Police: Bloodied 6-year-old boy found wandering alone in Kennesaw, father dies after arrest

Written by: A. Smith

Published September 19, 2025 @ 11:14 AM ET

COBB COUNTY, Ga. – A Kennesaw mother is behind bars after her 6-year-old nonverbal son was found wandering through a neighborhood injured and bloody, according to police.

Authorities said the child, who appeared malnourished and was living in unsafe conditions, had been roaming outside for more than 30 minutes before a neighbor discovered him.

“The juvenile had injuries to his arm and leg, and there was blood coming from his arm,” said Kennesaw Public Information Officer David Buchanan. “We’re not sure if that occurred when he was outside or if it occurred at home, but it definitely was a cause for alarm and for us to find the parents and figure out what was going on.”

Officers said the boy’s mother, Brittany Anderson, was asleep when they arrived and did not realize her son was missing. She was arrested and charged with reckless conduct and cruelty to children.

“They were both heavily intoxicated from alcohol,” Buchanan said. “The father said the mother was supposed to be watching the son, and she was asleep. His grandmother came and has him, and he is safe now.”

Police said the child’s father was also arrested, but shortly after being booked into jail, he suffered a medical emergency. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

The sheriff’s office said the father had liver disease. The medical examiner is working to determine the exact cause of death.