Couple Arrested For Locking Up Their Kids Over 3 Years For Extreme Fears Of COVID-19
A couple of German-American descent has been detained in Oviedo, northern Spain after officials found they had confined their three young kids indoors for more than three years due to extreme fears of COVID-19.
Couple Arrested For Locking Their 3 Children Indoors Since 2021 Over Extreme COVID-19 Fears
The children—an older boy who is 10 years old and twin girls aged 8—were discovered on April 28, 2025, in a severely neglected condition, having lived in near-total isolation since December 2021.
According to local news reports, the children were prohibited from attending school, going outside, or interacting with anyone beyond their immediate family.
Upon police entering the apartment, they found the children wearing several face masks, underweight, and experiencing considerable psychological distress. They lived in unhygienic conditions without sunlight, physical activity, or adequate education.
Authorities became aware of the situation when a worried neighbour reported the children’s prolonged absence from school and public life. Social services and law enforcement initiated an investigation, which led to a raid on the family’s apartment.
The parents, Christian and Melissa Steffen were apprehended at the scene and are now facing charges, including domestic violence, child abandonment, and psychological abuse.
They have been denied bail and are currently in custody as the investigations proceed.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, while he is presently on his M.Sc programme also in Mass Communication, at National Open University of Nigeria.
He was the NUJ Chairman, Enugu state who handed over to the Caretaker Committee currently in the Council.
samowailo@gmail.com
