COLUMBUS, Ohio — What began as a late-night missing children report in south Columbus quickly turned into a disturbing child abuse investigation that led to the arrest of two women after deputies discovered the children injured and allegedly fleeing violent treatment inside the home.
According to authorities, 47-year-old Julie Barfield and 43-year-old Kim Brown-Barfield were arrested after two adopted children, ages 8 and 10, were found wandering near their neighborhood Sunday night. Investigators say the children told deputies they ran away because they were being physically abused at home.
The incident unfolded around 11 p.m. near the 1400 block of Pine Street in south Columbus. Authorities said one of the women initially searched the area for the children before eventually contacting law enforcement and reporting them missing.
Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office later located the children after a nearby resident flagged them down. Officials said the children appeared frightened and showed visible signs of injuries.
According to investigators, one child had a bloody lip and marks on the stomach. The child reportedly told deputies the injuries happened after being slammed into a wall earlier that same day.
Both children were taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for emergency medical evaluations. During interviews with medical staff and investigators, the children allegedly described ongoing abuse inside the home.
Authorities say the children claimed they were beaten with belts, tied up with their hands behind their backs, and deprived of food as punishment. Investigators also said the children reported suffering burns from hot water earlier in the day.
Detectives and child welfare officials later searched the Pine Street residence, where they reportedly recovered evidence connected to the allegations. The two women were then brought in for questioning.
Court documents state that during interviews, both suspects allegedly made partial admissions regarding the abuse. Investigators said the women admitted to witnessing and participating in physical discipline involving the children.
Following the arrests, Franklin County Children Services removed four additional children from the home. Officials said the children ranged in age from 1 to 11 years old.
Both women now face charges of endangering children and felonious assault. During a court appearance Wednesday, a judge set bond at $750,000 each and ordered that neither woman have contact with the children or with each other.
The case has shocked the local community, especially due to the severity of the allegations and the ages of the children involved. Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.
The suspects are scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on May 29.
