Trial begins for parents accused of locking girl in basement

Posted: Updated:

Posted by Michel Mason - email

Joanna and Shawn Blackston

Surfing the WebMore>>
Children's Services gets new director after basement case
Children's Services gets new director after basement case
Updated: Thursday, September 20 2012 1:28 PM EDT2012-09-20 17:28:05 GMT
The Butler County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to appoint a new director of Butler County Children's Services. The former director, Jeff Centers, is currently on paid administrative leave afterMore >>
The Butler County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to appoint a new director of Butler County Children's Services.More >>
Couple accused of locking child in basement pleads not guilty
Couple accused of locking child in basement pleads not guilty
Updated: Tuesday, September 18 2012 6:26 PM EDT2012-09-18 22:26:48 GMT
The Middletown couple charged with child endangering after allegedly locking their daughter in a basement was in court on Tuesday. Joanna and Shawn Blackston both pleaded not guilty to charges of childMore >>
The Middletown couple charged with child endangering after allegedly locking their daughter in a basement was in court on Tuesday.More >>
Middletown couple in court after locking child in basement
Middletown couple in court after locking child in basement
Updated: Tuesday, July 17 2012 6:16 AM EDT2012-07-17 10:16:17 GMT
A Middletown couple is set to appear in court Monday afternoon for allegedly locking a child in an unfinished basement. Joanna and Shawn Blackstone will have their preliminary hearings at the MiddletownMore >>
A Middletown couple is set to appear in court Monday afternoon for allegedly locking a child in an unfinished basement.More >>
Police: Middletown couple kept child locked in basement
Police: Middletown couple kept child locked in basement
Updated: Thursday, July 12 2012 8:35 PM EDT2012-07-13 00:35:01 GMT
Source: Middletown Police
A Middletown couple is behind bars after authorities say a child had been regularly locked in their unfinished basement. Police were first called to 1606 Philadelphia Avenue on July 3rd, where a childMore >>
Police were first called to 1606 Philadelphia Avenue on July 3rd, where a child had been reportedly locked in an unfinished basement on numerous occasions.More >>

Local NewsLocal NewsMore>>
Brunswick: Bat tests positive for rabies
Brunswick: Bat tests positive for rabies
Updated: Saturday, May 18 2013 5:16 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:16:36 GMT
A bat from a home on Alda Parkway, in Brunswick, tested positive for rabies on Thursday, May 16, 2013.More >>
A bat from a home on Alda Parkway, in Brunswick, tested positive for rabies on Thursday, May 16, 2013.More >>
Are you beach body ready?
Are you beach body ready?
Updated: Friday, May 17 2013 10:31 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:31:53 GMT
We're all tired of the cold and more than ready for these climbing temperatures, but our bodies may not be ready.More >>
We're all tired of the cold and more than ready for these climbing temperatures, but our bodies may not be ready.More >>
Ariel Castro's naked truth in jail
Ariel Castro's naked truth in jail
Updated: Friday, May 17 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:17:39 GMT
Cuyahoga County has released more records of what jail guards are seeing as they watch Ariel Castro 24-7. They do not show some of the bizarre behavior noted in the first jail logs released.More >>
Cuyahoga County has released more records of what jail guards are seeing as they watch Ariel Castro 24-7. They do not show some of the bizarre behavior noted in the first jail logs released.More >>
8,000 Akron taxpayers victims of a cyber-attack
8,000 Akron taxpayers victims of a cyber-attack
Updated: Friday, May 17 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:52:23 GMT
Mayor Don Plusquellic now says the cyber attackers who hacked into the City of Akron's computer network Thursday, created a list of nearly 8,000 taxpayers' names.More >>
Mayor Don Plusquellic now says the cyber attackers who hacked into the City of Akron's computer network Thursday, created a list of nearly 8,000 taxpayers' names, addresses and social security numbers, and posted this information on the internet.More >>
Clevelanders directing Captain America
Clevelanders directing Captain America
Updated: Friday, May 17 2013 8:14 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:14:40 GMT
Captain America, the Winter Soldier will soon be in production in Cleveland, and directing the latest Marvel blockbuster will be Clevelanders Joe and Anthony Russo. The Russo brothers are Emmy AwardMore >>
Captain America, the Winter Soldier will soon be in production in Cleveland, and directing the latest Marvel blockbuster will be Clevelanders Joe and Anthony Russo. The Russo brothers are Emmy AwardMore >>

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.

Inside Action NewsMore>>
SLIDESHOW: Quidditch Midwest Regional Tournament
SLIDESHOW: Quidditch Midwest Regional Tournament
Twenty-five of the best teams in the International Quidditch Association's Midwest US region descended on Mason this weekend to compete in the first Midwest qualifying tournament, the IQA Midwest Regional Championship.More >>
Twenty-five of the best teams in the International Quidditch Association's Midwest US region descended on Mason this weekend to compete in the first Midwest qualifying tournament, the IQA Midwest Regional Championship.More >>

Seen on 19Seen on 19More>>
Brunswick: Bat tests positive for rabies
Brunswick: Bat tests positive for rabies
Updated: Saturday, May 18 2013 5:16 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:16:36 GMT
A bat from a home on Alda Parkway, in Brunswick, tested positive for rabies on Thursday, May 16, 2013.More >>
A bat from a home on Alda Parkway, in Brunswick, tested positive for rabies on Thursday, May 16, 2013.More >>
Cleveland Officers recount locating Amanda Berry, Georgina DeJesus and Michelle Knight
Cleveland Officers recount locating Amanda Berry, Georgina DeJesus and Michelle Knight
Interviews conducted May 11, 2013, by Detective Ciaccia, officers recount locating Amanda Berry, Georgina DeJesus and Michelle Knight.More >>
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Course Maps
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Course Maps
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Course MapsMore >>
Small SUV safety study
Small SUV safety study
A new crash test is exposing safety flaws in popular smaller SUVs.
An average car may be safer. Only 2 of the 13 SUVs performed well in these new tests.More >>
Tips for saving and making money from your credit cards
Tips for saving and making money from your credit cards
Updated: Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-05-15 21:20:55 GMT
Travel season is fast approaching and we're looking for the credit cards that won't just help you spend your money, but actually give you something back. The credit card offers never stop coming, however,More >>
Travel season is fast approaching and we're looking for the credit cards that won't just help you spend your money, but actually give you something back.More >>
Debate on mammograms
Debate on mammograms
Updated: Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:14 PM EDT2013-05-14 18:14:26 GMT
This week marks National Women's Health Week, a time when women are encouraged to get screened for many illnesses. Doctors say one of the most important tests for women is the mammogram. Over the pastMore >>
This week marks National Women's Health Week, a time when women are encouraged to get screened for many illnesses.More >>
Weekend in Ohio City
Weekend in Ohio City
Weekend in Ohio City is the annual showcase event for Cleveland's Artisan Neighborhood which occurs every year on the third weekend of May. More >>
Cleveland Asian Festival
Cleveland Asian Festival
The Cleveland Asian Festival will take place on May 18th & 19th, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Payne Ave. between E. 30th St & E. 27th St. FREE Admission, FREE Parking, No Pets.More >>
Contractor troubles
Contractor troubles
Updated: Friday, May 10 2013 10:30 PM EDT2013-05-11 02:30:09 GMT
19 Action News has covered many home contracting horror stories. However, Doris Nay of Sheffield Lake's home contracting nightmare is one that's near the top of the list.More >>
19 Action News has covered many home contracting horror stories. However, Doris Nay of Sheffield Lake's home contracting nightmare is one that's near the top of the list.More >>
Calling all Foodies! "Cream of the Crop" Job Fair
Calling all Foodies! "Cream of the Crop" Job Fair
Updated: Friday, May 10 2013 6:55 AM EDT2013-05-10 10:55:03 GMT
The Cream of the Crop career event seeks applicants to fill more than 450 positions at the company's new Solon Market District Store! Pharmacy Techs, Graphic Artists, Catering, Delivery Drivers, BeautyMore >>
The Cream of the Crop career event seeks applicants to fill more than 450 positions at the company's new Solon Market District Store! Pharmacy Techs, Graphic Artists, Catering, Delivery Drivers, BeautyMore >>

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

Surfing the WebMore>>

Local NewsLocal NewsMore>>

Inside Action NewsMore>>

Seen on 19Seen on 19More>>

News

Weather

Sports

Video

Connect