Georgia authorities arrested Sarah Pombert and Joseph Turner after discovering they allegedly abandoned a 3-year-old child in a filthy backyard shed without running water, electricity, or supervision for over three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Sarah Pombert and Joseph Turner face second-degree child cruelty charges after allegedly leaving a 3-year-old alone in a dilapidated shed without basic amenities from May 1-22, 2025.
- The child was reportedly found “unsupervised, unbathed, and unclothed” in conditions described by authorities as causing “cruel or excessive mental or physical pain.”
- A neighbor claimed the shed caught fire during Memorial Day weekend and expressed being “not surprised” by the arrests given the couple’s lifestyle.
- The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office filed arrest warrants on May 29, with both suspects currently held in Douglas County Jail awaiting proceedings.
- The relationship between the child and the couple has not been publicly disclosed by officials.
Shocking Conditions Revealed in Georgia Child Neglect Case
A disturbing case of child neglect has emerged from Douglasville, Georgia, where authorities have arrested Sarah Pombert and Joseph Turner for allegedly abandoning a 3-year-old child in deplorable conditions. According to law enforcement documents, the couple kept the toddler in a backyard shed without running water or electricity for an extended period spanning from May 1 to May 22, 2025. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office filed formal charges after discovering the child had been left alone in conditions completely unsuitable for human habitation, especially for a vulnerable toddler.
“kept a dirty living space in a shed without running water or electricity, and left the child unsupervised, unbathed, and unclothed with criminal negligence,” according to the Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County.
The arrest warrant filed on May 29 details accusations of criminal negligence that led to what authorities describe as causing “cruel or excessive mental or physical pain” to the child. The young victim, identified as Bjorn Turner, was reportedly left in filthy conditions without proper care, clothing, or supervision. While the exact relationship between the child and the suspects has not been disclosed publicly, both Pombert and Turner now face serious legal consequences for their alleged actions.
Community Response and Discovery of Neglect
The investigation intensified after the shed reportedly caught fire during Memorial Day weekend, drawing attention to the property and living situation. A neighbor, Matthew Govoni, told reporters that Pombert and Turner had lived at the residence for over a decade, and that the recent developments, while disturbing, weren’t entirely unexpected given his observations of their lifestyle choices. The neighbor’s statement points to potential long-term issues that went unaddressed in the community.
“I’m saddened for them and the child, but I mean, for the child, I hope they can get to a place where they can be helped,” said Govoni.
While authorities have not revealed exactly how they discovered the child’s situation or who reported the neglect, the fire incident appears to have played a significant role in bringing the conditions to light. The case raises serious questions about how a child could be subjected to such neglect for weeks without intervention from social services or community members. This highlights persistent gaps in child protection systems that continue to leave vulnerable children at risk despite existing safeguards.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Both Pombert and Turner were taken into custody on June 2 and remain held at the Douglas County Jail. They face charges of second-degree child cruelty, which in Georgia carries significant penalties that can include substantial prison time. The arrest documents specifically cite their causing “cruel or excessive mental or physical pain” to the child through their negligence and the deplorable living conditions they provided. As of June 6, court records indicated neither suspect had secured legal representation.
“cruel or excessive mental or physical pain,” according to jail records, Douglas County.
The case exemplifies the increasing problem of child neglect across America, where law enforcement and child protection services struggle with limited resources to identify and intervene in situations of abuse before they reach critical levels. The lack of information about the child’s current placement suggests ongoing protective measures as authorities work to ensure the young victim receives proper care and treatment following this traumatic experience. Child welfare advocates point to cases like this as evidence of the need for stronger community monitoring and reporting systems.
“With the lifestyle they live, I’m not surprised by any of that, really,” said Matthew Govoni.
