{"id":71803,"date":"2026-11-05T08:18:26","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T14:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/?p=71803"},"modified":"2026-11-05T08:18:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T14:18:26","slug":"grand-forks-pair-charged-after-shocking-home-discovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/grand-forks-pair-charged-after-shocking-home-discovery\/","title":{"rendered":"Grand Forks Pair Charged After Shocking Home Discovery"},"content":{"rendered":"

GRAND FORKS, ND<\/strong> (trfnews.i234.me<\/a>) \u2013 Two Grand Forks residents face felony child neglect charges after police discovered disturbing conditions inside a home.<\/p>\n

Officers reported finding garbage, animal waste, dirty surfaces, and what appeared to be feces near a child’s sleeping area.<\/p>\n

The investigation began November 2, 2026, after an emergency call disconnected while dispatchers heard yelling in the background.<\/p>\n

Gail Storm Waltman, 27, and Elijah James Belgarde, 23, were charged following the investigation.<\/p>\n

911 Hang-Up Leads Police to Grand Forks Home<\/h2>\n

According to court documents, officers responded to a home around 11:30 p.m. following a 911 hang-up call.<\/p>\n

Dispatchers reported hearing yelling and linked the telephone number to Waltman.<\/p>\n

Investigators also discovered an active domestic violence protection order involving Waltman and Belgarde.<\/p>\n

Waltman was listed as the person who requested the protection order.<\/p>\n

When officers arrived, they reportedly heard a woman screaming inside the residence.<\/p>\n

Police then heard a back door slam and encountered Belgarde near a vehicle behind the home.<\/p>\n

Belgarde allegedly claimed Waltman had already left the area.<\/p>\n

Officers initially searched the home with permission but could not locate her.<\/p>\n

\"Elijah<\/a>
Elijah James Belgarde<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Woman Found Hiding in Basement<\/h2>\n

Police returned around midnight after a neighbor reported hearing another woman yelling.<\/p>\n

The homeowner allowed officers inside to investigate.<\/p>\n

Belgarde allegedly continued denying Waltman was inside the residence.<\/p>\n

However, officers discovered Waltman hiding in the basement, according to court documents.<\/p>\n

Waltman told investigators she was homeless and had nowhere else to stay.<\/p>\n

Police arrested Belgarde for allegedly violating the protection order.<\/p>\n

Investigators also accused both individuals of providing false information during the investigation.<\/p>\n

Officers Describe Disturbing Living Conditions<\/h2>\n

Court documents describe extremely unsanitary conditions throughout the residence.<\/p>\n

Investigators reported garbage covering floors, animal urine and feces, dirty dishes, and strong odors.<\/p>\n

One room reportedly contained so much garbage that officers could not walk across the floor.<\/p>\n

Inside the child’s sleeping area, officers reported stains, scattered clothing, and what appeared to be dried feces.<\/p>\n

Investigators also described a bathroom and kitchen in poor condition.<\/p>\n

A child was present during the police response.<\/p>\n

Court documents indicate authorities planned to place the child with Child Protective Services.<\/p>\n

Felony Charges Filed Against Both Residents<\/h2>\n

Waltman faces the following charges:<\/p>\n