BENTONVILLE — A Bentonville couple faces multiple felony charges after police discovered children living in a home contaminated with feces, urine and trash, described by animal services as one of the worst cases they’ve encountered.
Robyn Peterson, 18, and Nicholas Snyder, 22, were arrested March 6 and booked into the Benton County Jail. Each faces two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree and eight counts of cruelty to animals.
According to court documents and affidavits cited in reports from 5NEWS and 40/29 News, officers responding to the home found conditions where “there was nowhere in this residence that they could have occupied without being within reach of urine or feces.” Children were reportedly living barefoot among the waste, with trash, animal feces and human excrement throughout the property.
The investigation also revealed severe neglect of multiple animals in the home, contributing to the animal cruelty charges. Benton County Animal Services officials called the case the “second worst” they’ve ever seen.
The children have been removed from the home and placed in protective custody, though specific details on their number, ages or current status were not released publicly. No injuries were mentioned in initial reports.
Both suspects remain in custody with bonds set at $50,000 each, according to social media discussions of the case. No arraignment or trial dates have been announced.
The case is being handled by Benton County authorities, with no reported ties to Independence County or Batesville. Residents with concerns about child welfare are encouraged to contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services hotline.
