West Virginia couple charged after kids found in alleged ‘house of horrors’
Authorities said the three children were removed from the home after investigators uncovered disturbing allegations of yearslong abuse and neglect.
A West Virginia couple is facing felony charges after authorities said three children endured years of alleged abuse and neglect inside what the local sheriff described as a real-life "house of horrors."
Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and her husband, Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, both of Evans, were charged following an "extensive investigation" by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, authorities announced Monday.
Erica and Clifford Sayre each face six felony charges, including three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. Erica Sayre also faces three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury, while Clifford Sayre faces three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury.
Authorities alleged the children were repeatedly struck and strangled, deprived of food and water and denied access to the bathroom.
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Investigators also alleged that soiled cat litter was dumped in their beds, dog feces was placed on their belongings and they were forced to run barefoot on a gravel driveway as punishment.
The children were also allegedly struck with household objects, forced to put a soiled sock in their mouths and subjected to having their hair forcibly cut.
"One child described being struck in the head with an electronic device, causing a bleeding injury for which she was denied medical treatment. One of the children was threatened to be killed if she contacted Child Protective Services," the sheriff's office alleged.
During interviews, one child became emotional and told investigators, "I can't go back to that home," the sheriff's department said. Another said she "just wants a normal life."
Investigators alleged Clifford Sayre witnessed repeated abuse but failed to intervene. One child claimed he restrained her hands while Erica Sayre cut her hair with a razor blade, causing an injury.
"Because mom hits us and Gale lets her," the children said during a forensic interview, according to the sheriff's department.
Authorities said investigators worked with Child Protective Services and a Child Advocacy Center and documented scars that were consistent with portions of the children's accounts.
Investigators said the children's statements also corroborated one another and other physical evidence collected during the investigation.
All of the children were removed from the home after the allegations were disclosed, according to authorities.
The investigation included multiple interviews, medical examinations and photographic evidence.
"The Jackson County Sheriff's Department emphasizes the seriousness of allegations involving child abuse and neglect of vulnerable children and remains committed to investigating such reports thoroughly and efficiently," Sheriff Ross Mellinger said in a statement.
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Mellinger added, "The outlined findings of the investigation are deeply troubling and underscore the importance of reporting suspected child abuse, as the children were all living in a real life ‘house of horrors’ with the adults in their lives that should have otherwise been protecting them from such occurrences and conditions, not creating them."
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department could not immediately be reached by Fox News Digital for comment.