A disturbing case has emerged from Texas, where a 60-year-old woman, Kandy Thompson, faces serious charges after allegedly confining her 22-year-old daughter, who has special needs, in a cage in their backyard. The incident came to light after a concerned neighbor intervened, capturing a video that has since formed a key part of the investigation.

The neighbor’s video, which was shared with local police, shows the young woman in distress, crying out in fear from within the cage. As the neighbor confronts Thompson, he attempts to comfort the young woman until law enforcement arrives. This harrowing footage prompted immediate action from the authorities.

Initially, Thompson was taken into custody on charges of injury to a child. However, as the investigation deepened, additional charges were filed against her. These include aggravated kidnapping, injury to a disabled person, unlawful restraint, endangering a disabled person, and assault/family violence. The Anson Police Department expanded the charges following comprehensive interviews and a thorough review of all evidence gathered at the scene.

In response to the situation, the young woman has been removed from the harmful environment. Police have ensured she is now receiving the necessary care and protective services, offering some relief amid this troubling incident.

In the video recorded by the neighbor, the young woman can be heard crying and screaming that she’s scared from the cage as the neighbor confronts Thompson; he comforts her after police arrive. She has been “removed from the unsafe environment and is receiving appropriate care and protective services,” police said.

A local newspaper reported that Thompson and her late husband cared for dozens of children with special needs over several decades. The state Department of Family Protective Services said none of the fosters came through their agency.