www.wafb.com

GASTON COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - A Gastonia mother is facing child abuse charges after authorities say she allowed her unattended 3-year-old to run into a street, and after both of her children were found living in deplorable conditions.

According to a report filed with the Gastonia Police Department, Elizabeth Edwards, 38, is charged with two counts of felony child abuse involving severe bodily injury, and one count of misdemeanor child abuse.

Officer E. S. Woods came upon the child Saturday afternoon and wrote in an affidavit that the child's mother neglected her son by allowing him to run in the street.

Neighbors told WBTV it was not unusual to see the children playing in the street.

I don't think they were supervised at all," said Shirley Williamson. "Half of the time, they would only have like a diaper on or something."

The two felony charges were the result of what Woods observed when he examined Edwards' home at 1450 Green Circle Drive.

Woods said Edwards 3- and 7-year-old children were living in deplorable conditions.

Police said there were dirty diapers and dog feces piled up in the house, as well as lots of trash and roaches.

Doris Gardin lives next door and said she could often smell the stench from her house.

"Something sour," she said. "And like a bunches of horses. You know horses and cows. You know how that smell?"

Edwards was charged and taken to the Gaston County jail where she is being held on $25,000 bond.