Mobile County, Alabama — A disturbing child neglect case has emerged in Mobile County after deputies say a 14-year-old girl was left to live completely alone for nearly a year while her mother and stepfather moved out of state, leaving her behind in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the teenager was found living in a mobile home with seven dogs, surrounded by filth, insects, and trash — with one dog discovered dead inside a closet.
Teen found after collapsing near store
The investigation began Sunday after employees at a Dollar General contacted authorities when they noticed the girl stumbling along the roadway outside the store.
Deputies responding to the call said the teen appeared to be suffering from dizziness and stomach pain. She was transported to a hospital, where detectives conducted a follow-up interview that revealed alarming details about her living situation.
“The child stated she had been living alone since around February of last year,” investigators said.
Lived alone since age 14
During the hospital interview, the girl told deputies she had been living by herself since around her 14th birthday, with only her dogs for company.
Officials said the child identified her mother as Marchelle Lynn Pertilla and her stepfather as Eugene Medrano. According to investigators, the adults moved from Mobile County to Pensacola, Florida, roughly an hour away, in February of last year.
The girl told deputies the last time she physically saw her parents was October 31.
Communication limited to social media and deliveries
Authorities said the teen reported that communication with her parents was mostly handled through Snapchat, and that her mother occasionally arranged food deliveries through DoorDash or Walmart.
Despite the deliveries, investigators say the child was effectively abandoned and left without supervision, care, or a safe living environment.
Search warrant reveals horrific conditions
On Monday, deputies executed a search warrant at the mobile home with assistance from Prichard Animal Control.
What they found inside was described as deeply troubling.
Officials said the single-wide trailer was:
- Covered in urine and feces
- Infested with roaches
- Cluttered with trash
- Housing seven dogs in poor conditions
One of the dogs was found dead inside a closet, according to the sheriff’s office. The remaining dogs were removed from the property by animal control.
Handwritten letter raises red flags
During the search, detectives also discovered a handwritten letter written by the child. The letter was titled:
“How many times mom tells me that she can’t pick me up!”
Investigators said the page contained 87 tally marks, believed to represent repeated instances when the girl asked for help or to be picked up.
Parents located and questioned
Deputies later located Pertilla and Medrano in Florida and questioned them about the allegations.
According to the sheriff’s office, the mother claimed her daughter was left behind because she did not want to leave her service animals. Investigators noted that it remains unclear whether any of the dogs qualified as service animals.
Authorities said that explanation did not justify leaving a minor to live alone for nearly a year.
Charges filed
Both adults were arrested and charged with:
- Child abuse
- Animal cruelty
They were booked into the Mobile County Metro Jail, officials confirmed.
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Sheriff praises store employees
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch praised the Dollar General employees whose actions helped bring the situation to light.
“Thank goodness for the employee who contacted the county,” Burch said. “If you see something, say something. It could mean the difference between life or death.”
Investigation ongoing
Authorities say the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine:
- Why the child was left alone for so long
- Whether others were aware of the situation
- If additional charges may be filed
The teen is now safe and receiving care, officials said.
What do you think should happen in cases where children are left without supervision for extended periods? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
