Teen, 15, Abandoned in ‘Filthy’ Hotel Room by Parents was Size of 10-Year-Old: Cops

A father and mother in Louisiana are facing criminal charges after allegedly abandoning their 15-year-old daughter in a hotel in Shreveport, leaving her to survive on her own in what police described as “deplorable” conditions. Carey Herring, 52, and Angela Herring, 50, reportedly left their daughter for two weeks in late March, leading to her being found last Wednesday in a filthy hotel room without supervision or access to basic care.

Filthy Hotel Room and Lack of Supervision

According to the Shreveport Police Department, officers discovered the teenage girl alone in a hotel room at the Royal Inn on N. Market Street. When they arrived, the room was described as a “mess,” and the girl was visibly malnourished and appeared much younger than her age, reportedly the size of a 10-year-old. She had not showered in 14 days and expressed apologies to the officers for the unpleasant odor. The teenager informed the officers that her mother had left more than a week prior, telling her, “I love you, be back soon.” She claimed to have been surviving on her own, finding food when possible, and had not been to school in three years. Authorities were contacted by the Youth Services Bureau, prompting their intervention.

Abandoned and Left to Fend for Herself

The young girl told officers that her father had been banned from the hotel for reasons unknown, a claim that was confirmed by hotel staff. She also mentioned having sent a text message to her mother via Wi-Fi, although they had only communicated once during the previous week. The girl’s mother reportedly claimed that she had a flat tire and was in Texas, but police said there was no evidence to substantiate her claims. Corporal Chris Bordelon from the Shreveport Police Department emphasized the severe neglect the child had endured. “She’s been surviving on her own,” Bordelon said, highlighting how the girl had no adult supervision or support for an extended period. The police described the girl’s situation as heartbreaking, as she appeared to be unaware of the gravity of her circumstances, having lived in such an unstable and unhealthy environment for so long.

Charges and Child Protective Services Involvement

In response to the abandonment, Child Protective Services was immediately alerted, and the girl was placed into its custody. Her parents, Carey and Angela Herring, were arrested and charged with improper supervision of a juvenile and criminal neglect of family. They were held at the Caddo Correctional Center in Shreveport as of Monday. “The child has had a rough upbringing,” said Bordelon. “She doesn’t really understand what’s going on, doesn’t understand the circumstances that she’s having to live in, and can’t even comprehend how difficult her life is.” He expressed a desire to ensure the young girl receives the necessary help to overcome the trauma and start building a more stable future. The case has raised concerns about the welfare of children left in similar neglectful situations and underscores the need for intervention to break cycles of abuse and neglect.