Child Neglect Case Rocks Miami Beach: Parents Arrested for Leaving Five Children in Unsustainable Conditions
Unsanitary Conditions and Neglect Exposed
A disturbing case of child neglect has come to light in Miami Beach, Florida, where a couple, Sanel Canovic, 40, and Azra Nikocevic, 33, were arrested for leaving their five children, aged 6 to 12, in unsanitary conditions without proper supervision. The shocking discovery was made by Miami Beach Police officers on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2023.
The Discovered
Around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, police responded to a report of an unsupervised child in the 700 block of 15th Street. The child, a 6-year-old, was found running across a busy street, leading officers to an apartment at 721 15th Street. Upon entering the apartment, they found four additional children, aged 12 and younger, in a dire situation.
The Conditions
The apartment was without electricity, food, or a working toilet, according to the arrest report. The children, who were dirty and hungry, told officers they had not eaten since the previous night and frequently went to bed hungry during school breaks. The eldest child, 12, reported being responsible for her siblings while their parents worked, surviving on sporadic meals, and often being told, "You eat at school, so you don’t eat at home."
The Apartment’s Conditions
The apartment’s conditions were described as unsanitary, with a toilet filled with stagnant water and feces, and soiled rags littering the bathroom floor. The report states that the children lacked basic necessities, including toilet paper, clean clothing, and functional utilities.
Arrest and Investigation
The parents, Sanel Canovic and Azra Nikocevic, were arrested on felony child neglect charges. The children were taken into protective custody, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the case.
Conclusion
This disturbing case highlights the devastating consequences of child neglect and the importance of ensuring the well-being and safety of children. It is crucial that parents prioritize their children’s needs and provide a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the children survive without proper supervision?
A: The eldest child, 12, reported being responsible for her siblings while their parents worked, surviving on sporadic meals and often being told, "You eat at school, so you don’t eat at home."
Q: What are the charges against the parents?
A: The parents, Sanel Canovic and Azra Nikocevic, were arrested on felony child neglect charges.
Q: What is the current status of the children?
A: The children were taken into protective custody, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the case.
