newswatcher

This incredible story emerged during the past week. Not sure how widespread this has been reported. Three malnourished boys were recently discovered in a house, in "upmarket" Philadelphia, as a result of a fourth being caught by a neighbour, raiding his dustbin for food in the early hours of the morning. He was believed to be 19yo, weighed just 3 stone, and had the stature of a 6yo. The lightest, a 9yo boy, weighed just 1st 6lb, against a "norm" for that age of 4 stone.

The family claimed that the boys, all adopted, were suffering from eating disorders. They have shown no symptoms since their "rescue". Health visitors, who had visisted their home 5 times over the last 2 years, reported no problems.

There were 7 other children in the house, 5 adopted girls, and a "real" son & daughter. All were well-fed.

The boys were only allowed out to attend services at the "Come Alive! New Testament" church. The local pastor describes the family as "very spiritual". "They have taken in kids that nobody else would".

References from Philadelphia Inquirer
initial & follow-up

Foss

Just read that myself.
bloody appalling. terrible story.
I think you'll find it was four kids though.

Like to see their church (Come Alive! New Testament church) didn't inform the police - or the social services for that matter.

The picture currently doing the rounds was taken at the church days before the police became involved.

Fos

eal401

I think you mean, very mentally ill. Those sort of "religious" establishments tend to be more about control of gulliable people. They were probably told to starve their boys to please the Lord or some such rot!

My opinions only, of course.