SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A couple in Springfield has been charged with several felonies after police say they did not adequately feed two children in their care — one of whom was covered in bruises and described by doctors as “extremely malnourished.”
Alyssa and Joshua Bowman are each facing the following charges:
- 2 counts of abuse or neglect of a child resulting in serious or emotional injury
- 2 counts of abuse or neglect of a child
- 2 counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child
According to court documents, relatives brought one of the children to Mercy Hospital on March 23 after Joshua and Alyssa dropped the child off. The child had numerous bruises all over, multiple cuts/abrasions, and was extremely malnourished with virtually no body fat.
Police and a Children’s Division worker contacted Joshua at the home. The bedroom where two children reportedly slept contained a Pack N Play where one of the children slept. The Pack N Play contained what appeared to be smashed food remnants and possible feces.
The other child who stayed in the bedroom was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC). The child said that sometimes the couple forgot to feed them.
The child also described how they would sleep on the floor with the other child in the playpen and be given smashed-up food to eat such as oatmeal, fruit bars and meats while Joshua and Alyssa would eat “all the good stuff,” such as sandwiches and spaghetti.
Joshua and Alyssa were arrested after a warrant was issued on May 2. Their next court appearance will be on May 9 for a bond review hearing.
