Lexington police arrest suspects in child neglect and animal cruelty case

LEXINGTON, NC – On June 26, 2023, Lexington Police Officers conducted a welfare check on two children at a Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard residence. During the welfare check, officers determined that two girls (ages 9 and 5) were being abused and neglected. The girls were locked in a room, malnourished, and physically abused. Officers also found neglected and malnourished dogs as well as drug paraphernalia.

As a result of the investigation, officers arrested the mother, Julia Owens, age 31, and a male acquaintance that also lived in the home, 42-year-old Josh Hoover. Both were charged with two counts of felony child abuse/neglect resulting in serious physical injury, felony cruelty to animals, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both are being held at Davidson County Detention Center on a $75,000 secured bond. They are scheduled to appear in court on July 31. The investigation is still ongoing, and further charges could be filed.

Davidson County Child Protective Services responded and assisted at the scene.

Anyone with information about this investigation can call Lexington Police at (336) 243-3302 or Lexington Area Crime Stoppers at (336) 243-2400.