West Virginia couple charged after kids found in alleged ‘house of horrors’

A West Virginia couple have been charged after investigators alleged that three children experienced years of abuse and neglect in their home. The allegations include physical assaults, deprivation of food and water, and threats; the children have been removed from the home.

Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, 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. Investigators said the children’s accounts were supported by one another and by physical evidence, including scars; the case involved interviews, medical examinations and photographic evidence.