Luna County couple sentenced for child abuse in New Mexico

A New Mexico judge has sentenced a Luna County couple for child abuse following an incident in June 2025 where their 6-year-old daughter was locked in an outdoor metal shed for more than 24 hours.

Bruce Anglin was sentenced to 7.5 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections, followed by 4.5 years of supervised probation. He pleaded guilty to six charges, including two counts of third-degree child abuse, conspiracy to commit child abuse, and false imprisonment. As part of his sentence, he is prohibited from having contact with children.

Samantha Anglin received a suspended three-year prison sentence and was placed on supervised probation after pleading guilty to one count of third-degree child abuse. The sentence also requires the couple to relinquish parental rights to the 6-year-old and her 2-year-old sibling.

Law enforcement discovered the child in “deplorable, filthy conditions” without access to electricity or running water. The victim suffered visible bruises and a swollen eye, requiring medical attention.