A well-being check to a home in Florida by police found three children living in a home with 245 animals of various species.
Upon arrival to the home in Edgewater, officers not only located the three children, but also live and dead animals on the property. There was feces, urine and rotting food throughout the house.
It was immediately evident neither the children, nor the animals were being cared for properly, according to a statement on the Edgewater police FB page.
The residence was in deplorable living conditions. EPD Officers observed a dead guinea pig in a cage, rotting food, animal feces and urine throughout the residence. The three defendants, Melissa Hamilton, Greg Nelson and Susan Nelson will be charged with 3 counts of child abuse and 66 counts of animal cruelty.
The juveniles ages 8, 9 and 10 were removed from the residence by the Department of Children and Families and were placed with a responsible family member. The Edgewater Police Department and Edgewater Animal Control removed the animals from the property. The animals were brought to the Edgewater Animal Shelter.
The shelter is in need of donations which can be dropped off at 605 Mango Tree Drive in Edgewater. EPD is accepting donations for the children too (all girls). They can be clothing items, toys or monetary donations. These items will be accepted at the Edgewater Police Department, located at 135 East Park Avenue, Edgewater, FL 32132.
*Greg Nelson is in EPD custody and Melissa Hamilton’s whereabouts are known, but she is not in police custody at this time.*
Animals Surrendered During Investigation:
Dogs: 4
Cats: 2
Guinea Pigs: 9 plus 1 deceased
Rabbits: 12
Hamsters: 4
Sugar Gliders: 10
Birds: 14
Gecko: 1
Tortoise: 1
Hedge Hog: 1
Bearded Dragons: 7
Leopard Spotted Gecko: 1
Mice: 95
Rats: 60 adults 23 babies
“I have been to many bad houses but that is probably the worst house I’ve ever entered,” said Edgewater police Chief Joe Mahoney on Monday. “I felt bad for the little girls. It’s just sad.”
\While police were at the scene, Gregg Nelson complained of chest pains and was taken to AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. Hamilton revealed she had swallowed 17 Xanax pills in an attempt to end her life. Hamilton said she was going to lose everything and she felt as though she had no reason to continue living, police said.
Hamilton was taken to a hospital for treatment and mental evaluation, a report said.
