Affidavit: Two Arrested After Children Removed from Filthy Home

PARAGOULD, Ark. — Two children were removed from a home and two people arrested after the youths were found in deplorable living conditions.

The probable cause affidavit from the Paragould Police Department says that on January 2, 2025, police were contacted by the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) about the removal of a six-year-old and an eight-year-old from a home due to neglect, with failure to provide for essential and necessary needs mentioned.

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DCFS employees noted that outside the home, they observed mice, numerous bags of trash, and a noticeable smell coming from inside. Once inside, they said there was trash throughout the home. Two live mice were in the refrigerator, with mice feces in the fridge and on the tables. Gnats covered the ceiling. Dirty dishes were piled up. The bathtub was found to have standing water, a bag of chips, and floating feces. Authorities noted a “multitude of other concerns.”

After the removal, police learned the family had approximately 20 previous cases since 2018 with DCFS. Authorities noted both children had headlice and the 6-year-old had pinworms.

“It was deemed that the physical living conditions are hazardous and immediately threatening to the child’s health and/or safety,” wrote Sgt. Jacob Higdon with PPD.

Dakota L. Boyce and Zachary T. Greenway both face charges including third-degree domestic battering, two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree, and second-degree assault on a family or household member. All the charges are misdemeanors.

Arkansas law states that a person commits second-degree assault on a family or household member if the person recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of injury. The statute for third-degree battery states the person recklessly did cause a physical injury.

Bail was set at $7,500 for both defendants by Judge Dan Stidham.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.