Nosy Neighbor Leads Police to Children Isolated for Years by COVID-Paranoid Parents

Oviedo, Spain police recently rescued three young children who had been isolated in a house for over three years by their parents, who were paranoid about protecting them from the coronavirus. A woman named Silvia alerted the authorities after observing suspicious behavior from her neighbors, the Steffen family. The family, originally from Germany, moved to Oviedo in 2021 during the pandemic and lived a reclusive life in their villa. Silvia noticed concerning patterns, such as only the father leaving the house for groceries and the children being kept indoors with closed blinds and wearing diapers despite being older.

Upon investigation, police discovered a disturbing scene in the Steffen household, with the children confined indoors, wearing diapers, and suffering from severe constipation due to bathroom restrictions. The parents believed their children had health issues and isolated them to prevent COVID-19 infection, making them wear multiple face masks and restricting their movements. The family excessively used air purifiers and water, likely due to their fear of pathogens.

The Steffen family’s unusual behavior extended to their children’s education, as they tried to homeschool them in Germany but faced rejection from the school system. This led them to relocate to Spain to avoid social services’ involvement. Police found homeschooling materials and disturbing drawings in the house, indicating the children’s isolation and trauma. The children are currently undergoing medical and psychological evaluations after being rescued from their confinement.

The Steffen parents now face legal consequences for their actions, thanks to Silvia’s intervention. They could be sentenced to five to seven years in prison, with the possibility of additional charges being pressed against them.