Couple arrested after children found living in what sheriff called a ‘house of horrors’

EVANS, W.Va (WDTV/Gray News) - A couple was arrested after three children reported years of abuse in what a sheriff called a “house of horrors” in West Virginia.

Erica Lynn Sayre and her husband, Clifford Gale Sayre, are charged with child neglect and child abuse, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Jackson County Sheriff RH Mellinger detailed the abuse and called the children’s living environment a “house of horrors.”

The investigation uncovered years of “disturbing” maltreatment, including the children being repeatedly hit, strangled, deprived of food and water, denied bathroom privileges, having soiled cat litter dumped in their beds and dog feces on personal items, and being forced to run barefoot on a gravel driveway as a means of punishment for any conflicts with Erica Sayre, according to authorities.

The children were allegedly hit with household objects, causing excessive bleeding injuries, forced to place a soiled sock in their mouths and forcibly had their hair cut, according to authorities. One child described being hit in the head with an electronic device, which caused a “bleeding injury for which she was denied medical treatment.” Another child was threatened to be killed if she contacted child protective services, according to authorities.

The children also reported being tormented and harassed about their biological parents who are dead, according to authorities.

During interviews with police, one of the children became “visibly emotional” and said, “I can’t go back to that home.” Another child described years of alleged abuse and said she “just wants a normal life,” the sheriff said.

Deputies said Clifford Sayre witnessed the abuse and failed to intervene.

One child said Clifford Sayre physically restrained her hands while Erica Sayre forcibly cut her hair with a razor blade, resulting in an injury. The child allegedly told authorities, “mom hits us and Gale lets her.”

The investigation revealed physical evidence, including documented scars consistent with the children’s accounts, and the children’s statements corroborated one another, according to Mellinger.

Erica Sayre faces 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.

Both are out on bond. Erica Sayre’s preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 20. Clifford Sayre’s preliminary hearing is Monday.