10 children removed from ‘squalid’ Washington home after woman found dead

MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. (TCN) -- Ten children were removed from a home and taken into protective custody after police responded to a home and discovered a woman’s body, authorities say.

On Feb. 12, deputies were called to a home for a medical emergency for a 47-year-old woman, KIRO reports. Responding officers found the woman dead in the residence along with 10 sick children. Officers returned a few hours later with a search warrant and CPS workers, who removed the children from the house. They were then taken to a hospital for treatment.

The home smelled strongly of raw sewage and animal waste, and there were fire hazards and rotten food inside, according to KIRO. Deputies described the residence as “squalid.”

KOMO reports four families were living in the home, including the mothers of the 10 children. In addition to being treated for illness, the children were also evaluated for signs of neglect. 

The dead woman’s relationship to the children is unknown, per KIRO.

Police had been called to the residence numerous times, according to KIRO. In April 2025, an exterior-only search warrant was executed at the property and deputies found several stolen cars but did not file any charges. In May 2025, a stolen car chase ended at the property, and the driver of the car was arrested for eluding and hit-and-run.

Deputies also said they had received complaints of noise, burning, and other suspicious activity in the past, but they did not know children were living at the property until Feb 12. 

An investigation found that the home was owned by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, per KOMO. When asked why a home in Washington was listed under Idaho, the association responded, “Idaho Housing and Finance services affordable home loans in partnership with a variety of organizations throughout the country. As part of the foreclosure process, ownership of the Maple Valley home reverted to Idaho Housing and Finance.” 

The association stated it was aware people were living in the home, but it would be premature to label them as squatters. It is working with local authorities to gain access to the property after being blocked from the home multiple times.

No cause of death has been released for the woman and no arrests have been made, KOMO reports. Authorities say criminal charges are expected. The investigation is ongoing. 

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