A Nevada mother, Tammy Hinds, has been sentenced to two to five years in prison after being found guilty of child neglect. The case came to light in May 2024 when authorities discovered her 14-year-old son locked in a small room, deprived of basic needs for over a year.
What Happened to the Boy?
Tammy Hinds, 34 years old at the time, and her mother, Nancy Hinds, were arrested following a welfare check at a home located on Tunnel Road in Gold Hill, Nevada. The police found the boy locked in a small room above the garage, where he was forced to stay for most of the day.
The room had no restroom facilities, and the boy only had access to a bucket as a bathroom. He was also not given proper food or water.
The investigation revealed that the child had been neglected and did not have access to basic necessities. Deputies at the scene reported a strong odor of human waste, further showing the boy’s severe living conditions. He was allowed out of the room only for an hour a day to eat and use the bathroom.
The Investigation and Charges
After the discovery, both Tammy and Nancy Hinds were charged with child abuse, neglect, and false imprisonment. The boy and his sister were taken into protective custody by the Department of Child and Family Services.
The case against Nancy Hinds remains ongoing, but Tammy Hinds pled guilty to the charges of neglect in April 2025.
During her court hearing, Tammy Hinds admitted to her actions, expressing regret for failing as a mother. Her son, now 15 years old, also testified via Zoom, stating, “I’m not scared of my mother anymore.”
The Boy’s Well-being and Foster Care
Since being removed from his mother’s care, the boy’s foster parents reported that he is doing much better, both physically and mentally. The situation has deeply affected the family, and in an interview earlier this year, Nancy Hinds expressed little remorse, stating that she was “fine” with her grandson being placed in foster care.
She described the boy as having “lots of issues” but denied that he had any physical ailments.
This heart-wrenching case highlights the severe consequences of child neglect. It serves as a reminder of the importance of child welfare checks and the support systems in place for children who are at risk. The boy’s recovery in foster care shows that even after extreme abuse, there is hope for healing and a better life.
