Texas Christian influencers charged after teenager reports abuse at their home
Christian influencers Seth and Heather Day, both 39, were arrested after a 14-year-old girl reported abuse to her high school teacher on 24 September in Keene, Texas. The teenager, who sustained visible injuries to her face and head, alleged that Seth struck her with a mobile phone and sexually assaulted her, whilst Heather allegedly knew of the abuse and pressured her to conceal the injuries. The case has drawn significant attention given the couple's prominent standing in faith communities, with Heather maintaining over 71,000 Instagram followers and having contributed to major Christian publications including Christianity Today and Newsweek.
Both have been charged with injury to a child, with Seth facing an additional charge of sexual assault. Heather, a former communications professor who founded Cross Communication speaking firm, is currently promoting her book 'What If I'm Wrong?' whilst Seth, an assistant professor of psychology at Southwestern Adventist University, has been placed on administrative leave. Child Protective Services had previously investigated the couple for similar allegations whilst they lived in Midland before the pair were released on $100,000 bonds, with their children placed in CPS custody.
- Christian influencer couple arrested over abuse allegations against teenager
- Seth accused of phone assault and sexual assault of girl
- Heather allegedly knew of abuse and tried to conceal injuries
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Seth and Heather Day are influential figures in American Christian communities. Heather, aged 39, has amassed over 71,000 Instagram followers, has written for major Christian publications including Christianity Today and Newsweek, and founded a communications speaking firm, whilst Seth, also 39, is an assistant professor of psychology at Southwestern Adventist University. Their prominence ensures that legal matters involving them draw significant public attention.
The case centres on allegations made by a 14-year-old who lived in the Days' home in Keene, Texas. She reported that Seth struck her with a mobile phone and sexually assaulted her, sustaining visible injuries to her face and head, and alleged that Heather was aware of the abuse but pressured her not to disclose the injuries. Such allegations in a household setting are treated seriously by authorities.
This is not the first time the couple have faced such scrutiny, as Child Protective Services previously investigated them for similar allegations whilst they lived in Midland, Texas. The earlier investigation provides context for current concerns about their household. Previous scrutiny suggests this case is part of a broader pattern rather than an isolated incident.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Seemingly upstanding Christian author couple meted out nightmarish abuse to teenage girl, police say”.