West Virginia Couple in Evans Face Six Felony Counts Each After Three Children Found in Alleged 'House of Horrors'

A couple from Evans, West Virginia, in the United States, are facing felony charges. Authorities allege that three children endured years of abuse and neglect inside their home, which the local sheriff described as a real-life “house of horrors.”

Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and her husband, Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, both of Evans, were charged following an “extensive investigation” by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, authorities announced on Monday.

Erica and Clifford Sayre each face six felony charges, including three counts of child neglect creating 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.

Authorities alleged the children were repeatedly struck and strangled, deprived of food and water and denied access to the bathroom.

Investigators also alleged that soiled cat litter was dumped in their beds, dog feces was placed on their belongings and they were forced to run barefoot on a gravel driveway as punishment.

The children were also allegedly struck with household objects, forced to put a soiled sock in their mouths and subjected to having their hair forcibly cut.

One child described being struck in the head with an electronic device, causing a bleeding injury for which she was denied medical treatment. According to the sheriff's office, one of the children was threatened to be killed if she contacted Child Protective Services.

During interviews, one child became emotional and told investigators, “I can't go back to that home.” Another said she “just wants a normal life.” In a forensic interview, the children said, “Because mom hits us and Gale lets her,” according to the sheriff's department.

Investigators alleged Clifford Sayre witnessed repeated abuse but failed to intervene. One child claimed he restrained her hands while Erica Sayre cut her hair with a razor blade, causing an injury.

Authorities said investigators worked with Child Protective Services and a Child Advocacy Center and documented scars that were consistent with portions of the children's accounts. Investigators said the children's statements also corroborated one another and other physical evidence collected during the investigation. All of the children were removed from the home after the allegations were disclosed.

The investigation included multiple interviews, medical examinations and photographic evidence. Sheriff Ross Mellinger said in a statement that the Jackson County Sheriff's Department emphasises the seriousness of allegations involving child abuse and neglect of vulnerable children and remains committed to investigating such reports thoroughly and efficiently. He added that the outlined findings are deeply troubling and underscore the importance of reporting suspected child abuse, as the children were living in a real-life “house of horrors” with the adults who should have been protecting them from such conditions, not creating them.