Joshua and Tracy Dechant in Pennsylvania were charged with multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit third-degree murder and aggravated assault, after authorities discovered they had been abusing their malnourished twin boys. The twins were nearly 100 pounds underweight due to the heinous mistreatment they endured at the hands of their parents. An investigation began when police were called to the Dechant home in January after a neighbor reported seeing a nearly naked 15-year-old boy outside in freezing temperatures. The boy indicated that his stepfather had forced him outside as punishment, prompting concerns from neighbors who provided him with food and warmth.
When authorities arrived at the Dechant home, they found the naked boy’s twin in a similarly emaciated state. Both brothers disclosed extensive abuse, including being deprived of food and water, forced nudity as punishment, and sleeping on the floor with only one blanket between them. Video evidence from the parents’ phones showed the boys being abused, including being forced to sleep on the floor and being sent outside naked. The twins also revealed further abuse, such as physical and mental mistreatment, not being allowed to shower with warm water, and isolation from the outside world.
The twins were taken to the hospital for a check-up, revealing that they weighed only 53 and 55 pounds despite being 15 years old, far below the average weight for their age and height. The twins had only gained minimal weight over the past eight years due to the abuse they suffered. Additionally, the twins’ older biological sister, who no longer lived at home, reported similar abuse suffered at the hands of her parents, including being sent outside naked in the cold. The boys were discharged from the hospital with multiple medical issues that, if left untreated, could have been life-threatening.
Joshua and Tracy Dechant were each given a bail of $200,000 and are scheduled to appear for preliminary hearings on February 27. The couple faces serious charges related to the abuse inflicted on their children, including endangering their lives and causing severe harm that could have led to death. The case has sparked outrage and disbelief in the community, as neighbors and authorities were shocked by the extent of mistreatment and neglect that the twins endured. The investigation into the Dechant family’s actions continues as authorities gather more evidence and testimonies from those involved in the case.
The Dechants’ abuse of their children has raised concerns about the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in society, prompting calls for more awareness and action to protect vulnerable children. The case highlights the importance of reporting suspected abuse to authorities and supporting children who may be suffering in silence. The twins’ harrowing ordeal serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children, as their lives were put at risk due to the cruelty of their parents. Moving forward, the focus will be on providing the necessary care and support for the twins to recover from the trauma they endured and to ensure they are placed in a safe and nurturing environment.
