Court delayed for uncle of girl found locked in room

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A court system snafu delayed the arraignment of the uncle of an 8-year-old girl police found locked in a room last month, cleaning her own urine and weighing just 42 pounds.

Jeffrey Kraft couldn't be arraigned in Jackson County court on Monday because he hasn't yet been appointed counsel.

A member of the public defender's office said his office cannot represent both Kraft and his wife, Michele Kraft, because it would create a conflict of interest.

Michele already has an attorney, but Jeffrey is still waiting for one to be appointed for him. They have both pleaded not guilty to assault and endangering the welfare of a child in the case.

On July 5, a child abuse hotline tip led police to find the Krafts' 8-year-old niece, identified only as G.W., locked in ehr room in their home near Pacific and Troost.

G.W. lived there with her younger sister and the Krafts' infant daughter. The other two children were apparently well cared for.

Michele Kraft will appear in court Aug. 13. Jeffrey Kraft will appear in court Aug. 15.