Texas Foster Mother Arrested After 22-Year-Old Special Needs Daughter Found Locked in Backyard Dog Cage, Screaming for Help
COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS — A Texas foster mother has been arrested after authorities discovered her 22-year-old special needs daughter locked inside a backyard dog cage, crying out for help. The disturbing scene was captured on video by a neighbor who heard the young woman screaming, “I’m scared!” before alerting police.
The suspect, identified as Kandy Thompson, has been charged with aggravated kidnapping and injury to a disabled individual following the shocking discovery. Thompson, who has reportedly fostered more than 50 children over the years, allegedly told investigators she confined her daughter to “stop her from destroying things.”
Neighbor’s Quick Action Led to Rescue
Authorities say the incident unfolded when a concerned neighbor heard terrified screams coming from Thompson’s backyard late at night. When the neighbor went to check, they found the 22-year-old woman trapped in a metal dog enclosure, visibly distressed and pleading to be let out.
Cell phone video recorded at the scene shows the neighbor confronting Thompson, who appears defensive as the camera captures the outdoor cage area covered with a tarp and surrounded by clutter. Police were soon called to the home, and the victim was removed from the cage and taken into protective care.
Suspect Claimed It Was “Discipline”
During questioning, Thompson allegedly admitted to locking her daughter in the cage as a form of discipline, claiming it was to prevent her from “destroying stuff” around the house. Officials say the foster mother’s explanation only deepened the concern, especially given her long history within Texas’s foster care system.
Child welfare records indicate Thompson had served as a foster caregiver for more than five decades, raising questions about oversight and accountability in the state’s foster and adoption monitoring process.
Police and State Investigators Respond
The Collin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that multiple agencies, including Adult Protective Services, are now investigating the case. Detectives are reviewing prior welfare checks and case records tied to Thompson’s household.
“This is one of the more disturbing situations we’ve seen involving a caregiver,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said. “Our top priority right now is the safety and recovery of the victim.”
Community Shocked by Discovery
Residents in the neighborhood expressed disbelief that such abuse could happen in their community. “You hear her screams, and it just makes your heart sink,” one neighbor said. “That poor girl didn’t deserve to be treated that way.”
Officials say the victim is now receiving medical and psychological care as part of her recovery.
Thompson remains in custody at the Collin County Jail, where she is being held on charges of aggravated kidnapping and injury to a disabled person. Additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.
For continuing updates on this case and related child welfare reports, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
