Walters Woman, Son Accused Of Child Neglect

Allegations of child abuse land a mother and her son behind bars. The pair is accused of neglecting a 7-year-old autistic girl and forcing her to live in filthy conditions.

Thursday, April 25th 2013, 5:39 pm

By: News 9


Allegations of child abuse land a mother and her son behind bars. The pair is accused of neglecting a 7-year-old autistic girl and forcing her to live in filthy conditions.

Mary Seybold and her family were first in the news in 2006 when two children died in her care in Comanche County. Neglect charges were not filed in that case, but the latest allegations have led to criminal charges. 

Investigators found "mice, roaches and trash about two inches thick" inside a home in Walters. In the middle of that mess, officers also found a 7-year-old girl "un-bathed, hair matted and in need of medical care."

Court records filed in Cotton County reveal the child is autistic and prone to seizures, but was left alone for more than two months with William Seybold, Mary Seybold's son, who the court describes as "mentally slow".

Investigators say Mary became irritated and hostile when questioned by police, but reports show this is not her first time to leave children in the care of her son.

In 2006, two young girls Mary had been caring for tragically died while trapped inside a hot van at their home in Cache.

"In my honest opinion, no, I don't feel like I did anything wrong." Mary Seybold said at the time of the tragedy. She left the young girls at home with her 15-year-old son.

Seybold called the deaths an accident.

"I have very strong faith and I believe when it's our time it's our time," Seybold said.  

In the most recent case, officers removed the child from Seybold's home. The 7 year old is now in the custody of the Department of Human Services.

Mary Seybold is charged with enabling child abuse and William Seybold is charged with child neglect. If convicted as charged, both could face up to life in prison. Mary Seybold's bond is set at $25,000.

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