A Jackson County couple is facing six felony counts apiece after investigators say three children described years of physical and emotional abuse inside their Evans, West Virginia home — allegations that included being struck, strangled, denied food, water and bathroom access, and punished by being forced to run barefoot across a gravel driveway. Jackson County Sheriff R.H. Mellinger described the environment the children endured as a real-life “House of Horrors.”
According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, 45-year-old Erica Lynn Sayre and Clifford Gale Sayre, both of Evans, were charged following an extensive investigation into allegations of prolonged physical and emotional abuse involving the three children in their home. Erica Sayre faces three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury, while Clifford Sayre faces three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury.
Investigators say the children's accounts of mistreatment were disturbingly consistent with one another and with physical evidence. As WDTV reports, the allegations include children being repeatedly hit, strangled, deprived of food and water, and denied bathroom privileges, as well as being forced to run barefoot on a gravel driveway as punishment.
Degrading Punishments and Threats Alleged
The allegations described in the sheriff's release go beyond physical violence. According to the CBS Pittsburgh report by CBS News, the children told investigators they were tormented and harassed about their dead biological parents, and one child said they were told they would be killed if they reported the abuse to authorities.
The same report notes that soiled cat litter and dog feces were allegedly dumped on the children's personal belongings; WDTV also reports that cat litter was dumped in their beds. WDTV's account describes children being struck with household objects that caused excessive bleeding injuries, being forced to place a soiled sock in their mouths, and having their hair forcibly cut.
One child told investigators, according to the CBS Pittsburgh report, “I can't go back to that home,” while another said she just wants a normal life. A Facebook post cited in that same report quoted one child saying, “Mom hits us and Gale lets her” — an allegation that aligns with the finding that Clifford Sayre witnessed repeated abuse and failed to intervene.
Scars Corroborated Children's Statements, Sheriff Says
Sheriff Mellinger said the children had scars consistent with their statements to investigators, and that their individual accounts corroborated one another and the physical evidence collected — a combination that contributed to the decision to seek felony charges against both adults. Deputies conducted the interviews in coordination with Child Protective Services and a Child Advocacy Center, according to WV News.
The children have since been removed from the residence. Investigators have not disclosed how the children came to live with the Sayres or what their relationship to the couple was, and that detail remains unclear.
Both defendants have posted bond. Per the WDTV report, a preliminary hearing for Erica Sayre is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 2 p.m., while Clifford Sayre's hearing was set for Monday afternoon. No additional details about the proceedings have been released.
