Siders’ Ohio House of Horrors: Locals React to ‘Den of Evil’

Sixteen ‘almost feral’ children. Aged 18 months to 18 years. Hidden from sight in an Ohio house of horrors. Until now. It’s a situation difficult to fathom: Investigators found 16 kids living inside a 1,300-square-foot home in Vinton County, Ohio, confined in a 12-by-12 bedroom investigators say was covered in human waste. Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders were arrested on Tuesday, June 30th, and remain in jail after waiving their preliminary hearings today, Tuesday, July 7th. Investigative reporter Anne Emerson goes beyond the headlines to understand the human impact in the developing Siders child abuse case. How did children live under these conditions for so long? We wanted to hear from the local community affected by this horrific story. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, we hear from those voices - from Captain Jeremiah Griffith who was a first responder to the shocking scene, to local Vinton County Pastor James Dimel who describes the community’s support of children who were trapped in a ‘den of evil’. Law enforcement and locals share their shock at the horror lurking in their own community. And Attorney Thomas Stolly, who represents Elizabeth Siders, says the case is more complicated than many believe, urging the public to remember that his client is presumed innocent. Today, we react in real time to what we know so far in this developing story, and offer multiple perspectives of those closest to this case. We're outraged by this developing story, and the horrors these children went through. Many are wondering how we can help and support these kids, so we wanted to share a message from South Central Ohio Job & Family Services - The outpouring of love and support for the situation in the Vinton County community has been truly overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful to our community and individuals from across the state for wanting to help. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Shannon Kellough at 740-772-7451, or at shannon.kellough@jfs.ohio.gov., and let us know that you would like to make a donation. Shannon can provide information on the next steps and available donation options. In addition, we have received several inquiries on how to become a foster parent. If you would like additional information, please email Jesssica Benner at jessica.benner@jfs.ohio.gov, or Breanne Campbell at Breanne.campbell@jfs.ohio.gov. The kindness and compassion shown by our community and across the state remind us that even in difficult circumstances, people come together to make a difference. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Siders investigation, true crime updates, courtroom developments, and exclusive interviews with the real people impacted by these cases.