CARNATION, Wash. - A couple from Carnation, Wash., has been arrested for allegedly starving and mistreating their 14-year-old daughter, who was 4'7" and weighed only 48 pounds when deputies discovered her.

KING

The mother, 44, and father, 43, were arrested Friday night at their Carnation home on suspicion of Criminal Mistreatment of their daughter, according to a press release by the King County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation began August 13 after Child Protective Services (CPS) received a call from a neighbor who heard screams coming from the house. CPS called the King County Sheriff's Office and a deputy conducted a welfare check at the house.

The deputy talked with the daughter privately after her father said she was the one screaming. Appearing pale and skinny, the girl looked like she was 7 or 8 years old, rather than her stated age of 14. She said her mother disciplined her by restricting her water intake and that she was primarily given toast to eat. She also said she hadn't seen a doctor in several years.

The girl and her younger brother, 12, were taken from the house. The girl was admitted to Children's Medical Center, where she was treated for severe malnutrition for two weeks. Officials say the girl and her brother are currently in foster care and doing well.

Upon investigation, detectives discovered the mother restricted her daughter's water intake to about ½ of a small Dixie cup per day, say sheriff officials. The mother monitored her daughter's showers and bathroom habits to keep her from drinking water, and showers were limited to every two or three weeks.

The sister and brother were forced to sleep on the floor in a room with the dresser pushed in front of the door to prevent her from sneaking out and drinking water, say officials. This began after the girl was caught sneaking out of the room to drink water from the toilet. As punishment, the mother duct-taped the girl's hands behind her back and dunked her head in the toilet, said officials.

Detectives served a search warrant on the house and found the girl's room had a double deadbolt on the door, confirming she was locked in the room at times during the day. Detectives do not believe either child has had schooling in years.

The detectives also collected evidence showing the family had health insurance and that the girl's younger brother had seen a doctor in the last few years. Detectives add the family's two dogs were in good health and had recent trips to the vetrinarian. Investigators say the father is a software engineer and the mother does not work outside of the home.

Criminal Treatment in the First Degree is a Class B felony. The case was sent to the Prosecutor's Office last week for a filing decision.