> At a Glance
> – A 14-year-old girl was found stumbling near Dollar General, leading to child abuse charges
> – Parents allegedly left her alone in mobile home covered in urine, feces, and dead animals
> – Mother claims teen refused to leave her “service animals” behind
> Why it matters: This case highlights critical gaps in child welfare systems and the importance of community vigilance
A routine afternoon at Dollar General triggered a child welfare investigation that uncovered disturbing living conditions and parental abandonment.
The Discovery
Employees at the Alabama Dollar General noticed the teenager stumbling near the store on January 4. When officers arrived, they found her experiencing dizziness and stomach pain. She was immediately transported to the hospital for treatment.
During questioning, detectives learned the teen had been living alone in her mobile home since February of the previous year. She claimed her parents had moved to Pensacola without her, communicating only through Snapchat messages.
The Investigation
Mobile County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the Eight Mile mobile home the following day. Officers documented:
- Interior covered in urine, feces, and trash
- One dead dog in a closet
- Six additional dogs living in squalid conditions
- Handwritten note titled “How many times mom tells me that she can’t pick me up!” with 87 tally marks
Prichard Animal Control removed all animals from the property. The teenager’s mother allegedly told detectives she left her daughter because the teen refused to abandon her “service animals” – though it’s unclear if any dogs were actually certified service animals.
The Charges
Marchelle Lynn Pertilla and Eugene Medrano were arrested and charged with:
- Child abuse
- Animal cruelty
Both were transported to Mobile County Metro Jail following questioning.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch emphasized:
> “We are continuing to search for why this young girl was living alone and whether others tried calling law enforcement.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 4 | Teen found stumbling near Dollar General |
| January 5 | Search warrant executed at mobile home |
| January 10 | Parents arrested and charged |
Key Takeaways
- Community vigilance saves lives: The Dollar General employee’s call made the difference
- Child welfare gaps: A 14-year-old was alone for months before detection
- Service animal confusion: Parents used this as justification for abandonment
- Animal cruelty connection: Dead and neglected pets were found alongside child abuse
The case underscores how community awareness and proper reporting can intervene in critical situations. As Sheriff Burch noted, “If you see something, say something – it could mean the difference between life or death.”
