Couple leaves kids home alone on New Year's Eve

[Brent]

But, that isn't the worst part, they got a DOGSITTER to take care of the dog!!!

http://www.ktvu.com/news/5822798/detail.html

[cottoncloud]

truly one of the most heartbreaking stories i've ever read are their parents on drugs or something?? what kind of parent does that???? i hope they don't get out on bail and they serve the max sentence no child should ever have to suffer this cruelty much less multiple times!

[Skywatch_NC]

And a 9-yr old being left in charge of a 5-yr old sibling with special needs autism, too.

This couple cared more about getting a sitter for their puppy(s)!!

UNbelievable!

Eric

[weathermom]

And to think I felt guilty leaving my almost 14 yr old to watch my almost 9 yr old to take their sister to the ER. I can't believe people like this!

[O Town]

These people could of found someone to watch their kids while they were out, there is no excuse for this. They went to Vagas, I am sure they had pockets full of money, I guess they felt the kids were not worth a few hundred to have adult supervision. WOW!

[coriolis]

A 9-year-old may be old enough to take care of himself for a short time, but not to watch a younger special-needs sibling. The kid did sound mature for his age - some kids are much better at being responsible than others. But it was still grossly irresponsible of those parents to do that. I have a 9 year-old that I trust more than my 14-year-old!

[Miss Mary]

Wow, what a tragic story. Leaving children home alone for days, with instructions not to answer the door. Unbelievable.

Reminds of the first story like this I ever read about. Years ago, Chicago area. Two sisters ages 9 and 7, I think. Parents went out of town for a weeklong trip, on a plane. Bought enough frozen dinners for the girls, told them to go to and from school, not to stay after for any reason. To come straight home, come inside and lock the door. At some point a teacher or neighbor became suspicious, and called police. The police were very smart in handling it. After gathering all the facts, they just waited at the airport and arrested the parents on the spot.

These girls were fine, they were safe and had eaten well but were just abandoned by the very adults who were supposed to love and care for them! And for a what - a week to themselves. I'm sure the other 51 weeks a year were not Leave It To Beaver parenting....oh no, these girls were alone before they parents left town. I always wondered what happened to them. They'd be teenagers by now.

Mary

[beachbum_al]

That is so sad. I couldn't even imagine leaving my girls alone when they are older.

[cajungal]

Pure selfish. All they worried about was them having a good time and could not care less about the two boys. 9-years old is still entirely too young to be left alone. Especially to care for a child with special needs. My mom's friend has a son with autism. And he is 32 years old. He can still talk and function to a certain degree and can stay home by himself for a couple of hours. When she had to go in the hospital for treatment for cancer, she got someone to stay with him.

[TexasStooge]

That's just wrong!!