A West Virginia couple is facing felony charges after authorities alleged that three children suffered years of abuse and neglect in a home the local sheriff called a real-life “house of horrors.”
Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and her husband, Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, both of Evans, were charged after what the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department described as an “extensive investigation.” Authorities announced the charges Monday.
Each Sayre faces six felony counts, including three counts of child neglect creating a 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.
According to authorities, the children were repeatedly struck and strangled, denied food and water, and prevented from using the bathroom.
Erica Sayre faces three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. (Jackson County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators further alleged that soiled cat litter was dumped onto the children’s beds, dog feces was placed on their belongings and they were made to run barefoot across a gravel driveway as punishment.
The children were allegedly hit with household objects, forced to put a soiled sock in their mouths and subjected to having their hair cut against their will.
“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 upset and told investigators, “I can’t go back to that home,” according to the sheriff’s department. Another child said she “just wants a normal life.”
Clifford Sayre faces three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. (Jackson County Sheriff’s Office)
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Investigators alleged that Clifford Sayre witnessed repeated abuse but did not intervene. One child said 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 alongside Child Protective Services and a Child Advocacy Center, documenting scars that were consistent with parts of the children’s accounts.
Investigators said the children’s statements supported one another and matched other physical evidence gathered during the inquiry.
Authorities said all of the children were removed from the home after the allegations came to light.
The investigation involved 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.
The investigation involved multiple interviews, medical examinations and the collection of photographic evidence. (Google Maps)
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 who should have been protecting them from such circumstances, not creating them.”
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department could not immediately be reached by News Media for comment.