What started as a weapons disturbance at a home on Fanwood Court in Palm Coast’s F Section quickly became a much more serious – and disturbing – situation for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Officer per their report on the matter. Three arrests stemmed from the debacle, two from the initial disturbance and one more after deputies saw what was described as ‘deplorable’ living conditions inside the home.
The incident started with a call to the FCSO on Saturday, December 7th. It was said to deputies that two suspects, one 16 years old and the other 19-year-old Donovan McKelvin, were in an argument with someone in a car that contained multiple people. The younger teenager was said to have pulled a gun on them, aiming it at their forehead. McKelvin, meanwhile, was said to have kicked the car hard enough to dent the driver door.
Two Arrested for the Weapons Disturbance
Deputies responded to the scene and interviewed several people present and involved, including the 16-year-old’s mother who was inside the house at the time. All accounts seemed to match, except for one detail: the gun that was allegedly pointed at the driver was said by the mother to be a BB gun, while all who were in the car said they could see no signs indicating that it was anything but a real firearm. The teen was ultimately arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Beyond that, McKelvin was also arrested for the damage he caused to the vehicle, being charged with criminal mischief at over $1,000. Both he and the other teen were processed at the county jail, and McKelvin bonded out after posting $2,500. The younger suspect was transferred to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
A Fateful Follow-up
Later on that Saturday, deputies obtained a search warrant to return to the Fanwood Court residence and procure the gun that was reportedly used in the altercation. They did find a gun – according to the FCSO’s report, they discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson firearm sitting on top of a stack of DVDs in the living room, where any of the four children who lived at the home could potentially reach it. That, however, would prove to be only the beginning of what deputies described seeing.
According to the report, deputies saw trash and old, spoiled food strewn all around the floor and furniture within the home. There was no running water to the home, the deputies said, and therefore the non-functional toilets were piled up with excrement and urine. There was also reportedly an infestation of fleas, cockroaches, and spiders. Beyond that, deputies reported finding bags in the garage and bedroom containing residue from cocaine and marijuana along with prescription drugs and paraphernalia scattered here and there.
Homeowner Arrested
The owner of the home is 37-year-old Amanda Gaisford. She was arrested for the state of the home, charged with four felony counts of child neglect without great bodily harm. Her bond was set at $10,000, and as of Friday afternoon she remains in custody at the county jail. The Florida Department of Children and Families took custody of the four kids and is in the process of arranging their care following the disturbing discovery. Palm Coast Animal Control took the three cats which also lived in the home.
“This house was in disgusting condition that nobody should be subjected to, especially children,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “I am happy that we were able to get these children out of this house before any of them seriously hurt or accidentally killed themselves by stumbling upon a loaded firearm in the living room or became seriously ill due to the deplorable living conditions and exposure to illegal narcotics.”
Without knowing more specifics of the woman’s financial state, it is hard to make comment. Why was water turned off? Maybe because she couldn’t pay the rediculous water bills. Does the city take in consideration what living condition would be for a mother and four children? Well what the sheriffs department found, condition of living is exactly how its affected. Now having a loaded firearm laying out with children around is a very bad issue. It is a shameful situation for the woman and her children. Not knowing the relationship of the other two males, its hard to make any further remarks. I pray for her and the kids.
Some people don’t deserve to have kids or should take care of kids. Especially when they are to stupid to know how. Hopefully these kids will be placed in a safer home and with better conditions.
As far as the three that were arrested. Glad that got what they deserve.