A West Virginia couple faces six felony counts each after authorities say their three children endured years of abuse and neglect in a “house of horrors.”
Charges and Arrests
Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, of Evans were charged on Monday following an extensive investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
Both defendants each face six felony counts; Erica Sayre is accused of three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury, while Clifford Sayre faces three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury.
Abuse Allegations
Authorities allege the children were repeatedly struck, strangled, deprived of food and water, and denied bathroom access for years.
Investigators said the youngsters were forced to sleep on soiled cat litter, have dog feces placed on their belongings, and run barefoot on a gravel driveway as punishment.
Additional claims include being hit with household objects, having a soiled sock forced into their mouths, and having their hair cut with a razor blade.
Children’s Testimony
One child told investigators, “I can’t go back to that home,” while another said she “just wants a normal life.”
The sheriff’s office reported a child described being struck in the head with an electronic device that caused a bleeding injury and was denied medical treatment; the child was also threatened with death if she contacted Child Protective Services.
Investigation and Response
Investigators worked with Child Protective Services and a Child Advocacy Center, documenting scars that matched the children’s accounts and collecting multiple interviews, medical examinations, and photographic evidence.
All three children were removed from the home after the allegations surfaced, according to authorities.
Sheriff Ross Mellinger said the department remains committed to thoroughly and efficiently investigating child abuse reports, calling the findings “deeply troubling” and stressing the importance of reporting suspected abuse.
Fox News Digital writer Sophia Compton, a former business reporter and TV news producer, authored the story; tips can be sent to sophia.compton@fox.com.
