Girl, 8, Found In Cage As Family Go To Cinema

A couple have been arrested in New Mexico after an eight-year-old disabled girl was locked in a wooden cage while the rest of the family went to the cinema.

Police checking on the girl's welfare found her in a space the size of a cot, local newspaper the Las Cruces Sun-News reported.

Cindy Patriarchias, 33, and Edmond Gonzales, 37, remain in custody after being arrested at the weekend.

Patriarchias is charged with negligently causing child abuse, and Gonzales with negligently permitting child abuse.

They have appeared in court but have not yet entered pleas.

Police said Patriarchias has been trying to adopt the girl, who has developmental disabilities.