Police Say Home 'Smelled Like Death.' Inside Were 2 Children Who'd Never Gone to School, Couldn't Read or Write
Children rescued from a MAGA home in red Texas that police said “smelled like death” told officers they had never been to school.
When officers arrived at the residence, they immediately noticed a strong odor. Flies covered the windows, and after getting no response at the door, police feared someone inside might be dead. When they entered the home, they found Michael Robbins, 34, and John Robbins, 68.
According to the affidavit, the house was filled with rotting garbage covering floors and surfaces. Officers discovered two children, ages 8 and 10, sitting in a bathtub half-filled with dirty water. Their hair was matted and appeared to be infested with bugs. When told to get dressed, they returned wearing foul-smelling clothes stained with old food.
Police reported that both children smelled of urine, feces, body odor, and stagnant water. The children told officers they had never attended school and did not know how to read or write. One child was found with rotting adult teeth.
Investigators learned the children had largely been caring for each other and that the adults in the home had not been providing adequate food. The children were immediately removed and taken to McLane Children’s Hospital.
Neighbors told police they had not seen the children outside the home for several years. A further search revealed mouse and rat feces, maggots and insects in the sink, rotting food covered with flies, and no clean living space anywhere in the house.
Child Protective Services and the Temple Police Department launched investigations. Michael Robbins and John Robbins were arrested and charged with abandoning or endangering a child with intent. Both are being held in the Bell County Jail on $30,000 bond.
https://people.com/children-rescued-home-smelled-like-death-no-school-11988190
Published 6/1/2026 People Magazine
