Harris County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the gruesome scene on Sunday to the CityParc II at West Oaks Apartments.
Deputies said the three boys, ages 15, 10, and 7, were found inside of the apartment and may have been there for months, maybe even a year. The skeletal remains of a 9-year-old were also found inside the apartment.
Investigators said the 15-year-old boy called 911 to tell them that his 9-year-old brother had been dead for about a year.
The teenager also said his parents haven’t lived there for several months.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the children appeared malnourished and showed signs of physical injury. All three were taken to a hospital to be treated for their injuries.
Gonzalez called the scene “horrific” after he witnessed the childrens’ living conditions.
I have been in this business a long time, and never saw anything like this,” Gonzalez said.
According to KTRK, the 9-year-old’s remains were reportedly out in the open inside the apartment, not concealed or hidden.
“[We’re] Connecting all the dots at this point, it appears [the kids] were in there while the body was deteriorating,” Gonzalez said.
Sheriff Gonzalez said on Monday morning that the children’s mother and her boyfriend were located, interviewed and released. No charges have been filed yet.
CPS is assisting with the children. The investigation is ongoing.
