Home Condemned, Family Removed After Trash, Animal Feces Found Inside

One police officer called it "one of the worst living conditions I have ever witnessed"

Disturbing photos from inside a Newburyport, Massachusetts, home where a 7-year-old girl was living show deplorable and filthy conditions.

Photo after photo, provided by police, shows filth and garbage, a house of "hoarding" at 8 Strong Street.

"What I saw was horrendous," says Officer Kevin Martin, who was first on scene. "It's just a lot of piles and trash and everything imaginable."

One photo even shows a child's bedroom. There's not even a mattress on the garbage-ridden frame.

The trash is so much, Officer Martin says, that you couldn't even turn in the house.

"Feces, clothing, filthy toys, furniture," he explained.

Martin says there was only one way in and out, and that was through the rear door. He also says there were flies and fly strips. In addition, he said the kitchen counter was covered in trash, clothes, and other items.

Neighbors who live near the high-end street are also stunned.

"That's just beyond anything that's tolerable to live in. I don't know how they've managed it that long," said Richard Barber.

Police say four generations of women live in the home, including the 7-year-old girl and an 84-year-old grandmother. The 84 year old, they say, was most recently at a medical facility.

Police say they were alerted to the house after an anonymous tip to child welfare services. Officer Martin said his main concern was getting the child and family out of the terrible conditions.

As a result of the investigation, it has been determined that criminal charges are appropriate in this case. 

Kristen Paquette, 32, and Debra Paquette, 54, will each be summoned to court on one count of reckless endangerment of a child. A clerk magistrate will hear the case at a future date yet to be determined. 

The family is being supported by the Department of Children and Families. They are not allowed in the home.

"It just baffles me as to why anyone would allow a child of that age to be living under those conditions," said Martin.

A dog and cat were also removed from the home by Animal Control.

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