Mother charged after 6 children, including 1-year-old, left home alone in East Baltimore

The mother of six children found unattended inside a home in Baltimore on Monday has been charged with multiple child neglect charges and is being held without bail. 

Court documents obtained by CBS News Baltimore revealed the six children were left alone in a rental house on East Monument Street in poor conditions. 

Baltimore Police Department (BPD) investigators told WJZ Investigates the children are ages 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 and were placed in the care of CPS and/or a family member after being evaluated at Johns Hopkins Pediatrics, which is nearby. 

The mother was identified as 34-year-old Teonna Brown. Officers observed that the children were unattended and appeared malnourished "and displayed apparent signs consistent with neglect," according to charging documents.

In Maryland, it is a crime to leave a child under age 8 without supervision by a reliable person who is at least 13 years old. 

Mother makes court appearance

During a court appearance, the public defender representing Brown said she had had issues with over-the-counter medication and substance abuse. "It's been a difficult six months," he said.

The mother had a prior failure to appear for an assault warrant issued in March 2026.

The public defender said the woman was recently stabbed while trying to shield her children when her car was taken.

The judge found if he allowed Brown to go free, she would likely not show up to another court appearance. He also said he considered her a threat to public safety.    

Mayor scott comments on case

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott was asked about the case during a press conference on Wednesday. He called the conditions the children were found in "unacceptable for anyone, but especially our young people."

Scott added that as part of the investigation, "We did discover that the family was receiving some assistance, crisis assistance from the housing department." 

He said this assistance should have continued in this case. "That will be addressed fully and completely with the department of housing and community development."

Scott said the investigation will also look into who owns the property and whether the individual could have taken action to deal with the poor conditions that were discovered.

Officer called to investigate

An officer was called to the 2900 block of East Monument Street on Monday at 11:30 a.m. on a report of child neglect. 

At the location, the officer discovered six unsupervised children inside the home. BPD initially said the home appeared to be vacant, but investigators later determined it was a rental property. 

The officer transported the children to Johns Hopkins Pediatrics, where they were medically evaluated. They were then turned over to representatives of Child Protective Services (CPS) or a family member, BPD said in a statement.  

This case has generated strong feelings in the community, and one concerned resident who knows the mother urged people not to judge her. 

"You guys saved these kids' lives"

Police responded to the rowhome in the 2900 block of East Monument Street just before noon Monday after receiving a call that the children were left unattended.

The home sits in the middle of the block between North Potomac and North Curley streets. 

Tyesha Denise showed the scene as it unfolded on a Facebook livestream. People on the recording said some of the children were nearly naked and playing in trash. 

"You guys saved these kids' lives today," a first responder said on the livestream. 

The videos have been seen by more than 40,000 people.

"I had to do the right thing. You all know me. I had to do the right thing," the poster told her audience.

Concerned neighbor says mom was getting help

A concerned neighbor deeply familiar with the situation spoke to WJZ Investigates about the case. Because emotions are running high, she asked that her identity be concealed. 

She is upset police initially said the home "appeared to be vacant." Hours later, BPD clarified it was a rental.

"The house that they're living in was part of her trying to rehabilitate and a stabilization. It wasn't broken into. It wasn't stolen. The electric is not illegal. It's a leased property. She's sitting under a very valid contract. She's welcome to be there," the neighbor said. "She was supposed to be there. The children were supposed to be there, and at any point in time, if in the chaos and the commotion, the neighbors directly right there could've been spoken to and someone could've stepped in and aided and helped before it got to that level."

She does not want a single mother, who fell on hard times, to be demonized. 

"I've heard a lot of the comments that's been made directed towards her and her character and her life itself," the woman told CBS News Baltimore. "And I think that before we step out the gate and say, 'Oh, let's throw her to the wolves,' maybe we should step back and say, 'Gosh, was she struggling? Did she need help?'"

Police told WJZ their investigation remains ongoing.