Trial for Shawn and Joanna Blackston locking girl in basement - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Trial begins for parents accused of locking girl in basement

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Joanna and Shawn Blackston Joanna and Shawn Blackston
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HAMILTON, OH (FOX19) -

Trial began Tuesday for a Middletown couple who is accused of locking their 12-year-old daughter in their basement for nearly one month.

Shawn and Joanna Blackston are each charged with kidnapping, unlawful restraint and child endangering. Police say they found the girl pale, dirty and malnourished after an anonymous tip brought investigators to the Blackston home in July.

Conditions were so bad at the home in the 1600 block of Philadelphia, police say the girl had not been able to brush her teeth in several months, and had limited access to a restroom.

The Blackston's six children were placed in foster care following their arrests.

The trial is expected to last up to three days.

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