New Mexico couple accused of locking child in chicken coop for months

FARMINGTON, N.M. (TCN) — A couple faces charges after allegedly locking a 15-year-old girl inside a chicken coop for months and failing to provide her with adequate nourishment.

According to the Farmington Police Department, on Sept. 16, 2024, Child Protective Services requested a welfare check on a child who had allegedly been confined in a “chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions.” Authorities responded, found evidence of abuse, and removed the minor from the residence.

The 15-year-old victim told officials that 59-year-old Jammy Jackson and 36-year-old Patricia Madrid allegedly forced her to stand inside the chicken coop for as long as she was awake, approximately 17 hours at a time, every day from April to September, KOB-TV reports. The only time the victim didn’t have to stand in the coop was during a three-day family trip.

Jackson and Madrid allegedly forced the juvenile to be outside in cold weather without proper clothing, and they failed to feed her adequately. The suspects are also accused of hitting the victim and pointing a gun at her.

According to court documents obtained by KRQE-TV, Madrid and Jackson only allowed the girl to use the restroom twice a day, and she ate packaged ramen noodles while her siblings could eat whatever they wanted.

During an interview with investigators, Jackson and Madrid reportedly said they disciplined the child due to her outbursts, but they denied the claims made against them. However, KOB reports that authorities searched Jackson’s phone, revealing text messages that corroborated the abuse allegations.

On Feb. 18, police arrested Madrid and Jackson on 14 felony counts, including child abuse and conspiracy to commit child abuse. They were booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center and later released.

Madrid had reportedly been charged with child abuse in 2020, but the case was dropped.

MORE: