by Daphne, AL — An Alabama mother has been arrested after allegedly abandoning her two children, including a 5-year-old boy with autism, at a hotel for several days without proper supervision. The incident occurred at Comfort Suites in Daphne, a town located about 13 miles southeast of Mobile.
The Abandonment at Comfort Suites
Hassanah Smith, 33, faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child after hotel staff called the Daphne Police Department on Saturday evening when they noticed two children — a 15-year-old boy and his 5-year-old non-verbal brother — wandering around the hotel unsupervised. The children had reportedly been without food for several hours, and the situation immediately raised concerns.
The hotel staff informed police that the children had been left unattended in the hotel for an extended period. They had no idea where their mother was or when she might return. The concerned workers contacted the police after witnessing the children roam freely around the facility, creating a sense of urgency in the case.
Unclear Statements from the Mother
Upon arrival, Daphne Police Officers spoke with the older child, who was able to get in touch with his mother. However, Smith provided conflicting statements about her location. Initially, she claimed to be at the store, but later told the officers she was in Tennessee and then mentioned Atlanta as her current location. These contradictory claims raised suspicion and prompted further investigation.
The Children’s Condition and Police Response
By the time the police arrived at the hotel, the situation had worsened. The 5-year-old boy, who is non-verbal, was found in the hotel pool on Sunday morning, prompting the hotel staff to call the police again.
The officers, worried for the children’s safety, decided to take action. They provided food for the children on both Saturday and Sunday, ensuring they had some sustenance while waiting for Smith to return.
Despite the urgent need for their mother’s return, Smith did not show up until 4 p.m. on Sunday, nearly 24 hours after the initial call for help.
Investigation Reveals Ongoing Neglect
As the investigation continued, the police learned that Smith had a history of neglecting her children. The family had checked into Comfort Suites on July 27, and since then, the children had been left alone for several hours at a time during Smith’s visits to the hotel.
Hotel staff and law enforcement described this pattern of neglect as deeply concerning, and the authorities were alarmed at the extent of Smith’s disregard for her children’s well-being.
Police Chief Brian Gulsby expressed his deep concern for the children, stating,
“This is one of those cases that leaves you heartbroken. We do everything we can to ensure children’s safety, and this situation could have turned much worse.”
The children, now in the care of the Department of Human Resources, were thankfully unharmed but showed signs of emotional distress. Police indicated that both children will receive the necessary care and protection going forward.
Read Also: Boston Police Arrest 13 in Major Human Trafficking Bust Near Mass. and Cass
Smith’s Arrest and Legal Consequences
According to Law & Crime’s report, after the investigation and following her return to the hotel, Hassanah Smith was arrested and charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She was taken into custody at the Daphne Municipal Jail, with a $2,000 bond set for her release.
In a statement from the Daphne Police Department, officials expressed that this case highlights the need for stricter measures to protect children from neglect and abuse. “No child should ever be left in such an unsafe environment, especially for such an extended period,” the department stated.
Smith’s legal representation has yet to issue a statement regarding the charges, but the community is deeply impacted by the case, with local authorities stressing the importance of preventing similar incidents.
The Importance of Reporting Child Neglect
This case emphasizes the importance of community vigilance in reporting signs of child neglect and ensuring children’s safety. Had the hotel staff not noticed the children’s condition and alerted authorities, the situation could have turned far worse.
Local officials are urging the public to report any concerns regarding child neglect, as early intervention can help prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.
The Daphne Police Department is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the children’s abandonment. The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of neglect and the critical role communities play in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
While Smith’s actions were clearly dangerous and irresponsible, the children have since been placed in the care of the Department of Human Resources. The community is hoping for justice to be served and for the children to recover from this traumatic ordeal.
Share your thoughts in the comments below. What steps do you think should be taken to prevent cases like this from happening? Visit ibwhsmag.com for more updates.
