Milwaukee Father Sentenced to 5 Years for Locking 6 Kids in Storage Unit

Authorities found the children, aged 2 months to 9 years, alone in a dark, bare storage unit with no lighting or proper facilities.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:42am

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An extreme close-up of a small toy car, its details and textures sharply illuminated by a direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of abandonment and neglect.A harsh flash photograph of a discarded child's toy car conceptually represents the neglect and lack of care found in this disturbing case.Today in Milwaukee

A 34-year-old Milwaukee father, Charles Dupriest, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison after police discovered he had locked his six young children, ranging from 2 months to 9 years old, inside a storage unit with no lighting, beds, or proper toilet facilities. Dupriest and the children's mother, Azyia Zielinski, were arrested at the scene after authorities responded to reports of a crying baby coming from the locked storage space.

Why it matters

This disturbing case has raised serious concerns about child neglect and safety, with the harsh conditions the children were found in sparking outrage in the Milwaukee community. It also highlights the need for greater resources and support for families struggling with poverty, mental health issues, or other challenges that may lead to such extreme neglect.

The details

In September 2025, police responded to reports of a crying baby coming from a locked storage unit. Upon forcing entry, they found six children alone in the dark, bare unit, which contained only a mattress, a sofa, and a bucket for the children to use as a toilet. The parents, Charles Dupriest and Azyia Zielinski, were found asleep in a car nearby and were both arrested at the scene.

  • In September 2025, police responded to reports of a crying baby coming from a locked storage unit.

The players

Charles Dupriest

A 34-year-old Milwaukee father who was sentenced to 5 years in prison for locking his six young children inside a storage unit.

Azyia Zielinski

The mother of the six children who was arrested at the scene along with Charles Dupriest.

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What they’re saying

“This case is a tragic reminder of the need for greater support and resources for families struggling with poverty, mental health issues, and other challenges that can lead to such extreme neglect.”

— Jada Simmons, Child Welfare Advocate

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Charles Dupriest to be released on bail pending his sentencing hearing.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident highlights the urgent need for improved social services, mental health resources, and community support to prevent such cases of severe child neglect and ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable families.