Young children found unattended at Nashville homeless encampment during storms

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two parents were charged with child neglect after their two young children were found unattended at a Nashville homeless encampment during Saturday’s severe storms.

Officers were called to the encampment along the Cumberland River at Anthes Drive after receiving reports of two children walking around in the rain alone. Upon arrival, officers reportedly found a little girl with a resident of the encampment who had dressed her in warm clothing.

According to court documents, while officers began looking for the second child, 25-year-old Jaiya Rutland approached them and asked if her child was in the ambulance that had arrived to evaluate the children. She told officers she was their mother and took them to the other side of the camp, where the second child was reportedly found with their father, 42-year-old Earl Alston.

Officers stated in court documents, the children, ages 3 and 4, both did not have jackets or shoes and appeared to be malnourished. They were taken to an area hospital for treatment, and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services has been notified.

Alston reportedly told officers they left the children to help get incoming water away from the camp. Rutland said she left the children with Alston to get water and that he then left them alone, according to court documents. Alston also reportedly admitted to drinking alcohol and using drugs while the children were left unattended.

Officers noted this is not the first time Alston and Rutland have left the children unattended.Court documents describe the camp as butting up against the Cumberland River along steep hills, littered with broken glass, needles and drug paraphernalia. Weather conditions on Saturday were severe, with excessive rain, flooding and high winds.

Alston and Rutland were booked into the Metro jail and charged with two counts of felony child neglect. Their bonds were set at $50,000 each.