Authorities in Brevard County have arrested 41-year-old Ashley Burdick after she allegedly left her young son, who has autism, to fend for himself for days in a Merritt Island home overrun by aggressive dogs and filth.
The investigation began on April 10 when a concerned neighbor contacted the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, reporting that the child had been alone for roughly four days.
When a deputy arrived at the residence, the boy explained he could not open the front door because of “multiple aggressive dogs” inside. Instead, the deputy had to interview the child through a front bathroom window.
According to the arrest affidavit, the boy confirmed he was home alone and provided his mother’s phone number, though deputies say calls to Burdick went straight to voicemail. The Florida Department of Children and Families was called to the scene to assist.
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Inside the home, investigators described “unsafe” and “unsanitary” conditions, specifically noting feces on the floors. During interviews with a state investigator, the child made several harrowing claims, including that his mother had physically been violent with him. He also recounted an incident where he accidentally became intoxicated after drinking juice from the refrigerator that contained moonshine.
The boy further alleged that he had been left without food for up to two weeks in the past and stated he is not currently enrolled in school. “He does not feel safe,” the charging document notes.
Further investigation revealed a witness who claimed Burdick would occasionally drop the child off because she needed a “break.” This witness also told authorities that Burdick reached out and instructed her not to speak with DCF investigators regarding the current case.
Burdick has been charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. While she has since been released from jail, she is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on May 14.
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