HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In the early hours of October 23, 2024, law enforcement in Huntington, Cabell County, responded to a report of a young child found wandering outside alone.
The three-year-old, who is reportedly autistic, was discovered by a group of concerned residents who took the child to a neighbor’s apartment to call for help. The child was found wearing only a t-shirt despite the outside temperature being below 50 degrees.
Upon arrival, officers located the child’s parents, identified as Jeffery and Jennifer Jenkins, in their apartment, which was found to be in severe disarray. Inside, officers reported extensive filth, dog feces smeared throughout the floors, and only limited, unclean furniture for the family of six, including four children ranging in age from 2 to 13. The unsanitary conditions were described as hazardous, with a heavy insect infestation, a clogged bathtub and toilet, and limited food supplies.
Officers contacted Child Protective Services (CPS) to assess the residence, which was deemed unsafe for the children. CPS arranged for the children to be placed temporarily with a family member while further investigations proceed. The Jenkinses were each charged with four counts of Child Neglect Creating Risk of Injury.
