A 26-year-old Wisconsin mother will avoid prison after she and her husband left their six children — including a newborn — locked inside a storage unit overnight with only a bucket for a toilet.
A Milwaukee County judge on Thursday stayed a prison sentence for Azyia C. Zielinski after she pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of child neglect. Her husband, Charles Dupriest, was convicted of child neglect in January.
Prosecutors recommended an 18-month prison sentence, stayed in favor of three years of probation, along with conditions including substance abuse assessment, parenting classes, mental health treatment, and sobriety.
They described the case as “tremendously sad” for the six child victims and argued that probation focused on rehabilitation was appropriate, noting Zielinski was “significantly less culpable” than her husband.
“She was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship and that context is critical to understanding her conduct,” the prosecutor said. “This was not an equal partnership. It was a one-directional, controlling relationship.”
Prosecutors also noted that Zielinski testified truthfully against her husband during his trial.
Her defense attorney requested 18 months of probation, arguing that a longer term was unnecessary and emphasizing that Zielinski was “incredibly remorseful.”
The judge ultimately ordered an 18-month prison sentence but stayed it in favor of 18 months of probation.
Police responded around 1:33 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2025, after a report of a crying child inside a locked storage unit at a facility on North 27th Street in Milwaukee.
When officers arrived, they heard a child crying inside the unit, which was secured with a padlock. Firefighters cut the lock to gain entry.
Inside, officers found six children — ages 2 months to 9 years — in a dark, cluttered space. A bucket filled with urine sat in the middle of the unit, which authorities said the children used as a toilet.
Officers described the smell as so strong they could not remain inside even after opening the door.
According to a criminal complaint, the children had no proper lighting, with only a small amount of light entering through the door. One child told investigators they were instructed to stay quiet, while another said they felt “sad” and “mad” when locked inside.
The oldest child, 9, told investigators he was responsible for caring for his younger siblings, including feeding the infant, and said he had no way to contact anyone in an emergency. He also reported being hungry.
Authorities later found Zielinski and Dupriest sleeping in a vehicle in the same lot, along with their dog. Police noted the vehicle had empty seats while the children were left inside the storage unit.
The parents told officers they were homeless but acknowledged the children could have stayed with relatives.
Child protective services became involved, and the children were removed from the situation.
Dupriest is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9.
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