West Virginia couple charged in child abuse investigation

Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, have been charged with multiple felonies following an investigation into the alleged abuse of three orphaned children in Evans, West Virginia.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the children were subjected to years of physical and emotional mistreatment. Allegations include being struck with household objects, strangled, and deprived of food, water, and bathroom access. Investigators reported that the children were also subjected to humiliating punishments, such as having cat litter dumped in their beds, dog feces placed on their belongings, and being forced to run barefoot on gravel.

Sheriff Ross H. Mellinger described the residence as a “real-life ‘House of Horrors.’” The investigation revealed that Erica Sayre allegedly led the physical abuse while Clifford Sayre witnessed the incidents without intervening. One child reported being threatened with death if they contacted Child Protective Services. Both adults face several felony counts related to child neglect and abuse.