Couple Faces Trial for Allegedly Locking Teen in Bathroom

A serious and upsetting case is heading to court in Baxter County. Two local adults, Daniel Wright, 41, and Jaclyn Barnett, 42, are accused of holding a teenage boy captive. They are alleged to have locked the then 15-year-old in a bathroom, naked and without food, for several days. Their trial is set to begin on May 18th.

The couple recently appeared in court, facing many charges, including kidnapping. Prosecutors claim Wright and Barnett held the boy, who is now 16, against his will with intentions to harm him. This first trial will focus on accusations from 2024, though over 250 charges have been filed against them for incidents in both 2024 and 2025.

During the court session, discussions were held about how the victim would share his story. Because the teen is reportedly "terrified" of Wright and Barnett, the state asked for him to testify without seeing them directly. The defense initially disagreed but later accepted, allowing the court to arrange for the teen to speak without facing his alleged captors.

This troubling situation has also brought attention to past warnings. Since 2013, there were 29 reports made to the Child Abuse Hotline about the boy, mentioning neglect and mistreatment. However, all these cases were closed without any action. This has raised serious questions about why help didn't arrive sooner.

The alleged abuse was discovered in October when neighbors heard cries for help from the couple's apartment. Police found the teen locked in a bathroom, with a strap holding the door shut. He was naked and told officers he had been trapped for a day. It was later revealed that Barnett is the boy's aunt and legal guardian.

Wright and Barnett told investigators they didn't know the teen was locked in the bathroom, suggesting "the kids were playing" or that the strap was used to keep children out due to a leaky faucet. However, other children couldn't show how to use the strap, and apartment managers denied reports of a leaky faucet.

The victim was reportedly only let out for school, which was also when he could eat. School records show he attended only 112 days last year. The teen has since been removed by child services and is reportedly doing well in a new home. Wright and Barnett are currently in the Baxter County Detention Center, held on a $1 million bond each.