Delaware couple accused of locking 12-year-old boy in his room for 3 months

NEWARK, Del. – A Delaware couple has been indicted for allegedly locking their 12-year-old son in his room for three months.

Police in New Castle County arrested 41-year-old Robert Hohn III and 39-year-old Shannon Watterson in late November after the malnourished and barefoot boy escaped to a neighbor's home. A New Castle County grand jury indicted the couple Monday.

Hohn, the boy's father, and Watterson, his stepmother, are facing one count each of felony first-degree child abuse, endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy as well as unlawful imprisonment and eight counts of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.

Police say the boy had been locked in his room from September to late November and allowed to leave only when he had to use the bathroom.