HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Court records accuse a 20-year-old woman and a 17-year-old male of exposing a child to dangerous living conditions inside a northwest Harris County apartment, conditions investigators say were so severe the child later underwent decontamination procedures twice before receiving treatment at a hospital.
The charges stem from an investigation at an apartment complex along Kuykendahl Road near FM 1960.
According to court records, Tannis Harrington, a 20-year-old white female, and Drake Fernandez, a 17-year-old white male, were arrested and charged with felony child endangerment. Both court filings list the same apartment address on Kuykendahl Road.
What investigators say happened
According to charging documents, investigators believe Harrington and Fernandez placed a child younger than 15 years old in imminent danger while caring for the child.
Court records allege the child was exposed to feces, urine, rotten food, insects and gasoline inside the apartment. Investigators further claim the child was living in an environment where those substances were being inhaled.
The filings go on to allege the child suffered insect bites and was not provided adequate hygiene.
Investigators also accuse the pair of consuming marijuana and alcohol while caring for the child.
Who are the suspects?
Court records do not explain the relationship between the Harrington and Fernandez. The documents also do not identify the child’s relationship to either suspect.
It remains unclear whether the child is related to either defendant, how long the child was living at the apartment, or who first reported concerns to authorities.
Dog also part of investigation
The same investigation also led to an animal cruelty charge against Harrington.
According to a separate criminal complaint, investigators accuse Harrington of failing to provide necessary care for a dog in her custody.
Court records allege the dog was not provided adequate amounts of clean water or food, was not given proper hygiene and was confined in a cruel manner.
Prosecutors seek restrictions
Court records show prosecutors have requested several bond conditions for Harrington. Those include no contact with the child identified in the case, random urinalysis testing, restrictions on alcohol and marijuana use, and a prohibition on possessing animals while the case remains pending.
Investigation ongoing
Several key questions remain unanswered.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has not said what prompted the investigation, what deputies found when they arrived at the apartment, or where the child is currently staying.
KPRC 2 has reached out to the sheriff’s office seeking additional details, including the relationship between the suspects and the child, how long the child may have been living in those conditions, and whether Child Protective Services is involved in the case.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.