The shocking criminal case from what many have dubbed Ohio’s “House of Horrors” continues to grow more complex, as defendant Gary Siders Sr. is now seeking both a competency evaluation and a possible insanity defense. The filing comes as investigators continue to uncover new details about the alleged abuse of 16 children found living in deplorable conditions inside a Vinton County rental home on June 30.

It was previously believed that the search of the home stemmed from a warrant related to Gary Siders Jr.’s public indecency case. However, investigators have declined to confirm that, and defense attorneys for the Siders family say they do not believe that was the reason authorities searched the property.

Among the 16 children, court records show there are three sets of twins, who are 4, 2 and 1 years old. The 18-year-old ‘child’ was described as non-verbal and unable to write their name.

Separately, Elizabeth Siders’ attorney, Tommy Stolly, has used a series of media interviews to push back against what he describes as the “sensationalized” narrative surrounding his client.

In an interview with WBNS 10TV, Stolly said he disagrees with investigators’ characterization of the conditions inside the home as “pure evil.” After meeting with Elizabeth on Thursday, he said she told him that she and Gary Siders Jr. “always wanted a big family” and that all 16 of their children were born in hospitals. Stolly also disputed claims that the children were confined to a single 12-by-12-foot room, saying he has seen no evidence to support that allegation. According to Stolly, Elizabeth also said the older children had cell phones, used social media, and shared “inside jokes,” suggesting they were not completely isolated from the outside world. Stolly also appeared on NewsNation’s Cuomo as his first national news appearance, echoing the same sentiments. He does not believe his client is “evil,” and stated this was a case of “poverty.”

Additionally, unconfirmed rumors have also circulated online that Elizabeth Siders may be pregnant again after a Facebook post surfaced in recent days. However, neither prosecutors nor court filings have confirmed those claims.

Stolly also filed a motion requesting a lower bond for his client.

Credit: SOUTHEASTERN OHIO REGIONAL JAIL

Regarding Gary Siders Sr., days after his attorneys argued he may not be mentally fit to stand trial, a Vinton County judge signed an order directing the Forensic Diagnostic Center of District Nine to evaluate whether Siders is competent to stand trial and whether he was legally insane at the time of the alleged offenses. The order also pauses the speedy trial clock while the evaluations are completed.

Credit: Common Pleas Court, Vinton County, Ohio

This follows a defense motion claiming Siders Sr. struggled to understand basic court proceedings during his initial appearance. According to his attorneys, Siders allegedly could not understand the legal process, identify the roles of people in the courtroom (including his own lawyers) or answer basic questions about himself while maintaining a coherent train of thought.

The defense further argues Siders may suffer from “significant mental health issues” that impair his ability to assist in his own defense. Attorneys also claim those alleged issues may have prevented him from understanding the wrongfulness of his actions or conduct at the time the crimes occurred. This sparked the request for a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) evaluation.

As previously reported by Los Angeles, Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer also disclosed new information about why Siders Sr. is no longer in jail.

According to Archer, Siders suffered a fall while being transported to court Tuesday and experienced a medical emergency. Doctors allegedly determined he suffers from a serious medical condition requiring treatment unavailable locally. Archer said keeping Siders in custody could have resulted in significant medical costs to Vinton County, prompting the court to grant him a recognizance bond.

If released from the hospital, Siders will be placed on GPS monitoring while the criminal case proceeds.

Despite the national media attention, Archer confirmed the prosecution will remain in Vinton County, and they have appointed special prosecutors amid the national attention, which will result in no additional cost to taxpayers.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is assisting local prosecutors, while Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins has been appointed as special prosecutor. Archer said Collins’ appointment comes at no additional cost to county taxpayers.

Archer also addressed several questions during a press conference earlier this week regarding birth certificates and DNA. He noted that investigators are in the process of recovering birth certificates for all 16 children, but emphasized that every child has now been removed from the home and is safe while receiving appropriate care, while DNA testing is in the works.

The case developments come as newly published photographs by the New York Post provide a closer look inside the Hamden home where the 16 children, ranging in age from 1 to 18, were living. The images show rooms filled with disgusting piles of garbage, discarded boxes, moldy clothing and debris covering much of the floor. One room showed a stained chest freezer and a framed tiger painting, while the basement is consumed by heaps of trash.

Photographs outside the property showed additional piles of trash surrounding the home, along with two vehicles reportedly filled with cigarette butts, wrappers and other garbage.

As Los Angeles Magazine previously reported, Elizabeth Siders previously gave birth to conjoined twins at approximately 24 weeks’ gestation. The infants were both born and died on November 20, 2022, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Records show that Elizabeth married Gary Siders when she was 15-years-old, and she has reportedly given birth at least 20 times. In a Facebook post, Elizabeth Siders’ brother alleged that she had been “indoctrinated.” However, that claim has not been substantiated by investigators or confirmed by her attorney.

Credit: Lorie Russell Facebook, SOUTHEASTERN OHIO REGIONAL JAIL

The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors have indicated additional evidence and charges are possible. All four defendants waived their right to a preliminary hearing, allowing the case to proceed to a grand jury.