Police Say Parents Of Dead Nevada Toddler May Be In Southland
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The parents of a 3-year-old girl found dead in a North Las Vegas, Nev., home earlier this week might be in the Southland traveling with five other children, authorities said Saturday morning.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it is actively looking for Kellie Phillips, 38, and Jondrew Lachaux, 39, who are wanted for questioning by North Las Vegas police.
Earlier this week, police found the body of a 3-year-old girl inside the home that Phillips and Lachaux were living in. Police came to the home to serve a search warrant after the couple's 17-year-old daughter showed up at a hospital with her own 4-month-old daughter who was determined to be malnourished. After investigating, police determined that the 17-year-old had also been caring for her 3-year-old sister.
KCAL9's Joy Benedict reported that neighbors said they rarely saw the family. Police said the couple and their five other children could be in the Southland since it is believed they have been traveling back and forth between Las Vegas and Los Angeles for several months. They want to check on the welfare of the children, who range in age from 1 to 9.
"They left the 3-year-old child and the 17-year-old sister of the 3-year-old child at the residence alone," said North Las Vegas police officer Aaron Patty.
"It's mind-blowing," said neighbor Anthony Holler. "I have no idea how anybody could have that kind of heart."
The 17-year-old, whose name is not being released because she in minor, has been charged with two counts of child abuse.
Anyone who has information about the family is asked to contact their local police agency.