What to Know
Police in Southeastern Missouri received a call on August 9, 2026, regarding a missing 12-year-old disabled child. She reportedly left her home in Joplin wearing nothing but a diaper. The city launched a massive search that ended less than three hours later when they located the child. Police looked forward to reuniting the girl with her parents. But when they arrived at the family’s home, they reportedly became increasingly concerned for her safety.
Joplin Police arrested parents Crystal Ross, 46, and Shane Ross, 50, as well as the child’s sisters, Hannah Ross, 25, and Megan Ross, 19. They each face child and animal abuse charges.
The adults in the home allegedly treated the 12-year-old like an animal.
According to court documents obtained by KOLR, while searching the Rosses’ home, investigators reportedly found a dog cage that served as the 12-year-old’s resting place for at least two years.
The child did not attend school for at least five years because of “behavior issues,” according to the adults in the home who allegedly locked her in the cage. Crystal Ross reportedly told investigators she had the opportunity to place the 12-year-old in a care facility but declined, insisting she could care for her better at home.
The humane society removed dozens of animals from the property.
KOLR reported officials removed 44 chickens, 19 cats, five dogs, three rabbits, three tortoises, two turtles, one pig, one quail, one duck, and five dead animals. Some of the animals had no food or water and lived in cages filled with feces. The Joplin Humane Society took in at least 80 animals.
During a news conference, Joplin Police Chief Richard Pearson implored the community to reach out for help if they needed it before letting life get out of control the way it seemed to for this family.
The scene shocked Joplin Police.
Pearson said what police saw inside the home was like nothing many had ever seen before. The home was allegedly filled with filth and animals, causing a putrid odor.
“It’s important to realize and get it out there that this is not normal behavior for citizens of the city of Joplin. This is an anomaly. This is not who we are as a people. This is not who we are as a city. Many of my staff who were on scene at this location say that this represented one of the worst cases and incidents of child abuse that they have seen in their time here in Joplin,” Pearson said.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty.
Per KOLR, the defendants each appeared in court on August 12 and pleaded not guilty to felony child abuse and misdemeanor animal neglect or abandonment charges. The 12-year-old girl, who weighed just 50 pounds, is now safe and receiving the care she needs according to authorities.
“The allegations are terrible. The investigation is ongoing. We anticipate additional charges may be filed. Of course, we never want to think that something like this could happen in our own neighborhood, but we know better,” Theresa Kenney, Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney.
The court will assign all four members of the Ross family to public defenders for legal representation.
