Couple accused of squatting in 'horrid' Modesto home with child

[CbabyRKO]

A Modesto couple faces child endangerment charges after officers caught the pair living in a "horrid and very unsafe" abandoned house, police said Thursday.

Angelica Madrigal and John Oliver had been squatting in the home, in the 700 block of West Union, with a 3-year-old, according to a news release from the Modesto Police Department.

Neighbor were shocked by the news.

"It’s terrible, it’s tragic, it’s so sad," said Trinity Stewart, who lives a few doors away from the abandoned house. "I couldn't imagine. I have a son myself."

Some neighbors said they have never seen a child playing outside.

"I think it’s pretty gross and disgusting to have a 3-year-old child in a house like that -- in an environment like that," said Keith McLelland, who lives across the street.

Several weeks ago, officers and city officials started taking reports that a couple had moved into the house illegally, after the former owner died.

Police launched an investigation to determine the home's ownership, but all notices placed on the doors were removed quickly, officers said.

On Thursday, a crime reduction team -- along with city officials and a contractor -- went out to the house to board it up.

There, they found the child, 39-year-old Oliver, and the man's girlfriend, 40-year-old Madrigal, police said.

"There were uncapped needles all around the home," Modesto police Officer John Wohler said in the release. "There was also no water, garbage or sewage service, and no electricity to the property. There was human waste all over the residence, and it appears they lit a fire in a fireplace that was unsafe and could have caused a structure fire."

[...]
Officials took the 3-year-old into protective custody, and turned the child in to Child Protective Services.

Read more: http://www.kcra.com/news/Couple-accu...#ixzz2NpeOEA3A

[Bridget217]

Nowhere is it mentioned that these two weirdos are the parents. WTF is up with THAT? What a sad start in life this kid has. And what is really effed up: maybe they took the kid from a parent where it was in a worse situation. It is possible. I just hope the little one gets the love and security a three year old needs. Hugs and stories and trips to the park. Jeez....

[biteme]

Modesto and Stockton, land of gangs and tweekers, you can't park your car and walk out of sight without it getting broken into
Only thing seems to work is leave the windows down, door unlocked and an empty gun holster on the front seat

[moonlilly1981]

Sad. If they were the parents their addiction seemed to have cost them everything. I hope this child is placed with a kind, gentle family who will show them love and normalcy.

[biteme]

Due to government officials and employees plus unions giving their employees full benefits and wages for life in retirement
there's no money left for those not yet retired

STOCKTON -- A federal judge ruled Monday that Stockton is eligible for bankruptcy protection, over the objection of creditors who argued the city could come up with more money.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein said Stockton can move forward with a plan to reorganize debt. He twice stated that the creditors had acted in bad faith and had refused to pay their share of the costs for negotiations.

"The creditors got a big black eye today," said Karol Denniston, an attorney who helped draft the legislation that guided Stockton's mandated mediation before filing for bankruptcy protection. "Now the stage is set for the real dogfight."
The $900 million Stockton owes to the California Public Employees Retirement System to cover pensions is its biggest debt -– as is the case with many cities in California.