Parents Charged After Autistic Kids Allegedly Locked in Closet

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Police in Richmond, Kentucky have charged a mother and father, Stephanie Harmer and Casey Farthing, with first-degree criminal abuse, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal mischief after discovering their two autistic, nonverbal sons had allegedly been locked inside a bedroom closet, with evidence of the children clawing at the walls to try and escape.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges and risks faced by families with autistic children, as well as the need for greater support and resources for caregivers. It also raises concerns about potential abuse and neglect of vulnerable individuals, and the importance of authorities intervening when there are signs of mistreatment.

The details

According to the arrest report, the landlord contacted police after discovering the former tenants, Harmer and Farthing, had left the apartment in "deplorable conditions" with nearly $2,500 in damage. When police arrived, they found the home filled with cockroaches, dirty diapers, and human feces. Inside a bedroom closet, they discovered bloody walls with drywall that appeared to have been clawed from the inside. Interviews with the couple's 5-year-old daughter revealed that "mommy and daddy lock the boys in the closet when they're bad." Authorities also found that one of the boys had a broken nail and dried blood on his fingers.

• On March 9, 2026, Harmer and Farthing were arraigned in court.

What’s next

The judge will decide on the couple's bail and whether they will be allowed to have any contact with their children pending the outcome of the criminal case.