A couple from Brandon, identified as Kimberly and William Ouderkirk, were arrested on charges of child neglect after their 3-year-old child was found wandering alone in the Bay Pointe subdivision early Sunday morning.
The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department received a call on November 3, at approximately 12:28 a.m., when the young child was discovered by a nearby home. Deputies responded to the scene, canvassing the area until they found a house about a quarter mile away with its front door left open.
Upon clearing the residence, deputies located a second child, a 6-year-old, inside one of the bedrooms. Deputies attempted to reach the parents, and after initially contacting them, Kimberly and William Ouderkirk claimed they were only a few houses away and were on their way back home. However, after an extended period with no sign of their return and multiple unanswered follow-up calls, deputies grew concerned.
Source: Rankin Co. SO
Source: Rankin Co. SOLater, William Ouderkirk contacted the Sheriff’s Office, explaining that a babysitter was supposed to be caring for the children until 2:00 a.m. However, an interview with the alleged babysitter revealed that they did not know the Ouderkirks and were unaware of the residence.
Based on the circumstances, Child Protective Services (CPS) was called to the scene, and the children were placed in protective custody. Kimberly and William Ouderkirk were eventually located, arrested, and charged with child neglect. Rankin County Justice Court Judge Whitney Adams set their bond at $20,000 each.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details may be provided as the case progresses.
