Vancouver, Washington — Three adults in Vancouver, Washington, are facing a long list of criminal charges after police discovered five children and three dogs living in what authorities described as “atrocious” and unsafe conditions inside a trash-filled SUV. The disturbing scene was uncovered after a caller alerted officers to the presence of visibly neglected children at a local car wash.
Caller Reports Naked, Shivering Child in SUV
According to the Vancouver Police Department, officers responded after a witness reported seeing several children living inside a vehicle in dire condition. The caller told officers the youngest child was “naked and shivering”, appearing malnourished with visible bones.
Inside the SUV, officers found children ages 13, 11, 10, 8, and 5, along with three severely neglected dogs. The vehicle was filled with trash, belongings, drug paraphernalia, and limited food. Police say the environment posed immediate risks to the children’s health and safety.
Officials later learned that all five children tested positive for fentanyl, and two tested positive for methamphetamine, according to a search warrant obtained by local news outlet KATU.
Parents Admit to Losing Disabled Child’s Feeding Tube
Authorities identified the suspects as 46-year-old Natalie Gebron, the mother of all five children; 40-year-old Zachariah Edwards, father of three of the children; and Corleone Lewis, who also lived in the vehicle.
During interviews, Gebron reportedly told investigators the 5-year-old child was partially blind, deaf, and diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She allegedly admitted they had lost the child’s feeding tube more than a year ago and had been attempting to feed the medically fragile child with a bottle ever since.
Officers noted the children were only partially clothed, showed clear signs of neglect, and had extremely limited access to food. The child with disabilities appeared significantly malnourished and in need of immediate medical care.
Drugs Reportedly Found on Suspects and Inside Vehicle
Police say methamphetamine was found on one of the suspects, while another admitted that fentanyl was present inside the SUV. Officers also noted the children and animals were surrounded by drug paraphernalia within arm’s reach.
According to investigators:
- Gebron and Edwards are each charged with five counts of endangerment with a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and animal cruelty.
- Lewis faces charges including resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, domestic violence, and unlawful camping, among others.
All three remain in custody. Court records show Gebron and Edwards are scheduled to appear in court on December 23, while Lewis is due in court on December 18.
Dogs Found Emaciated; One Euthanized Due to Suffering
Animal control officers removed the three dogs from the vehicle after finding two of them extremely underweight and the third suffering from an untreated open tumor. Police say the animals were believed to have been eating plastic to survive.
The dog with the tumor was in such poor condition that it had to be euthanized, authorities said.
Child Protective Services removed all five children from the vehicle and placed them in protective custody. Officials say the children are receiving medical treatment and evaluations following their exposure to drugs and prolonged neglect.
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Community Outrage and Continuing Investigation
The shocking case has drawn widespread concern in Vancouver, where community members expressed disbelief that the children had lived in such conditions for an extended period. The SUV had reportedly served as the family’s residence along with three adults, five children, and multiple animals.
Investigators are continuing to examine how long the family lived in the SUV and whether additional individuals or agencies may have failed to intervene earlier.
Authorities say the case underscores ongoing challenges involving homelessness, drug dependency, and gaps in social support systems that leave vulnerable children at risk.
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