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.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.