In a shocking case that has gripped Redstone Township, Pennsylvania, authorities arrested James Russell Kahl, 65, and Carly Kahl, 41, on September 3, 2025, after discovering their five children living in what officials described as a “dungeon” under deplorable conditions.
The children, ranging in age from 5 to 14, were found confined in a locked bedroom with no beds, boarded-up windows, feces-smeared walls, and minimal food and clothing. The arrests followed an investigation sparked by a family member’s report to the state’s ChildLine system, leading to charges against the couple, including aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, and reckless endangerment.
The Horrific Discovery in Redstone Township
On August 8, 2025, Pennsylvania State Police from the Belle Vernon barracks responded to a call from Fayette County Children and Youth Services (CYS) after a concerned family member reported suspected child neglect at the Kahl residence on Willis Avenue. What authorities encountered was described as “sickening” by Trooper Ally Wilson. The five children—a 14-year-old girl and four boys aged 5 to 13—were confined in a single bedroom that police characterized as a “dungeon.” The room was secured with three deadbolt locks on the outside and had no interior door handle, effectively trapping the children inside for parts of the day and all night.
The living conditions were appalling. The bedroom had no beds, forcing the children to sleep on the floor. Windows were boarded up, preventing natural light and ventilation. Feces covered the walls, and the room was infested with fleas. The children had limited access to clothing and food, with reports indicating that the family’s food supply was inadequate to meet basic nutritional needs.
Video cameras were hardwired from the children’s room to James Kahl’s bedroom, allowing constant surveillance of the children’s activities. According to court documents, James Kahl admitted to a CYS caseworker and Trooper Justin Yeckley that he had no intention of removing the locks, stating he would “not be removing the locks from the bedroom door for any reason.”
BREAKING: Pennsylvania couple arrested after 5 children found living in deplorable conditions
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) September 4, 2025
Five children -ages 5 to 14- were found locked in a room described by police as a “dungeon.”
The room was secured with surveillance cameras, three deadbolts, and no inside handle,… pic.twitter.com/CXMr5Up4IO
The initial visit on August 8 led to the immediate removal of the children from the home under a court order. They were placed in the care of Fayette County CYS, where they remain as the investigation continues. The discovery of such conditions underscored the severity of the neglect and abuse, prompting authorities to pursue a thorough investigation that culminated in the Kahls’ arrest.
Charges and Evidence Uncovered
On September 3, 2025, state troopers executed a search warrant at the Kahl residence, leading to the arrest of James Russell Kahl and Carly Kahl. The search revealed additional evidence of the couple’s neglect and abuse. Authorities seized a stun gun, a replica pistol, drugs, and drug paraphernalia from the home. Court records indicate that the stun gun had been used on at least one of the children, with James Kahl allegedly instructing Carly to use the device as a form of punishment within the two weeks prior to their arrest.
Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele emphasized the danger of the stun gun, noting that it is a “less lethal, not non-lethal” device, wholly inappropriate for use on children. The couple faces a litany of charges, reflecting the gravity of their actions. Both James and Carly Kahl have been charged with felony counts of endangering the welfare of children, conspiracy to endanger the welfare of children, and aggravated assault.
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Additionally, they face misdemeanor charges, including recklessly endangering another person, use of an incapacitation device, possession of a small amount of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records also note that James Russell Kahl has a history of legal issues, including a guilty plea to a harassment charge in 2006, a DUI arrest in the same year, and a probation violation in 2012.
During interviews with authorities, the children provided further insight into their daily lives. They reported that James Kahl neglected their care, spending much of his time smoking marijuana. This neglect, combined with the physical confinement and use of a stun gun, painted a picture of systemic abuse within the household. The Kahls were denied bail by District Judge Mike Defino Jr., who cited them as a “threat to self or others.” Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 17, 2025, as the legal process moves forward.
Broader Implications and Community Response
The arrest of James Russell Kahl and Carly Kahl has sent shockwaves through Redstone Township, a community approximately 45 miles south of Pittsburgh. The case highlights the critical role of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele praised the “brave family member” who reported the conditions to the state’s ChildLine system, emphasizing that such reports are essential for law enforcement to intervene in cases of abuse and neglect. “Law enforcement cannot be in every household every single minute of every day; we need people to come forward and think of these children,” Aubele stated.
The conditions described in the Kahl residence raise serious questions about how such abuse went undetected for an unspecified period. While it remains unclear how long the children endured these conditions, the presence of surveillance cameras and deadbolt locks suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to control and isolate them. The case also underscores the importance of child welfare agencies like Fayette County CYS, which acted swiftly to remove the children from harm and provide them with care and support.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of child neglect and abuse cases that continue to surface across the United States. Similar cases, such as those reported in Ohio and Blair County, Pennsylvania, in recent months, point to the ongoing challenge of identifying and addressing deplorable living conditions for children. These cases often involve systemic failures, including lack of oversight, social isolation, or reluctance by community members to report suspicions. The Kahl case serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust child protection systems, including mandatory reporting mechanisms and regular welfare checks for at-risk families.
The community response has been one of outrage and sorrow. Trooper Ally Wilson’s description of the conditions as “sickening” resonates with many who have followed the case. Local media outlets, including CBS Pittsburgh and WTAE, have covered the story extensively, amplifying public awareness and prompting discussions about how to prevent similar tragedies. The district attorney’s office has indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to trace the couple’s supply chains for drugs and other materials found in the home. This suggests that authorities are exploring whether external factors contributed to the neglect and abuse.
The case also raises questions about the long-term impact on the five children, who have been subjected to physical and psychological trauma. While they are now in the care of CYS, their recovery will likely be a long and challenging process. Access to mental health services, stable housing, and educational support will be critical to helping them rebuild their lives. Community organizations and child welfare advocates may play a pivotal role in ensuring these children receive the resources they need to heal and thrive.
The arrest of James Russell Kahl and Carly Kahl for keeping their five children in deplorable, dungeon-like conditions is a harrowing reminder of the hidden abuses that can occur behind closed doors. The discovery of a locked bedroom with boarded-up windows, feces-covered walls, and minimal necessities paints a grim picture of neglect and cruelty.
The swift action by Fayette County CYS and the Pennsylvania State Police, prompted by a family member’s report, ensured the children’s safety and brought the perpetrators to justice. As the legal process unfolds, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 17, 2025, the focus remains on securing justice for the children and addressing the systemic issues that allow such cases to persist.
This case underscores the importance of community vigilance, robust child welfare systems, and the courage to report suspected abuse. While the children are now safe, their ordeal highlights the need for ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable populations and prevent similar tragedies.
The Redstone Township community, and society at large, must continue to advocate for stronger safeguards to ensure no child endures such horrific conditions. As Trooper Ally Wilson poignantly stated, the hope is that the Kahls “go to jail and answer for what they’ve done,” while the children receive the care and support they deserve to move forward from this nightmare.