A Kiowa couple is under investigation after police and child welfare officials reported filthy living conditions and possible abuse involving several children at a home on West 3rd Street. Rosie and Danny Pruit are the alleged guilty parties in this case, with Rosie already in custody, and Danny still free with a current warrant for his arrest.
Police were first called to 400 block of W. 3rd St. in Kiowa on March 21 following reports of a municipal ordinance violation due to trash and debris accumulation. Officer reports state that resident Danny Pruit was warned to clean the property within 10 days or face a citation.
On April 4, officers returned to the property following a call from Police Chief Jess Wilson, who had been informed by Rosie Pruit that an unauthorized man was inside the home. Although officers found no intruder, they documented the continued hazardous conditions inside the residence.
According to police, the home was filled with trash, animal feces, and urine. Portions of the roof and hallway floor had collapsed, presenting potential safety hazards. Four children, aged 6 weeks to 7 years, were living with the couple.
On April 16, police were notified by a DHS child welfare specialist of a possible abuse case involving the 6-week-old infant.
According to a medical report from Saint Francis Children’s Hospital in Tulsa, the child was brought in on April 12 showing signs of “failure to thrive” and a fractured clavicle. The injury was estimated to be 7 to 10 days old. The report also cited concerns of nutritional neglect, including potential watering down of infant formula, contributing to the child’s weight loss.
When questioned, the parents reportedly offered several explanations for the injury, including being struck by a dog and rough handling by siblings or during a car seat transfer.
Further interviews conducted on April 25 with two of the children, ages 6 and 7, revealed additional allegations. The children claimed that Danny Pruit struck a 1-year-old on the mouth and side, prompting Rosie Pruit to remove him from the home. One child also alleged that Danny had pointed a BB gun at him and described avoiding bathing due to cold water and unsanitary conditions.
Rosie Pruit is being held on a $500,000 bond and Danny is currently facing the same bond once arrested as he currently has a warrant for his arrest. Both are being charged with felony child abuse and child neglect.