Investigators said a 47-year-old woman was found dead at the scene and that the death is not related to the children.
MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. — Ten children were taken into protective custody after deputies discovered they were living in poor conditions during a death investigation at a Maple Valley home, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a medical aid call around 11 p.m. Thursday in the 2600 block of SE 200th Street. A 47-year-old woman was found dead at the scene, according to police. The cause of death has not been released, and investigators said the death is not related to the children.
While at the home, deputies observed children who appeared malnourished and without adequate food. Authorities said the children were transported to the hospital for evaluation.
Deputies notified Child Protective Services and left the residence around 4 a.m. Friday. When they returned at about 10 a.m., adults inside the home refused entry, authorities said, and deputies obtained a search warrant to re-enter.
The sheriff’s office said ten children between the ages of 1 and 10 were removed from the home and placed into protective custody, adding that the children are in stable condition.
Investigators said four different families were living in the residence.
The King County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation, and Child Protective Services has opened a separate investigation. No arrests have been made, and charges are being filed, according to deputies.
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