WEST ROCKHILL, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A Bucks County couple already charged with neglecting their seven children are now facing new charges of abuse.
Shane Robertson, 48, and his 38-year-old wife Crystal were charged with neglect in May, when police found their seven children living in filthy conditions in their trailer in West Rockhill. Officers say they found trash throughout the home, feces on the floor, and a padlock on the refrigerator door.
After additional interviews with the seven children, the Robertsons were charged with assault, accused of whipping the kids with cords and a belt, and hitting them.
Shane Robertson is also charged with strangulation. A criminal complaint says he tried to smother one child with a blanket after his wife allegedly told him, “Do whatever you want, kill them if you want,” and walked out the door after an argument.
The complaint also says Shane Robertson handed that child a knife and told her to go into the bathroom and stab herself.
When the Robertsons were arrested in May, the children ranged from 4-to-16 years old. Investigators say they had no formal education and were malnourished. There were no hygiene products in the home, according to police, and the only food found was for the numerous pets, including dogs, turtles, rabbits, snakes, toads, an iguana and about two dozen rats.
Authorities say the children needed significant dental work. Some didn’t know their own birthdates, one had ringworm, and another had to have her head shaved because she had maggots in her hair.
The children have been placed with relatives.