Saturday, April 6, 2024–2:11 p.m.

-WQZQ Radio-

Two people have been arrested in a shocking case of child neglect.

According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader:

An investigator responded to Atrium Health Floyd in Rome where two children, ages 12 months and 23 months, were being treated for malnourishment and dehydration.

The 23-month-old weighed 14 pounds, only twice its birth weight, and was extremely lethargic and nearly lifeless.

Another one of the couple’s children, a 36-month-old, was located at a relative’s house and was found to be underweight as well. 

The two children who were being treated at Atrium Floyd were quickly transferred to a children’s specialty hospital for further treatment. 

The younger children were not able to sit, stand, walk, or otherwise function as a child their age should due to their condition. 

The parents, 22-year-old Joseph David Wilson Jr and 22-year-old Santeria Watkins, both of Summerville, were charged with 1st and 2nd-degree child cruelty, and contributing to the delinquency of a child.

The children have been removed from the parent’s custody and the investigation is being handled by Chief Investigator Jason Burrage.