Disabled woman held captive for 5 years, given just '1 egg' daily by husband

A 46-year-old resident of Texas is facing allegations of keeping his disabled wife locked in a room within their million-dollar home, where they resided with their children, denying her freedom for several years. 

Court records indicate that James Earl Johnson was arrested last week, charged with one count of causing injury to a disabled individual and another of abandoning or endangering a disabled person.

Prosecutors claim Johnson kept his 46-year-old wife "confined inside a bedroom" in their southeast Houston residence, "with no means of phone communication" for five years until she managed to call for assistance, as documented in court records.

The victim reportedly informed authorities that she had minimal to no interaction with the outside world until she successfully made a brief call to 911 on Friday (March 6).

According to authorities, the alleged confinement came to light when Johnson mistakenly left his phone in the room while leaving the home. 

The woman used the device to contact 911, but investigators report that Johnson returned during her call, assaulted her, and took her back to the bed before ending the conversation with the dispatcher, as stated in court documents.

Court records further allege that Johnson deprived the woman of adequate food, resulting in starvation. Investigators claimed Johnson "would leave a single egg" for his wife and "give her some dinner."

Police also reported that Johnson neglected to provide regular medical attention for his wife during the five-year period of confinement.

After the 911 call attempt, police arrived at the home and conducted an investigation, resulting in Johnson's arrest.

The victim was transported to a local hospital by medics, and days later, her adult son told Houston ABC affiliate KTRK. 

The son opted not to discuss his mother's condition or the specifics of her disability.