Alabama Parents Charged After 14-Year-Old Found Living Alone in Filthy Mobile Home with Dead Dog

Mobile County Sheriff's Office booking photos of two individuals arrested after a 14-year-old girl was found living alone in squalid conditions, surrounded by multiple dogs, in Alabama.

A Mobile, Alabama, woman was arrested after her 14-year-old daughter was found stumbling down a road near a local Dollar Tree. Marcella Pertilla and the child's stepfather, Eugene Medrana, were arrested and charged with child abuse and animal cruelty.

On Jan 4th, the 14-year-old was seen walking down a road, stumbling near a local Dollar Tree, where employees made contact with the child. It was at that moment that the child informed the employee of stomach pains and dizziness. The employees then contacted the authorities, who took the child to the hospital. While at the hospital, the victim spoke with the authorities, informing them that she had been living alone in a squalid home since February 2025. She stated that she hadn't seen her mom and stepdad since October 31, 2025. However, while the couple did not live in the home, her mother often sent food and supplies through DoorDash and Walmart delivery.

Based on the victim's statements regarding her living conditions, the investigators requested a warrant for the residence. The condition of the home shocked investigators; officers found 7 dogs residing in the home, with 3 of the dogs living outdoors, 3 living indoors, and 1 deceased in a closet. The home is littered with urine, feces, insects, and trash. Additionally, investigators found a handwritten note written by the victim titled " How Many Times Mom tells Me That She Can't Pick Me Up". The note had 87 dashes

The investigators also discovered that the couple had been living in a separate state from the child, having resided in Pensacola, Florida, since leaving the child alone in the home.

The couple eventually arrived at the hospital to speak with investigators. Marchelle Pertilla informed the investigators that she left the teen in the home alone because the teen did not want to leave her service dogs behind. The mother stated that she often communicated with the child through Snapchat, adding that the child was supposedly homeschooled. Marcella Pertilla and the child's stepfather, Eugene Medrana, were then arrested, as their remaining two children, who live in Pensacola, Florida, with the couple, were placed in state custody