Couple accused of making kids live in box for years

JOSHUA TREE, CA (RMG News/CNN) – Police arrested a couple Wednesday for allegedly keeping their three children in a plywood box.

Authorities said the children – ages 11, 13 and 14 – have lived in the box for four years.

The box is about 20 feet long, 10 feet wide and only 4 feet tall.

Authorities also found mounds of trash and human feces strewn about the property. They said 30 to 40 cats were also inside a travel trailer that appeared to be abandoned.

The entire property lacks electricity and running water.

Mona Kirk, 51, and Daniel Panico, 73, are in jail on a $100,000 bond.

Child and Family Services took custody of the children.