Couple to be charged after three children rescued from West Virginia ‘house of horrors’

Three children have been removed from a West Virginia home after authorities say they endured years of physical and emotional abuse and neglect at the hands of the couple who lived there, according to the local sheriff’s office.

What we know:

Sheriff Ross Melinger said criminal complaints were filed against Erica Sayre, 45, and her husband Clifford Sayre, 46, who are facing multiple felony counts of child abuse and child neglect.

Dig deeper:

Investigators say the children described a pattern of abuse that included being hit, choked, starved, denied bathroom access and forced to run barefoot on a gravel driveway as punishment. One child told deputies she was struck with an electronic device, causing bleeding, and was denied medical care. Melinger said the children also reported being hit with household items, resulting in "excessive bleeding."

In another incident, a child said she was threatened with death if she contacted Child Protective Services. The children told investigators that Clifford often watched the abuse without intervening, and at times held a child’s hands while Erica cut the child’s hair with a razor, injuring her. They recounted the abuse to deputies, saying, "Mom hits us and Gale lets her."

Melinger said the children were also taunted about their deceased biological parents, adding to the emotional torment. Other reported acts included the couple dumping soiled cat litter in the children’s beds, smearing dog feces on their belongings, and forcing them to place a soiled sock in their mouths.

What's next:

Erica Sayre is facing three felony counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three felony counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. Clifford Sayre faces three felony counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury and three felony counts of child neglect creating risk of injury.

What they're saying:

During interviews, deputies said one child became visibly emotional and told investigators, "I can’t go back to that home." Another said she "just wants a normal life."

Authorities documented scars consistent with the children’s accounts, and investigators said the children’s statements corroborated one another and aligned with physical evidence collected at the home.

Child Protective Services removed all three children after the initial disclosure. The investigation included multiple interviews, medical examinations and photographic evidence.

Melinger said the findings were "deeply troubling" and emphasized the importance of reporting suspected abuse, noting the children had been living in what he described as a "real-life house of horrors."

Crime and Public Safety