvements were made.”

Two of the couple’s three children spoke to investigators about the alleged abuse and described being “regularly locked” inside their bedroom, sometimes overnight. One of them, who is 13, reported experiencing pain and “vomiting from severe hunger, and then being punished after she vomited,” according to cops.

“The children further reported that they were required to care for themselves and each other, including waking themselves, preparing food, and getting ready for school due to the adults sleeping for extended periods and failing to provide supervision,” the probable cause statements allege. “They described being subjected to physical discipline, including being struck with belts, paddles, and other objects, as well as being grabbed or dragged by the neck.”

The children stated that their bruises and injuries were “concealed” and they were instructed to not tell anyone about what occurred inside the home, according to police. They reported that they “feared additional punishment” if they spoke about the conditions, attempted to leave their bedroom, or tried to obtain food.

“They also stated that the windows to their room had been screwed shut to prevent them from leaving when confined,” the probable cause statements say. “Investigators corroborated these statements and observed locks on all cabinets and refrigerators. Locks were also found on each bedroom door, which required fingerprints to access.”

The family’s home was deemed “unsanitary” and “uninhabitable” due to the alleged conditions inside, including a lack of heat. No children’s toys or clothing were found inside, despite Britton recently receiving money from an inheritance.

“There is no indication that any of those funds were used for the children,” the probable cause statements say.

Britton and Myers were both charged with second-degree drug trafficking and three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. They are each being held on $250,000 cash-only bonds.