California couple arrested for alleged abuse of 21 children

Guojun Xuan, 66, and Silvia Zhang, 39, have been arrested following allegations of abusing 21 children born through surrogacy at their mansion in Arcadia, California. Prosecutors described the residence as a ‘house of horror’ where the minors were kept isolated from the outside world.

According to court proceedings, the children were not permitted to attend external schools, parks, or restaurants. Instead, they spent their days in improvised classrooms studying mathematics, Mandarin, and English. Authorities reported that the children faced physical abuse if they failed to remain seated and attentive. Recordings presented by prosecutors show Xuan using a flashlight to inspect children's beds at night and striking those who remained awake.

Prosecutors also revealed that the couple possessed the cremated remains of a baby born via surrogacy who had died in Florida, though they reportedly never opened the container. Zhang previously fled to China in 2019 after being accused of leaving her daughter in a hot vehicle. A judge has set bail at $20 million for each defendant due to flight risks.