BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

TOMAHAWK — Two individuals were arrested Friday in Tomahawk for what can be described as a nightmarish case of child endangerment.

Police found the Rockhouse Road home of James Long, 46, and Patricia L. Long, 43, was a horror show of squalor and neglect, where three children — aged 17, 13 and 4 — were found living in unimaginable conditions.

Martin County’s Chief Deputy Chris Kidd was called to the residence to assist the Department for Social Services, responding to a tip about the unsuitability of the living environment for minors.

The officer described the residence as one in decay: the front yard was a trash heap, and the house had no running water or garbage service.

Inside, the floors were lost beneath layers of dog feces, rotting and molded food containers, and garbage, with a stench of animal urine and excrement. Toilets were non-functional and filled with human waste.

Authorities noted there was not a trace of food in the home.

Officials placed the children into protective custody and arrested the Longs on a charge of endangering the welfare of a minor.