SMITHVILLE, TN - Smithville authorities have charged two individuals with child abuse and neglect after they allegedly left a disabled child home alone. David Ferrell, 33, and Kayla Raymond, 21, both residents of Smithville, are each facing a $5,000 bond in connection with the case.

According to Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins, officers responded to a welfare check on February 24 at a residence on West Broad Street. Upon arrival, they discovered a nine-year-old boy with a disability locked inside the home without supervision. The child was unable to access the door lock, preventing him from opening it. Officers ultimately entered the residence through a window and were able to establish phone contact with the child's father, Ferrell.

Further investigation revealed that Ferrell and his girlfriend, Raymond, had left the child alone for approximately two hours. Authorities determined that this was a recurring occurrence. As a result, both individuals were taken into custody, and the child was placed in the care of the Department of Children’s Services.

Ferrell and Raymond are scheduled to appear before the DeKalb County General Sessions Court on April 22 at 9 a.m. The case has raised concerns within the community about child welfare and the responsibilities of guardians in ensuring the safety of minors, particularly those with special needs. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of reporting suspected cases of child neglect to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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