NORTH CAROLINA — A North Carolina man has been charged after authorities say a child, two disabled adults and numerous dogs were found living in unsafe conditions inside a home.
According to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a residence in Nebo on March 11 after a report of a woman in cardiac arrest. When deputies arrived, they found the woman had died.
While at the home, investigators discovered an 11-year-old child and two special needs adults living in what officials described as unsafe conditions. Deputies also found 16 dogs inside the residence, several of which were considered dangerous and were removed by animal control.
Authorities said the home did not have running water or indoor plumbing.
Investigators determined that 58-year-old Derrick Suppes was responsible for the conditions inside the home, including failing to provide a safe environment for the occupants.
Suppes has been charged with two counts of felony abuse of a disabled person with injury, misdemeanor child abuse and misdemeanor attack by a dangerous dog.
Officials said the child and the two adults were removed from the home and placed with family members.
The investigation remains ongoing.
