Cops: Colo. couple ignored daughter's seizures

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - A Fort Collins, Colo. couple is accused of ignoring their daughter's seizures after investigators found the 8-year-old couldn't walk or talk, reports CBS Denver.

Court documents reportedly say it was Leah and Douglas Dyer's lack of care that left the girl in such desperate shape and if not discovered by officials, she would have eventually died.

The Dyers made their first appearance in court Monday since being charged with felony child abuse. Court documents allege the couple neglected the girl, telling investigators they stopped taking her to doctor visits after she turned 3-years-old because they didn't have a working car and didn't want to ask friends or family for help, reports the station.

Investigators found the girl last October at the age of 7, malnourished, wearing a diaper, unable to walk or talk and suffering from a seizure. Since then, doctors determined her condition was the result of serious neglect and not a pre-existing medical problem, according to the station.

Police arrested the couple last week.

Documents reportedly show Douglas Dyer told police he ignored his daughter's seizures because he believed they were "spells" and said he tried to have their home blessed to get rid of spirits.

Police on Monday said the girl is currently living with a foster family and is regaining her health. Her mother, Leah Dyer, is due back in court Thursday. Douglas Dyer is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 4.