CARROLLTON, Ga. — A family of five in Carroll County is being charged in connection to a child abuse investigation involving a foster child.

According to arrest reports, the investigation began in June after the young girl was reported as a runaway from the home.

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A Carroll County sheriff’s deputy was on his way to the home on Paynes Lake Road when Carrollton police officers reported being with the child, whose age has not been disclosed.

The couple living in the home, Edward and Elizabeth Holmes, reported that the girl had run away several times, but they typically found her in the area and did not report the incidents to law enforcement.

The deputy noted that before they reported the child missing, he saw the couple drive past his car. Edward Holmes stated he noticed the deputy, but did not stop for help.

The couple stated the foster child was being punished by being forced to stand in corner for hitting an animal when she ran away. They advised she had previously tried to kill a cat and feed live birds to a dog.

While at the home, Edward Holmes asked the deputy to come inside and confirm the house was in good living conditions. The deputy noticed the house was messy and had several animals inside.

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Edwards Holmes explained the lack the things in the child’s bedroom as her having recently been grounded and having belongings taken from her as punishment.

As the deputy left, he told Elizabeth Holmes that she should respond to the Carrollton Police Department.

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Both Edward, 43, and Elizabeth Holmes, 42, were arrested less than a week later. Arrested alongside them were Edward John Holmes, 24, Andrew Dale Holmes, 23, and Brianna Kala Holmes, 21. There charges include:

• Elizabeth Amelia Holmes - charged with five counts of cruelty to children, one count of false imprisonment and one count of tampering with evidence
• Edward Dale Holmes - charged with four counts of cruelty to children, one count of false imprisonment and one count of tampering with evidence
• Edward John Holmes - charged with three counts of cruelty to children, one count of false imprisonment and one count of tampering with evidence
• Andrew Dale Holmes - charged with three counts of cruelty to children, one count of false imprisonment and one count of tampering with evidence
• Brianna Kala Holmes - charged with three counts of cruelty to children, one count of false imprisonment and one count of tampering with evidence

The arrest report states most of the child’s injuries were superficial, but the sheriff’s office have not released details on how she received those injuries.

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