TX Foster Mother Arrested After Mentally Disabled Woman Found Locked in Backyard Dog Kennel [WATCH]

A Texas foster mother was arrested after a 22-year-old mentally disabled woman was discovered locked inside a dog kennel in the backyard of a home in Anson, Texas.

Police say the incident occurred on Nov. 22 and came to light after a neighbor reported hearing cries for help, as reported by the New York Post.

Kandice “Candy” Thompson, 60, was charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated kidnapping, assault, and crimes involving the abuse of a disabled person, according to News 4 San Antonio.

Neighbor Justin Anderson told the Daily Mail he heard a woman shouting for help from the direction of Thompson’s property.

“Just screaming, ‘I have to pee, I’m scared,’ and then you hear banging, like a chain link fence,” Anderson said. He then used his phone to record video of the woman, who appeared to be inside a kennel partially wrapped in tarps.

Anson Police Chief Daniel Graziose confirmed the discovery. “Officers responded, and they located a 22-year-old female locked in the backyard of the residence,” he told News 4 San Antonio.

Graziose added that two adult foster children were inside the home at the time police arrived. Authorities took Thompson into custody that same day.

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Thompson, who is known in the community for having adopted more than 50 foster children over the years with her late husband — a former Anson police chief — allegedly attempted to defend her actions.

According to a neighbor who spoke with her, Thompson claimed the young woman was “urinating everywhere and tearing her house up,” which she said led her to place the victim outside.

⚠️ WARNING: This post describes severe abuse & kidnapping of a disabled adult

Kandice ‘Candy’ Thompson, 60, a longtime foster caregiver in Anson, Texas, has been arrested & charged with aggravated kidnapping, injury to a disabled individual, unlawful restraint, endangerment, &… pic.twitter.com/U53LiR2AxN

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) December 8, 2025

Neighbors expressed shock over the case. “It’s just amazing what somebody who’s in charge of disabled, mentally challenged girls will do to them, I don’t understand,” neighbor Marcia Bailey told News 4 San Antonio.

“I just felt sorry for the girls. I’m so glad Justin stepped up to the plate.”

Police reported that the victim is now safe. Graziose emphasized that the department is treating the case with urgency.

“For the city of Anson, we take it very serious, and we’re serious about protecting, especially our most vulnerable citizens,” he said.

“YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOUR NEIGHBOR IS.” Wise words from 24-year-old Justin Anderson of Anson, Texas. When he came home the Saturday night before Thanksgiving, he heard screaming and banging from his neighbor’s yard. When he went to investigate, he could not believe what he… pic.twitter.com/KaClOmHLmV

— Criminally Obsessed (@CRMNLLYObsessed) December 5, 2025

The investigation remains ongoing.

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