Missouri Couple Arrested After Alleged Beatings, Starvation and Locking of Three Children

A Missouri couple has been arrested and charged after investigators say their three children were physically abused, denied food and kept in hazardous living conditions, according to a probable cause statement reviewed by PEOPLE.

Authorities identified the suspects as Amberly Britton and Mark A. Myers, parents of three minors. The St. Charles County Police Department and the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office say the investigation ran from Aug. 18, 2025, through Nov. 18, 2025, and began after a child arrived at school with a significant laceration that required medical care.

Allegations and Home Conditions

Police allege the parents did not seek timely or appropriate treatment for the injury and failed to meet with school staff as requested. When officers later visited the family home, they reported hazardous and unsanitary conditions: extreme clutter, strong odors of urine, mattresses without bedding, and dirty dishes and debris covering surfaces. Investigators said kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator were secured with locks the children could not open.

According to the probable cause statement, Britton and Myers told officers the locks were used to "control" how the children accessed food. Detectives also reported finding large quantities of what they believed to be methamphetamine and smoking paraphernalia unsecured in a bedroom and a shed.

Children's Accounts

Forensic interviews with the children reportedly revealed that they were sometimes locked in bedrooms — at times overnight — and had to break cabinet locks to eat. A 13-year-old said she experienced pain and vomiting from severe hunger and said she was punished for vomiting. The children also described being struck with belts, paddles and other objects, and being grabbed or dragged by the neck. They concealed bruises after being told not to disclose what happened at home. Officers noted some windows in the residence had been screwed shut.

“I would say this is definitely one of the [worst] cases that I have investigated... Just the level and extent of the neglect and the psychological factors that they put on these children,” said Det. Sgt. Brian Adelsberger, per KTVI.

Charges, Background And Custody

Police say Britton has multiple active felony warrants for possession of a controlled substance and driving while suspended, and prior convictions for endangering the welfare of a child. Myers reportedly has prior convictions that include second-degree statutory rape and failure to register as a sex offender. Investigators also allege Britton blamed the children for the abuse and showed no remorse; they say she recently received an inheritance with no indication the funds were used for the children.

Britton and Myers were charged with second-degree trafficking of drugs and three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Both are being held on $250,000 cash-only bonds, according to local reports.

If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential and the hotline operates 24/7 in more than 170 languages.