ONEONTA, Ala. — A four-year-old boy from Oneonta shot himself in the arm and leg on April 4, leading to a shocking discovery by Blount County deputies. When investigators searched the family’s Sugarland Lake area home, they found about 30 snakes—some alive, some dead and covered in maggots—kept in open plastic containers on shelves. Several boxes of mice were also present in the same room, and a crocodile or caiman was housed in an aquarium that took up the entire bathroom counter.
Authorities reported the reptiles were not properly contained, making them accessible to anyone in the home, including children. The house itself was in poor condition, lacking running water and functional bathroom facilities. Deputies also found unsecured firearms and suspected marijuana, adding to the list of hazards.
The boy’s parents, Cassandra Lynn Lutz and Alexander Andrew Corrie, were arrested and face multiple charges, including reckless assault, chemical endangerment of a child, animal cruelty, and failure to properly dispose of livestock. The child underwent surgery and is expected to recover, while he and his sibling have been placed in protective care.
Wildlife authorities are investigating the treatment of the animals, and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office has expressed concern about the conditions in which both the children and animals were living. The case has drawn attention to the importance of safe firearm storage and proper animal care in Alabama homes.