West Virginia couple charged over alleged abuse of three orphaned children

Right · 2Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and her husband Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, of Evans, West Virginia, have been charged after an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, which announced the charges on Monday 26 October. 1 2 Right · 2Erica Sayre is charged with three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury; Clifford Sayre faces three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. 2 1 Right · 2According to Sheriff Ross Mellinger, the three children, described by the New York Post as orphaned, told investigators that over several years they were repeatedly hit and strangled, deprived of food and water, and denied access to the bathroom. 2 1

Right · 1They also said soiled cat litter was dumped in their beds, dog feces was put on their belongings, and they were made to run barefoot on a gravel driveway as punishment. 1 Right · 1Fox News reports further allegations that the children were struck with household objects and forced to put a soiled sock in their mouths. One child was said to have been hit in the head with an electronic device, causing a bleeding injury for which she was denied medical treatment, and another was threatened with death if she contacted Child Protective Services. 1 Right · 2Investigators said Erica Sayre was behind most of the physical abuse while Clifford Sayre witnessed it without intervening. One child said he restrained her hands while Erica Sayre cut her hair with a razor blade, causing an injury, and the children said, "mom hits us and Gale lets her." 2 1

Right · 1The sheriff's office said it worked with Child Protective Services and a Child Advocacy Center, documented scars consistent with portions of the children's accounts, and found that their statements corroborated one another and other physical evidence. The investigation included interviews, medical examinations and photographs. 1 Right · 2The children have been removed from the home. One told investigators, "I can't go back to that home," and another said she "just wants a normal life." 2 1 Right · 2Mellinger called the case a "real-life 'House of Horrors'" and said the findings underscore the importance of reporting suspected child abuse. The charges are allegations, and the coverage does not report any plea or court date. The New York Post noted it is unclear when or how the children's biological parents died, or whether they were related to the Sayres. 2 1