A white couple from West Virginia is facing serious charges after police discovered they had been neglecting and abusing their black adoptive children, allegedly making them perform labor under conditions likened to slavery.
Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62, were arrested in October 2023 after law enforcement responded to a report of child neglect at their residence. Upon arrival, police found a 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl locked in a shed on the property. The teenagers reported that they had been confined there all day with only a small RV porta-potty and no access to running water. They revealed that they had last been given food around 6 a.m. that morning.
The teens described their living conditions as horrendous, stating they were forced to sleep on the hard concrete floor of the shed. Surveillance footage later corroborated their claims. The 14-year-old boy was found to have open sores on the bottoms of his feet, indicating prolonged neglect.
Later the same day, police discovered three more children, aged 6, 9, and 11, outside the home. All five children were visibly malnourished and emitted strong body odors, suggesting prolonged lack of proper care. The initial findings led to the immediate arrest of Lantz and Whitefeather on charges of child neglect, with each being held on a $250,000 bond.
Despite the couple’s claims of poverty, they managed to post their substantial bail in February, raising suspicions among prosecutors. Further investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse and exploitation. According to testimonies from neighbors and the children, Lantz and Whitefeather allegedly forced the children to perform labor under conditions they likened to slavery, driven by racial prejudice.
In court, Lantz and Whitefeather have vehemently denied the allegations. However, the weight of evidence and consistent testimonies from multiple witnesses have painted a grim picture of systemic abuse and exploitation.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case has sparked outrage and calls for justice within the community. Advocacy groups and child protection services have rallied around the children, ensuring they receive the care and support they need.
This case highlights critical issues surrounding child welfare and the responsibilities of adoptive parents. It underscores the need for stringent oversight and rigorous background checks in the adoption process to prevent such tragic cases of abuse.
As the community grapples with the revelations, there is a collective call for systemic changes to protect vulnerable children from such horrendous treatment in the future. The hope is that justice will be served, and the children will find healing and safety away from the horrors they endured.
