A Shocking Twist About the Grandmother in Ohio’s “House of Horrors” Case Involving 16 Children Is Changing the Way Many See Her
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The attorney for Christina Siders, the grandmother of 16 children rescued in Vinton County, has requested a competency hearing and to be released on bond.
Kandra Roberts is representing Siders, one of four adults charged with 16 counts of child endangerment out of Vinton County. On Tuesday, Roberts filed two requests with Vinton County courts: A competency evaluation and a request for her client to be let out on a modified bond. She alleged her client was the only adult taking care of people in the home, and that she needs medical treatment.
Siders, 67, is charged alongside her husband, Gary Siders, 73; son, Gary Siders Jr., 36; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Siders, 33. Each is facing 16 counts of child endangerment, a second-degree felony specifying each child allegedly suffered from serious physical harm. See previous coverage in the video player above.
All but Gary Siders Sr. are being held on a $300,000 bond; the eldest Siders was released on an amended bond because he was hospitalized and needed “significant” medical care.
Roberts is now requesting Christina Siders be released on a modified bond, saying she has not indicated that she would not cooperate with future hearings so bail is not necessary. Roberts said Christina Siders is unable to pay bond, but is charged with nonviolent felonies and is not a threat to public safety.
“It is evident that Defendant (Christina) was the only adult in the home who had long been providing for all the other adults and all the children residing in her home,” Roberts wrote. “Defendant paid for rent, utilities and other necessities in the home. Despite her own medical conditions, Defendant was also tasked with caring for her husband and his significant medical needs and physical limitations.”
Roberts claimed in court documents that officials originally came to the home to serve Gary Siders Jr. a warrant for a misdemeanor. Gary Siders Jr. is facing four unrelated charges for public indecency.
Roberts wrote in court filings that officials “encountered unsanitary conditions in the home” while serving Siders Jr. with a warrant and the 16 children were removed from their parents care. Roberts claimed Christina Siders cooperated with law enforcement “during an interrogation at the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office without counsel present.”
Roberts also filed a motion for a mental competency hearing to determine if Christina Siders is well enough to be charged. She said she has reason to believe Christina Siders does not fully comprehend the charges and “requires medical treatment related to her medical condition and many documented medical diagnoses.”
Gary Siders Sr. was approved by the court to undergo a competency evaluation. Elizabeth Siders’ attorney made a similar request to have her released on bond, and Gary Siders Jr.’s attorney requested a competency hearing for his client. The court has yet to rule on either.
Roberts said if Christina Siders were to be released, she would live with “close family members who are capable and available to assist” in making sure she goes to follow up hearings.
Christina, Elizabeth and Gary Siders Jr. have been in jail for nearly a month awaiting an indictment.
SOURCE: FOX 8
https://fox8.com/news/grandmother-of-rescued-16-ohio-children-asks-to-be-released-on-bond/
