A Florida mother is facing charges of child neglect after allegedly leaving her young son alone for weeks in a home filled with unsanitary conditions and aggressive dogs. Ashley Burdick, 41, has been charged with child neglect without great bodily harm, according to Brevard County court records. She has since been released from jail after her arrest.
The Disturbing Discovery
The incident came to light on April 10, when a concerned neighbor contacted the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office after suspecting that a young child had been left alone for several days in the company of multiple dogs. The neighbor expressed concerns about the child’s safety, given the presence of aggressive animals in the house. Upon investigation, deputies learned that the child, who had been diagnosed with autism, had been alone for approximately four days without adult supervision.
When deputies made contact with the child, he was unable to open the door due to the dogs inside the house. Instead, the boy spoke to officers through a bathroom window. He confirmed that he had been alone for several days and provided his mother’s phone number. However, when deputies attempted to reach Burdick, her phone went straight to voicemail.
Child’s Testimony and Further Investigation
The situation grew more alarming as the child shared additional details with investigators. During interviews, the boy mentioned experiencing physical violence at the hands of his mother. He also described an incident in which he unintentionally became intoxicated after drinking a juice that contained moonshine alcohol.
Upon visiting the home, investigators observed unsanitary conditions, including feces on the floor and other unsafe living conditions. The boy reportedly told investigators that he had been left without food for long periods, even going as long as two weeks without eating. He also stated that he felt unsafe at home and was not enrolled in any form of schooling.
Neglect and Witness Accounts
Further investigation revealed that Burdick had reportedly left the boy in the care of another person when she needed a break. A witness also told authorities that Burdick had instructed her not to speak to the Florida Department of Children and Families about the situation, raising further concerns about the child’s well-being.
Burdick is expected to be arraigned in court on May 14. The case continues to unfold, as authorities work to ensure the safety and welfare of the young boy, who remains the center of this disturbing neglect case.
