Abused, malnourished teen found hiding in woods in Dundee

DUNDEE (FOX 13) - A teen was found hiding in the woods - malnourished, underweight and suffering multiple wounds - and two adults have been charged as her abusers by Polk County sheriff's deputies.

The 17-year-old was found Wednesday and taken for medical care. An exam revealed a stab wound, broken shoulder, infected sores, bruises and malnutrition resulting in hair loss and lower than normal weight.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office says the girl gave accounts of being beaten for several months with a metal pipe. She also said she was stabbed with a pocketknife, kicked with metal-studded boots and hit with a TV cable.

She also reported having to steal food while her abusers were not looking and not being allowed to use a restroom. She apparently had to soil herself, and had not bathed since March.

Two adults are charged in relation to the abuse: 33-year-old Melissa Peters and 45-year-old Kris Peters. Their relationship to the victim was not provided by investigators.

Peters faces eight counts of aggravated child abuse. Peters faces two counts of aggravated child abuse. Both also face charges of negligent child abuse with great bodily harm and failure to report child abuse and neglect.

They apparently gave similar accounts of how the girl received her injuries, according to investigators. Neither reported trying to get medical or mental health treatment for her.

They were taken to the Polk County Jail and held without bond.