Suspected Abusers Lived Amid 'Clutter' and 'Garbage:' Southington PD

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Police Department Wednesday released more disturbing details about a couple arrested in town last February on suspected child abuse charges.

Among them were the couple lived in a home "full of clutter, garbage," and "a strong odor of urine," with feces "found on the walls of the children’s bedroom," the SPD said in a statement Wednesday morning.

The couple — Brian A. Bushnell, 31, of Wheeler Village Road, Southington, and Casimarie Castro, 29, of Wheeler Village Road, Southington — were both charged by Southington police Feb. 16 with two counts each of negligent cruelty to persons and risk of injury to a child.

Since the arrest, the couple has appeared in New Britain Superior Court, with Bushnell expected back again June 6 and Castro due in court June 2, according to online court records

Wednesday morning, the SPD detailed their investigation into the situation.

According to police, on June 21, 2022, the Southington Police Department received an anonymous complaint requesting a welfare check of two juveniles believed to have been neglected/abused and living in unsuitable conditions.

The SPD learned the state Department of Children and Families had also received a similar complaint and would be opening their own independent investigation, police said.

"A home visit conducted by DCF investigators revealed the residence was full of clutter, garbage, there was a strong odor of urine, and feces was found on the walls of the children’s bedroom," wrote police.

The SPD said DCF investigators worked with Bushnell and Castro to clean the residence, permitting the children to remain at the residence.

"No signs of physical abuse were noted at that time," wrote police in a report.

The SPD said, on July 5, 2022, DCF received a second complaint of neglect/abuse from a witness, prompting DCF investigators to return to the residence.

Following this complaint, it was determined the children would be removed from the residence and placed in temporary care with another family member, police said.

"As part of the investigation, a witness reported observing the door handle to the children’s bedroom was backwards permitting it to only be unlocked from the outside," wrote police.

"The lock was later returned to its proper position. Bushnell explained that the lock was inoperable."

Ultimately, according to police, Bushnell and Castro were both charged and released on $20,000 bond.

According to the Hartford Courant, the arrest warrant affidavit for the couple includes details about the situation, including reports the oldest child was locked in a room so long, the child would urinate on himself.

The Courant reported the relationship between the two children and the suspects, as well as the children's identities, were redacted from court documents.

For the full Hartford Courant report, click on this link.

From Feb. 23: 'Southington Police Log: Feb. 14-Feb. 20'