Nebraska family members allegedly knew child was being tortured and starved in their home but didn’t report it

LINCOLN, Neb. (TCN) -- Two family members have been charged after authorities allege they knew a 12-year-old was being tortured in their home.

KOLN reports 20-year-old Makenzie Watkins and 44-year-old Joseph Lowe were arrested Feb. 3 on suspicion of first-degree child abuse, first-degree assault, and false imprisonment.

On Jan. 30, Watkins’ mother — and Lowe’s wife — Angela Lowe was charged with felony child abuse, first-degree assault, and false imprisonment in connection with the alleged starvation and abuse of a 12-year-old boy. Authorities state Watkins and Joseph Lowe were aware of the abuse and did not report it. 

According to KOLN, Angela Lowe brought a 12-year-old boy, whose name has not been released, to a hospital, and staff suspected neglect and mistreatment. The child was too weak to lift himself or speak and weighed 47 pounds. His core body temperature was 80 degrees, and he was diagnosed with septic shock and pneumonia.

Court documents obtained by KOLN allege Watkins and Joseph Lowe were aware Angela Lowe was locking the child away and starving him as a form of punishment. Watkins told police she went three months without seeing the child even though they lived in the same home. She additionally alleged the child was given a bucket to use in his room as a toilet.

Joseph Lowe reportedly told authorities his wife threatened to make up a story to have his parole revoked if he reported the alleged abuse to authorities. KOLN reports that he was out on parole and had six prior felonies.

According to NTV, the boy is in critical but stable condition in a pediatric intensive care unit and has been in state custody since Jan. 19.

Bonds for Watkins and Lowe were set at 10% of $750,000 in court on Feb. 4 to match Angela Lowe’s, KOLN reports. They are expected back in court on March 5. Angela Lowe is expected back in court on March 4.

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