Florida father arrested after allegedly leaving children without food

A 40-year-old Florida father has been arrested after his two children told investigators they were left without food for days, confined to their bedrooms and forced to drink water from the shower.

The disturbing allegations emerged after Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a welfare check at a home on Northeast 175th Street in North Miami-Dade.

Authorities identified the father as Wendy Louis, who was taken into custody Tuesday, October 13.

According to investigators, the children described living under severe restrictions that prevented them from accessing food, using a bathroom or freely leaving their rooms.

Children Say They Went Days Without Eating

During interviews with deputies, the children alleged that their father sometimes refused to feed them for several days because he believed the government was putting substances in their food.

They also told investigators they were confined to their bedrooms for extended periods.

Without access to a bathroom, the children said they were forced to use a bucket as a toilet. They reportedly had to drink water from the shower.

Deputies described both children as unusually small and thin for their ages. Investigators also observed that their hair was unkempt and matted.

The children’s ages were not specified in the initial report.

Children Had Not Attended School Since 2025

Investigators uncovered another troubling detail during the welfare check.

According to the sheriff’s office, Louis withdrew the children from school in August 2025.

The children told investigators they had not received homeschooling since leaving school.

That means the children had reportedly been out of formal education for more than a year by the time deputies intervened.

Authorities have not publicly explained what initially prompted the welfare check.

Judge Calls Allegations Egregious

Louis was arrested without incident and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

He faces felony child neglect charges.

During a court appearance Wednesday, October 14, a judge described the allegations as egregious and set bond at $2,500 per count.

The accusations have not been proven in court, and Louis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Questions Remain About the Children’s Welfare

The case raises serious concerns about the children’s living conditions, access to education and overall well-being.

The initial report did not establish how long the alleged food deprivation continued or provide detailed information about the children’s current medical condition.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional information about their long-term care arrangements.

The investigation has brought attention to an alleged case of prolonged child neglect in South Florida, where two children reportedly endured days without adequate food or basic necessities inside their own home.