Two teenage brothers slept on the front porch of their Detroit home for months as temperatures plummeted, despite their parents' best efforts to keep them inside.
Concern and questions have been raised over the bizarre situation in which two brothers were found sleeping in front of a house wrapped in blankets and wearing winter coats.
This sleeping arrangement prompted a local independent journalist to stop by the house two weeks ago to see if he needed help.
But authorities announced Monday that the 12-year-old and 15-year-old siblings chose to sleep outside and could come inside at any time. Fox2 reported.
The police said they were not punished and that the parents tried to get the children to undergo therapy to try to convince them to sleep under the roof. The older child reportedly has assault and battery charges pending in juvenile court.
“They wanted to sleep outside, and that's what they told their neighbors and anyone who tried to help them,” Detroit Police Chief Rebecca McKay told police.
“Parents don't want their kids on the porch, but a 6-foot-5, 220-pound 15-year-old isn't going to fight, and it could be,” she added.
According to the newspaper, the brothers are currently sleeping at the home of a family friend.
Detroit police began investigating earlier this month after neighbors began complaining about the chaotic situation.
The two began sleeping on a neighbor's balcony during the summer. he told Fox 2.
“It was painful every night when I went to bed knowing these kids were outside,” Kiara Collins said on Dec. 2.
“In July it was 80 to 90 degrees. Now it's 20 degrees,” she added. “Do you know what I'm saying? Therefore, something needs to be done.”
Mark D'Andre, a prominent independent Michigan City journalist, visited the home on Nov. 30 to check on the children's safety. We livestreamed the interaction.
When asked if he was okay, one of the boys replied, “I'm fine.”
As a result of the investigation, the parents are not expected to be charged with any crimes.
