Elizabeth Siders’ brother is defending his family following the discovery of 16 children living like “feral children” in Ohio’s “house of horrors,” insisting “nothing is true” and claiming low IQ – not abuse – is to blame.
On June 30, investigators entered a rural home in Vinton County, Ohio, where they discovered 16 children, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, living in conditions authorities described as “deplorable.”
Detectives believe more than half of the children had spent the previous four years confined to a single 12-foot-by-12-foot room inside the home that was reportedly covered in dirt and feces.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described the scene as “pure evil,” saying the years of alleged neglect had left a devastating toll on the children.
“They looked like almost feral animals. It was terrible,” Wilson said. “I have never seen anything like what I saw today. It really looked third world. It is not something we are used to seeing in America.”
The experience left a lasting impression on the attorney general.
“I cannot get the smell off of me,” he said, while Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain added, “Most of their livestock was kept in better condition than their children.”
Elizabeth Siders, 33, her husband Gary Siders Jr., 36, Gary Siders Sr., 73, and Christina Siders, 77, have each been charged with 16 counts of second-degree felony child endangerment. All four have pleaded not guilty.
Elizabeth, Gray Jr. and Christina remain jailed on $300,000 cash bonds, while Gary Siders Sr. is receiving medical treatment after being released on a $300,000 recognizance bond with GPS monitoring.
Family responds
In a series of unpolished Facebook posts that have since been deleted, Jeremy Russell, who said he’s Elizabeth’s brother, defended members of his family while disputing many of the allegations surrounding the case.
In one message, Russell praised his own father while reflecting on his difficult upbringing.
“My family been actin super immature. Giving the Russell’s a bad name. We really do seek respect,” he wrote. “My dad has earn his life from the bottom. With no parents. Father not capable. Mother deceased age two. Grandparents deceased eight. Homeless children’s home there on after. -18. Sister was murdered. He was a teenager at the time.”
“My father is a warrior. Smiles every day.”
‘Low IQ’
In another post, Russell shared his opinion about the criminal case.
“This what I think. Slap on the wrist. You can not be charge for ignorance,” he said, adding that “the horror stories is not true, nothing is true.”
Russell then suggested that intellectual disabilities, rather than intentional abuse, were responsible for the family’s situation.
“My sister and her husband really did do their best to their iq. Allowance is the one to blame. Low IQ, getting that money.”
He added: “Everything is misunderstood. Their hygiene. Low IQ. The man of the house is responsible at most. He is the leader, leading followers. That’s what I think,” he wrote, not explaining who is “the leader.”
“I feel so sorry for you. I wish I could have been there to prevent this. My father’s name will go down as a disgrace,” Jeremy added.
Authorities have not responded publicly to Russell’s claims.
Another brother speaks out
Meanwhile, another brother, Joey Russell, pushed back after Jeremy referenced low IQ.
“I’m going to say this on here one time and one time only. I am not low iq. I suffer from [bipoliar disorder] and a rage disorder. I am getting help for my problems,” suggesting his issues aren’t related to intellect.
He also voiced support for his sister.
“My sisters suffering thats just sick shes going through too much…no matter what I say youre gonna twist and turn then run with it all I want her to know is im in her corner and ain’t no one stopping it,” Joey wrote.
Children remain in state care
As the case continues, Elizabeth’s attorney, Thomas Stolly, said his client has been focused on her children rather than the charges against her.
“She did say that she misses her kids,” Stolly told WSYX ABC 6. “The first question that she asked me was, ‘Are the kids OK? When can I see the kids?’ ‘Do you know anything about where they are?’”
“I thought it was telling that her first concern was not, ‘When can I get out of jail,’ but was ‘Are my children OK?’”
A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (ODOCY) said the children remain in protective custody.
“The safety and well-being of each of these children are top priorities,” ODOCY rep told WSAZ. “The children are now in safe environments and in the custody of the Vinton County Public Children Services Agency (PCSA).”
The spokesperson added that the agency is working to ensure the children receive the medical, behavioral health and other support services they need.
What do you think about what the brothers are saying about their family? Please let us know your thoughts and then share this story so we can hear from others!
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