Local News

Man, woman charged with child abuse

BELINGTON -- A Barbour County couple is facing child abuse charges after police allegedly found "the most deplorable living environments" during a welfare check at their home.

Timothy Ensil Shriver, 25, and Mary Elizabeth Nida, 23, are each charged with one count of child abuse creating risk of injury, a misdemeanor. Both Shriver and Nida were being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on separate $10,000 property/surety bonds that have since been posted.

According to the criminal complaints, filed by Deputy C.A. Curkendall with the Barbour County Sheriff's Office, on Feb. 5, Curkendall along with Barbour Sheriff Brett Carpenter responded to a reported child welfare check in Belington.

The residence was reported to 911 as "unfit for children," the complaint states.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with Nida and Shriver, who said that two young children lived in the home. Shriver permitted Curkendall to enter the residence and assess the living conditions.

Immediately upon entry, Curkendall allegedly detected a "strong and overwhelming" odor of feces and urine throughout the home, the complaint states.

Curkendall reportedly observed large amounts of rotten food, dirty dishes and piles of trash scattered throughout the residence. The kitchen floor was allegedly covered in dog feces.

Shriver allegedly advised Curkendall on which bedroom was "where the kids stay," the complaint states. When Curkendall inspected the bedroom, he reportedly observed piles of trash and "miscellaneous junk" covering the floor. The room also reportedly contained numerous old dishes with rotting food.

Curkendall writes that the conditions of the bedroom were reportedly "unsanitary and hazardous." The residence itself was described by Curkendall as "unfit" for children and posed a danger to the children's health and safety.

"Based on my seven years of experience in law enforcement, these conditions are among the most deplorable living environments I have encountered," Curkendall wrote in the criminal complaints regarding Shriver and Nida.