A West Virginia couple has been charged with multiple felonies after authorities alleged that three children suffered years of abuse and neglect in a home the local sheriff characterized as a real-life “house of horrors.”
Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and her husband, Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, both of Evans, were arrested following an “extensive investigation” by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, officials announced Monday.
Each suspect faces six felony counts, including three charges of child neglect creating a risk of injury. Erica Sayre also faces three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury, while Clifford Sayre was charged with three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury.
According to investigators, the children were repeatedly beaten 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)
Authorities further alleged that dirty cat litter was dumped onto the children’s beds, dog feces was put on their belongings and they were made to run barefoot across a gravel driveway as punishment.
The children were allegedly hit with household items, forced to place 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 said.
During interviews with investigators, one child became distressed and said, “I can’t go back to that home,” according to the department. Another child reportedly 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 the abuse but did not stop it. One child told authorities he held 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 in a forensic interview, according to the sheriff’s department.
Authorities said the investigation was conducted with Child Protective Services and a Child Advocacy Center. Investigators documented scars they said were consistent with parts of the children’s accounts.
The children’s statements also matched one another and were supported by other physical evidence gathered during the investigation, officials said.
All three children were removed from the home after the allegations came to light, authorities said.
The case involved several interviews, medical examinations and the documentation of injuries through photographs.
“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 included 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 that should have otherwise been protecting them from such occurrences and conditions, not creating them.”
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to News Outlet’s request for comment.
