The Macabre History of the Follings — They Adopted 12 Kids, None With Birth Certificates

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In the quaint town of Milbrook, Pennsylvania, a seemingly perfect couple, Howard and Margaret Foing, captured the hearts of the community. They were known for their generosity and charm, having adopted 12 children over 15 years, all of whom lacked birth certificates. What began as a heartwarming story soon spiraled into a chilling nightmare that would forever alter the lives of many.

The Perfect Facade

The Foings lived in a sprawling Victorian mansion, once dubbed the “haunted house on the hill.” Howard, a successful investment banker, and Margaret, a former pediatric nurse, appeared to be the ideal family. They hosted community events, participated in church activities, and were often seen as saviors for adopting children from troubled backgrounds. Neighbors like Elaine Winters admired Margaret’s elegance and Howard’s impeccable style. But beneath this polished exterior lay dark secrets that would shock Milbrook.

Margaret had always dreamed of a large family, a dream stifled by her inability to have biological children. In 1980, the couple adopted their first child, James, and the community rejoiced. However, Margaret’s possessiveness over James was alarming; she wouldn’t even let the pastor hold him during a blessing ceremony. This behavior, though dismissed at the time as maternal protectiveness, was the first sign of something amiss.

A Rapid Expansion

In the years that followed, the Foings adopted more children—Elizabeth, Thomas, Catherine, and William—by 1985, they had five children under six. The speed of these adoptions raised eyebrows, particularly since the process typically took much longer. Yet, Howard’s wealth and connections allowed them to bypass many regulations. Detective Richard Cooper later remarked that the community was too enamored with the couple’s image to question their methods.

The children were homeschooled and rarely seen outside the house. Neighbors noticed their isolation but were hesitant to intervene. Patricia Hayes attempted to arrange playdates for James, only to be met with excuses from Margaret. The Foings maintained a tight grip on their children’s lives, further isolating them from the outside world.

A Turning Point

The facade began to crack in the summer of 1987 when nine-year-old Thomas fell from a tree and broke his arm. Instead of seeking medical help, Margaret tried to set the bone herself, leading to severe complications. It was only after Thomas developed a high fever that Howard finally took him to the hospital. Dr. Sarah Chen, who treated Thomas, was alarmed by the boy’s emotional detachment and the absence of medical records. Though she filed a report with child protective services, the case was closed without further investigation.

The Foings continued to adopt more children, bringing their total to eight by the early 1990s. Meanwhile, whispers of concern began to circulate among the townsfolk. Why were the children so rarely seen? Why did they all seem to share a vacant expression?

New Neighbors, New Concerns

In 1992, the Fletcher family moved to Milbrook. Susan Fletcher, a social worker, quickly noticed something was off about the Foing children. Her observations led her to document their behaviors, which suggested deep psychological trauma. During visits to the Foing home, Susan discovered a locked room on the third floor, where she could hear sounds of movement and occasional crying. When she inquired about it, Margaret dismissed her concerns, claiming it was just storage.

As Susan continued her investigation, her husband Michael, a journalist, uncovered troubling information about adoption fraud in Pennsylvania. The timeline of the Foings’ adoptions raised red flags, especially after they announced the adoption of twins and another girl in quick succession.

The Investigation Begins

In 1995, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to share her suspicions with Detective Richard Cooper. She presented him with a file filled with notes, photographs, and observations about the Foing family. Tragically, Susan passed away shortly after, but Cooper promised to look into the matter.

Cooper began his investigation cautiously, aware of the Foings’ powerful connections in Milbrook. He discovered that the couple had worked with multiple adoption agencies and had made substantial donations to these organizations. Alarmingly, he found that Howard had set up trust funds for each child, but the terms were bizarre, requiring the children to maintain contact with their adoptive parents and not seek information about their biological origins.

The Breakthrough

Cooper’s investigation took a significant turn when he interviewed former employees of the Foing household. Maria Vasquez, a housekeeper who had quit after witnessing Margaret’s abusive behavior, revealed the strict regimen imposed on the children. They were isolated, forced to follow ever-changing rules, and addressed Howard and Margaret as “sir” and “madam.” The most chilling detail was about the locked rooms on the third floor, where Maria was instructed to leave food but was never allowed to see the occupants.

With Maria’s testimony and Susan’s notes, Cooper felt he had enough evidence to warrant a formal investigation. However, his superiors dismissed his concerns, citing the Foings’ respected status in the community. Undeterred, Cooper continued his investigation unofficially.

The Shocking Discovery

In October 1995, Cooper’s persistence paid off when he obtained a warrant to search the Foing residence. As law enforcement arrived, Howard appeared eerily calm, while Margaret became hysterical. The officers found the 11 adopted children sitting silently in their rooms, devoid of emotion. The true horror was revealed when they broke down the doors to the locked rooms on the third floor.

Inside, they discovered three severely malnourished children—one girl and two boys—who reacted with terror at the sight of strangers. The conditions were appalling; the rooms were bare, with only mattresses on the floor and no toys or books. These children had been erased from existence, with no birth certificates or adoption papers.

The Aftermath

The discovery of these hidden children transformed the investigation into a case of kidnapping and human trafficking. Howard and Margaret were arrested, but the investigation revealed even darker truths. Margaret’s journal detailed her twisted belief system, which involved a ritualistic process of “purifying” children by transferring their sins to others, whom she referred to as “vessels.”

As the investigation continued, the remains of five children were discovered buried on the Foing property, all victims of neglect and abuse. The shocking revelations prompted widespread outrage and led to changes in adoption laws to prevent similar tragedies.

A Community in Mourning

The fallout from the Foing case left the Milbrook community reeling. The once-respected couple had perpetrated unimaginable horrors behind closed doors. The surviving children faced a long and arduous journey of healing, grappling with the trauma inflicted upon them.

In the years that followed, memorials were established to honor the lost children, and the Foing house was demolished, replaced by a community garden dedicated to their memory. Detective Cooper, who had fought tirelessly for justice, continued to advocate for vulnerable children, determined to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

Conclusion

The story of Howard and Margaret Foing serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath a facade of respectability. It underscores the need for vigilance and compassion in protecting the most vulnerable among us. As the community of Milbrook continues to heal, it honors the memory of those who suffered and strives to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.