Targeted For Demolition

In just a few weeks, a Pearl home at the center of a child abuse and animal cruelty case will be demolished.  Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers says it would cost more to repair the house than to tear it down.

“Pearl will get the money back when the property is sold,“ he said. 

Rogers tells us two companies will handle the demolition: Faircloth Demolition and Trauma Clean.  The city will pay $14,635 to have the house torn down; $8,135 will be spent on removing biohazards.
   

64-year-old Bennie Keyes and 56-year-old Paula Keyes lived at the home and face more than 100 charges.  Their trial date is set for September 24th.  Both remain behind bars on animal cruelty and child neglect charges.
 

D.H.S. took custody of Keyes’  3-year-old son, who was found living in the deplorable conditions.

Yellow police tape still surrounds the house on Upper Drive.  Animal cages sit in the windows.  Neighbors says it’s about time for the house to come down.

“I don’t believe anyone would buy the house in this condition as it is now,“ said Matt Canfield, who lives several houses down from the Keyes’ home.  “It’s best for the area and the neighborhood that they tear down the house.“

Canfield says once the animals were taken from this home, the strong, foul-smelling stench finally went away.

“The stench was horrible, especially on a hot summer day,“ he said.  “It was like the smell of dirty cat litter.“

Bennie and Paula Keyes pleaded not guilty at their initial court appearance.  A friend of the couple tells News Channel 12 the charges are blown out of proportion. 

But the city of Pearl doesn’t think so and neither does Matt Canfield.