A man whose 16 grandchildren were found in extremely poor living conditions in southern Ohio has been ruled mentally unfit for trial. The decision was made after a court evaluation, with the Vinton County judge accepting the assessment concerning Gary Siders Sr.’s mental health.

Siders appeared in court in a wheelchair, with his attorney, Dorian Baum, explaining that Siders’ mental health has been declining over the years and recovery is unlikely. Baum expressed that Siders lacks understanding of the legal proceedings.

The findings weren’t contested by Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer.

Gary Siders Sr. faced 16 charges of child endangerment related to the children. These charges arose after the children were found on June 30 during a search related to a different investigation. The children were reportedly confined to a small room under poor conditions.

Siders’ relatives, including his wife, Cristina, his son, Gary Jr., and daughter-in-law Elizabeth, the children’s mother, have entered not guilty pleas.

The children, aged between 18 months and 18 years, were removed from the Hamden home, located some 80 miles south of Columbus. Authorities reported that some of the children displayed feral behavior, with medical conditions varying among them.

In a press statement, Vinton County Sheriff Ryan Cain described the scene, noting prominently unhygienic conditions. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson also remarked on the dire situation, emphasizing the necessity for safe and supportive placements for the children.

Following their removal, the Ohio officials highlighted the effort of the adults in the household to keep the children hidden from public view. The oldest child was born in 2008, shortly after Elizabeth married Gary Siders Jr. in West Virginia at age 15.