A Roman Forest couple has been charged with injury to the disabled for allegedly nearly starving to death their 17-year-old severely handicapped son.
Jason Everett Joyner, 38, and his wife, Jamie Enid Joyner, age unknown at this time, were arrested at their home on the 2700 block of Michelangelo St. by Roman Forest police officers Friday around 1 p.m. following an investigation that began several weeks ago.
“We were contacted by Texas Children’s Hospital and told they had a 17-year-old kid there who weighed less than 60 pounds. He was basically skin and bones. They were suspecting neglect, so we launched an investigation,” said Roman Forest Police Chief Stephen Carlisle.
Carlisle assigned the case to Officer Rachel Rippe, who worked with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and Children’s Protective Service. The investigation determined the couple had recently moved to Roman Forest after leaving Arizona and then Georgia, presumably to avoid investigations in those states, Carlisle said.
“We gathered enough information in the investigation to determine we needed a warrant for the couple’s arrest,” the chief said.
Since being placed in the care of Texas Children’s Hospital nearly one month ago, the 17-year-old has gained more than 20 pounds and is doing well. The young man has severe medical conditions that will require ongoing medical treatments, Carlisle added.
Two other children in the home have been placed with a family member under the supervision of Children’s Protective Services.
Carlisle praised Rippe for her investigatory skills, saying, “She did a great job. I believe she will become a great police investigator. I assigned her to this case and she worked it wholeheartedly.”
The chief added that the case against the Joyners is ongoing, but he does not foresee any additional charges being filed.
By Vanesa Brashier, editor@bluebonnetnews.com