The standoff was set up three days ago when police lured the children's mother, JoAnn McGuckin, from the home with an offer of grocery money, and charged her with child neglect, police said. Police said the woman is mentally ill, and paranoid that people are out to get her. The children, ages 8 to 16, locked themselves inside when police returned later to arrange food and housing. The family had been living on soup made from lake water and lily pads since the father, Michael, died three weeks ago, police said. The children have refused to talk to negotiators from the Bonner County sheriff's department.
Authorities say they are going to be patient with the children.
They have virtually cared for themselves since their father died. The family has lived in complete seclusion and dire poverty for years, neighbors said. The house lacks running water and electricity. Prosecutors said JoAnn McGuckin used the family's meager resources on alcohol. She had left the property recently after an argument with her mother.