Crime
34-year-old Kelli Bryant, Pontiac Mother Arrested for Abandoning Three Children Who Lived in Squalor for Years
The 15-year-old boy told investigators that he and his sisters had been living alone in the home since either 2020 or 2021.
A Pontiac woman has been arrested after authorities discovered she had abandoned her three children for years, leaving them to survive in deplorable conditions with only occasional food drop-offs.
Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office took 34-year-old Kelli Bryant into custody on Friday. She is currently being held in the Oakland County Jail, with detectives expected to present the case to prosecutors in the coming days.
According to Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the conditions in which the children were forced to live were “unconscionable.”
Authorities revealed that the children—a 15-year-old boy and two girls, ages 12 and 13—were living in absolute filth inside a residence on the 600 block of Lydia Lane in Pontiac.
They had been surviving solely on prepared meals their mother or an unknown individual would occasionally leave on the front porch.
“This is one of the most severe cases of neglect and abandonment I have seen in my career,” Bouchard said. “The conditions were so inhumane that they wouldn’t even be acceptable for an animal, let alone three children. These kids were denied basic human interaction, had no access to education, and suffered years of neglect. The consequences of this level of abuse are immeasurable.”
Investigators described the living conditions inside the home as appalling.
Photographs from the scene revealed garbage piled up to four feet high in several rooms, along with extensive mold, human waste, and feces scattered throughout the house.
The toilet was overflowing, and feces were found in the bathtub.
The children were found in soiled clothing, their hair matted, and their toenails grown several inches long, making it difficult for them to walk.
They did not know how to use basic hygiene items or even flush a toilet. The girls had reportedly not left the home in years, and none of the children had attended school since their mother abandoned them.
The 15-year-old boy told investigators that he and his sisters had been living alone in the home since either 2020 or 2021.
They relied on weekly food drop-offs but were given no toilet paper or hygiene products. While the mother maintained some communication with the boy, authorities believe she had not physically seen the girls in years.
The children were taken to a hospital for evaluation and have since been placed in the custody of a relative by Child Protective Services.
An evidence technician wearing a HAZMAT suit processed the scene due to the unsanitary conditions.
Authorities located Bryant at another residence and arrested her without incident. She reportedly told investigators that the children’s father was not involved in their lives.
Disturbingly, police discovered that while her children lived in squalor, Bryant had been active on Facebook, livestreaming food giveaways to others in need.
Neighbors told deputies they had no idea children were living in the home, as they never saw them outside.
Residents only noticed Bryant occasionally dropping off supplies but were unaware of the extent of the neglect.
Bryant remains in custody without bond as the investigation continues.
Prosecutors are expected to announce formal charges soon.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.