Ohio ‘House of Horrors’: Grandmother Says She Supported 20-Person Household as 16 Children Remain in County Care
A new court filing has revealed further details about the living arrangements of 16 children who were removed from an Ohio home in June, as their grandmother faces child-endangerment charges.
Christina Siders, 68, is accused of 19 counts of endangering children after authorities found 16 children living in unsafe conditions at a home in Hamden, Vinton County. The children, who ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years, were removed from the property and placed in the care of the county.
According to a motion filed by Siders’ lawyer, the household had originally consisted of Christina and her husband before their son, his wife and their 16 children moved into the home. The filing states that Christina became the household’s sole source of income, paying for rent, utilities and other necessities for the 20 people living there.
Her lawyer is asking the court to reduce Siders’ $300,000 bond, arguing that she has no previous criminal record and has consistently appeared when required in legal proceedings. Siders pleaded not guilty to the charges on September 25.
The children were initially taken to hospitals for medical assessments following their removal. Some required further medical care, while all 16 remain under county care as authorities work to address their needs and support their recovery. Ohio has also provided $1 million in emergency funding to Vinton County for their care.
The case remains ongoing, and the charges against Siders are allegations. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
