In a deeply disturbing case out of Georgia, a couple has been arrested after allegedly confining their 3-year-old child in a backyard shed for weeks. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Pombert and 35-year-old Joseph Mathew Turner were taken into custody on June 2, 2025. The arrest came after a warrant was issued charging them with second-degree child cruelty.
Authorities claim that the child, identified as Byron Turner, was held in a small, filthy shed behind the couple’s home in Douglasville, Georgia, from May 1 to May 22, 2025. The arrest warrant, obtained by ABC News, described the shed as lacking water, electricity, and basic sanitation—conditions investigators labeled as both degrading and inhumane.
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A Shocking Scene of Neglect
Officials stated that the young boy was unheard, unattended, and unsupervised throughout the confinement. The extent of the neglect has sparked outrage and concern in the Douglasville community, with many questioning how such a situation went unnoticed for weeks.
Both Pombert and Turner were booked into the Douglas County Jail and are currently being held without bond. As of Friday, June 6, neither had secured legal representation, according to court records.
Community Reeling from the Discovery
Residents of the couple’s neighborhood expressed disbelief and sorrow following the revelations. Matthew Govoni, a neighbor who had known the couple for years, told Atlanta’s WSB-TV that he was “shocked, but not surprised.” He added that the couple’s lifestyle had long been a source of concern.
Govoni also noted that the shed where Byron was allegedly confined had burned down over Memorial Day weekend, but the exact timing of the fire in relation to the child’s release remains unclear. Authorities have not confirmed whether the fire played a role in uncovering the child’s living conditions, and the Douglas County Fire Department has yet to comment on the incident.
Questions About Oversight and Accountability
The case raises significant questions about child protection oversight and community responsibility. Authorities say the shed lacked basic amenities necessary for any human—let alone a toddler—to survive. With no supervision, electricity, or clean water, Byron was left to fend for himself in harrowing conditions.
Investigators have not confirmed whether any other children were present in the home or if additional charges will be filed. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) is now involved, and Byron Turner is currently in protective custody. His current medical condition has not been disclosed.
Outrage and Demands for Reform
Public reaction has been swift and angry. Child advocacy groups are calling for a thorough investigation into how the couple was able to maintain custody of the child and why no one intervened sooner. Advocates emphasize the importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior.
“There are often signs—neglect, isolation, suspicious behavior—that go ignored,” said one child welfare advocate. “We need stronger safeguards and quicker responses from both neighbors and authorities.”
Legal Ramifications and Next Steps
Pombert and Turner are expected to face a lengthy legal process, with prosecutors likely to pursue additional charges as more evidence comes to light. If convicted, the couple could face long-term prison sentences. The severity of the alleged abuse is likely to make this a high-profile case with widespread media and legal attention.
There is also the possibility that the case will explore underlying factors such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or poverty—factors that often contribute to severe neglect cases. However, officials have not released any such details yet.
A Wake-Up Call for Child Safety
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that vulnerable children face and the importance of intervention and community responsibility. As authorities continue to investigate, many are left asking: How did this happen? And how can we ensure it never happens again?
For now, the focus remains on ensuring Byron Turner’s recovery and well-being, and on holding accountable those responsible for the heartbreaking ordeal that shocked an entire community.