6 Milwaukee Kids Found in Abandoned Unit, Parents Charged

Disturbing Discovery of Six Children in a Storage Unit

In a shocking incident that has left the community in disbelief, six children from Milwaukee were found living in a storage unit with no access to power or running water. Among them was a 2-month-old infant. The children were discovered in a locked storage unit on North 27th Street, where they had been left without proper care or supervision.

The situation came to light after a concerned individual contacted authorities about the welfare of a baby. On September 16, at around 1:33 a.m., Milwaukee police responded to the Storsafe storage unit. Upon arrival, officers heard a crying child and another child coughing from inside the locked facility. The Milwaukee Fire Department had to cut the padlock to gain entry, revealing the disturbing scene.

Inside the storage unit, which was in disarray, officers found six children ranging in age from 9 years old down to a 2-month-old. The unit lacked basic amenities, including electricity and running water. The only source of light was from a crack in the door. A bucket placed in the center of the unit served as a makeshift toilet for the children.

During the investigation, the five-year-old child reportedly told detectives, “We’re not supposed to be loud,” and later urinated in the bucket. The 9-year-old, who was awake during the incident, informed the officers that his parents were Azyia Zielinski and Charles Dupriest. He also mentioned that when his parents were not around, he was responsible for taking care of his five siblings.

Parents Arrested and Charged

Following the discovery, police located Dupriest and Zielinski sleeping in an SUV in the parking lot. Both allegedly admitted that they slept in the vehicle with their dog while their children remained inside the storage unit. Dupriest claimed that his family had recently been evicted from Joy House, a Milwaukee Rescue Mission shelter.

However, Patrick Vanderburg, President and CEO of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, provided a different account. He stated that the family had stayed at the shelter twice, most recently in June and July 2025, and that they had secured “permanent housing” before leaving. This contradicts Dupriest’s claim.

Forensic interviews with the children revealed the difficult conditions they endured. The 9-year-old described being subjected to physical punishment by his father, including an incident where he was struck in the mouth, causing him to bleed. He also alleged that his parents often drank alcohol, leaving him in charge of his siblings. Additionally, the child reported that his parents smoked marijuana in the car while the children were inside.

Legal Consequences

Charles Dupriest faces one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and six counts of child neglect. Azyia Zielinski was also charged with six counts of child neglect. The case has sparked outrage and calls for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the children's living conditions.

This incident highlights the urgent need for support systems for families in crisis and underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Authorities are now working to provide the necessary resources and care for the affected children while addressing the legal consequences for the parents involved.