Cold, Dirty Home Leads to Neglect Charges in Stafford: Warrant

STAFFORD, CT — A 53-year-old Stafford resident has been charged in a neglect case that included a hypothermic child living in a home with 35-degree interior temperatures, an arrest warrant indicates.

The investigation was initiated in December, when a Stafford Ambulance crew was sent to 18 West End St. in Stafford for a possible overdose.

Vanessa Laskow was in the home, confused and unable to walk, and she admitted taking Klonopin and Codeine, according to a warrant.

The home was unkempt and canine feces was located inside the house, according to a warrant. Parts of the home had an odor of spoiled food, according to a warrant.

The inside temperature was 35 degrees and residents told authorities the home had been without heat "for some time," according to a warrant. A wood stove was in the home but no wood was present, according to a warrant.

The ambulance crew was concerned that a 7-month-old was hypothermic. A pillow had a bottle propped up in what seemed like a system for the youngster to feed himself, according to a warrant.

Authorities said in a warrant the home was unfit for an infant.

She apparently obtained the Klonopin from a relative who has schizophrenia, according to a warrant.

Lawkow was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a child, according to a warrant. She is due in court in May 14, state police said.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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