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Mother and Stepfather Charged After Leaving 14-Year-Old Daughter Alone in Filthy Mobile Home with Seven Dogs for Nearly a Year

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Authorities in Alabama have charged a mother and stepfather with child abuse and animal cruelty after investigators determined that they left a 14-year-old girl to live alone for nearly a year in a severely neglected mobile home while they moved out of state. The case has drawn significant attention due to the length of time the teenager was allegedly abandoned, the living conditions she endured, and the circumstances that ultimately led to the discovery of her situation.

According to law enforcement, the parents relocated to Florida while the girl remained behind in Alabama, surviving largely on food deliveries and limited contact through social media. The investigation, prompted by alert store employees, has revealed disturbing details about neglect, isolation, and hazardous conditions that officials say could have resulted in a fatal outcome had intervention not occurred.

Discovery of the Teenager’s Situation and Initial Police Response

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office first became aware of the situation after employees at a Dollar General store noticed the teenage girl behaving erratically outside the store. Deputies later said the girl appeared disoriented and unwell, prompting concern from staff who contacted authorities. When deputies arrived, they evaluated the teenager and found that she was experiencing dizziness and stomach pain. Given her physical condition, she was transported to a hospital for medical treatment and further evaluation.

While at the hospital, the girl spoke with detectives and provided details about her living circumstances. She told investigators that she had been living alone in a mobile home since February 2024. According to her account, her mother, Marchelle Lynn Pertilla, and her stepfather, Eugene Medrano, moved approximately an hour away to Pensacola, Florida, leaving her behind in Alabama. The girl stated that the last time she had seen her parents in person was on Halloween, months before authorities became involved.

Detectives asked the teenager about any ongoing contact with her parents during the period she lived alone. She reportedly told them that communication was primarily conducted through Snapchat. When she needed food, her mother allegedly arranged for deliveries through services such as DoorDash or Walmart, rather than returning to care for her in person. Investigators noted that while food deliveries may have provided minimal sustenance, they did not address the broader issues of supervision, safety, education, and basic care required for a minor.

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The circumstances raised immediate concerns among law enforcement and child welfare officials. A 14-year-old living alone for such an extended period is considered a serious risk, particularly without regular adult supervision. The girl’s physical condition at the time she was found further underscored concerns that her basic needs were not being adequately met.

Conditions Inside the Mobile Home and Evidence of Neglect

Following the girl’s disclosure, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, along with Prichard Animal Control, executed a search warrant at the mobile home where she had been living. Investigators described the conditions inside the residence as deplorable. According to reports, urine and feces were found throughout the home, along with roaches and accumulated trash. The unsanitary environment posed serious health risks, particularly for a minor living alone without access to proper cleaning supplies or adult assistance.

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Animal control officers discovered seven dogs inside the home. One of the dogs was reportedly found dead inside a closet, while the remaining animals were taken into protective custody. Authorities have not confirmed whether the dogs were properly cared for or whether veterinary attention had been provided during the period the girl lived alone. The presence of multiple animals in an already unsanitary environment further contributed to the hazardous living conditions.

During the search, detectives also found a handwritten note that investigators described as particularly troubling. The note was titled “How many times mom tells me that she can’t pick me up!” and contained 87 tally marks. According to law enforcement, the note appeared to document repeated instances in which the teenager asked her mother for help or transportation and was refused. Investigators have characterized the note as potential evidence of prolonged neglect and emotional distress.

The girl’s statement to deputies indicated that she remained in the home largely because she had been left there, not because she had chosen to live independently. Investigators later said that when they questioned the parents, Marchelle Lynn Pertilla allegedly claimed that the girl did not want to move to Pensacola because she did not want to leave her service dogs behind. Authorities have noted that it is unclear whether the dogs were, in fact, legitimate service animals. Regardless, officials emphasized that such a claim would not justify leaving a minor alone for nearly a year without proper care or supervision.

The search of the home and the evidence collected there played a key role in establishing the basis for the charges filed against the parents. Investigators said the combination of the girl’s testimony, the living conditions, and the treatment of the animals demonstrated a pattern of neglect rather than a temporary or isolated lapse in judgment.

Criminal Charges, Parental Explanations, and Official Reactions

After gathering evidence, investigators tracked down Marchelle Lynn Pertilla and Eugene Medrano in Pensacola, Florida. Both were taken into custody and charged with child abuse and animal cruelty. They were subsequently booked into the Mobile County Metro Jail. Authorities have not released details regarding bond or potential court dates, but the charges reflect the seriousness with which officials are treating the case.

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According to law enforcement, Marchelle Lynn Pertilla’s explanation for leaving her daughter behind centered on the claim that the teenager did not want to relocate and leave the dogs. Investigators have stated that such reasoning does not meet legal standards for parental responsibility, particularly given the girl’s age and the length of time she was allegedly left alone. Child welfare experts have noted that minors require consistent supervision, access to education, medical care, and emotional support, all of which appear to have been lacking in this case.

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch publicly addressed the situation during a press briefing, emphasizing the role that community vigilance played in bringing the case to light. He credited the Dollar General employee who contacted authorities, stating that the call may have saved the girl’s life. Burch reiterated the importance of reporting suspicious or concerning situations, noting that early intervention can prevent serious harm or death.

The case has also raised broader questions about how situations of child neglect can go undetected for extended periods. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the girl was enrolled in school during the time she lived alone or how her absence may have gone unnoticed. Investigators are expected to continue reviewing records and circumstances surrounding the period of abandonment to determine whether additional charges or actions are warranted.

Animal cruelty charges were also filed in connection with the condition of the dogs found in the home, including the animal that was discovered deceased. Prichard Animal Control has taken responsibility for the surviving dogs, and officials have indicated that they will assess the animals’ health and determine appropriate next steps.

As the legal process moves forward, child protective services are expected to remain involved to ensure the teenager’s safety and well-being. Authorities have not released information about where the girl is currently staying, citing privacy and safety concerns. The case stands as a stark example of severe neglect and highlights the critical role that observant community members and coordinated law enforcement responses can play in identifying and addressing hidden abuse.

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