Lakesha Woods Williams: Mom arrested for leaving children home alone for a week during cruise vacation

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HOUSTON, TEXAS: Texas mother, Lakesha Woods Williams, 29, faces serious charges after allegedly leaving her two young children, aged 6 and 8, alone in their Houston apartment for nearly a week while she embarked on a cruise vacation.

Williams was arrested on two counts of child endangerment after law enforcement officers discovered her children unattended in their high-rise apartment complex.

Deputies find children alone in distressing conditions

Authorities from the Harris County Constable's Office, Precinct 5, responded to concerns raised by neighbors regarding the welfare of the 8-year-old and 6-year-old. Reports indicate that Williams departed for her solo vacation on April 4 and returned on the night of April 10.

Concerned neighbors, noting her prolonged absence, alerted authorities, prompting a visit to the apartment. Deputies found the children alone in a distressing environment, with garbage and food scattered across the floor and a “potent smell of urine,” permeating the residence, per New York Post.

Lakesha Woods Williams had been communicating with kids through apartment camera

Further investigation revealed that the children had been left unattended for several days, with Williams allegedly communicating with them remotely via a camera in the apartment and through text messages to the older child.

Paramedics and Child Protective Services were called to assess the children's well-being, following which they were removed from the apartment and placed in the care of their aunt. Neighbors informed authorities that this was "not the first time" of the children being left unsupervised.

“We are still putting together the facts and circumstances of how these children were left alone for several days,” Constable Ted Heap emphasized.

“But the important thing is they are safe now and those responsible should be held accountable for leaving these kids in an unsafe situation.”

Williams was subsequently booked into Harris County Jail on a $40,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday as the investigation into the incident continues.