Parents jailed for ‘unlivable’ house

Two Winchester parents were arrested after police and social workers found their home unlivable for their three children.

Michael Wilburn, 41, and Laura Wilburn, 36, of 34 Franklin Ave., are both facing second-degree criminal abuse charges.

In court documents, Winchester Police Detective Shane Southwood wrote he was called to the residence Tuesday to assist social services workers. After receiving permission to search the residence, Southwood said there was an “overpowering” smell of urine, which extended outside the residence. The house itself was filled with garbage, feces and “general filth.” There were also gnats and roaches throughout the house, he said.

The Wilburns lived there with three children, he wrote, along with three dogs, two cats a snake and a turtle.

Southwood said he saw one roach climb up one of the children’s clothing and go inside their shirt.

In the arrest citation, Michael Wilburn told police he knew the conditions were wrong but could not explain why or how they became so bad.

Southwood said he also found several glass pipes in the residence, which the Wilburns said they used to smoke marijuana.

The children were placed in the care of social workers and the Wilburns were arrested. Both are being held on a $2,500 cash bond in the Clark County Detention Center.

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