Trial Reveals Shocking Treatment of Black Adopted Children by White Couple
A West Virginia trial uncovers disturbing allegations against a couple accused of abusing their adopted Black children.
West Virginia, Child Abuse, Adoption, Surveillance, Human Trafficking
Sissonville: A jury in West Virginia is hearing some really disturbing stuff about a couple, Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz. They’re accused of making their five adopted Black children sleep on cold concrete floors or cardboard in a barn, all while being watched by cameras.
Detective Ana Pile from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office shared some shocking details after going through hours of video footage. She said the kids were often locked up and barely left the barn area. It’s heartbreaking to think about.
Whitefeather, 62, and Lantz, 61, are facing serious charges, including forced labor and child neglect. They were arrested after a neighbor noticed something was off and called 911. Can you imagine? It’s just awful.
Detective Pile mentioned that the kids didn’t even change clothes during the days of footage she reviewed. They were just stuck in those rooms, and it’s clear they were deprived of basic needs. The couple adopted these kids while living in Minnesota and moved around a bit before settling in West Virginia.
During the trial, the prosecutor said the couple used the kids for labor and manipulated them emotionally. But the defense claims they were just struggling with the kids’ past traumas. It’s a tough situation all around.
A neighbor testified that when the family first arrived, the kids were lined up outside in the rain and didn’t even talk to each other. They were seen working hard, carrying heavy stuff while Lantz watched. It’s just so sad to hear.
The trial is expected to last about two weeks, and it’s hard to imagine what else will come out. Let’s hope for justice for those kids.