JACKSON COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Jackson County couple is facing a combined 12 felony charges following an investigation into allegations of years of physical and emotional abuse involving three children living in their household.
According to Jackson County Sheriff R.H. Mellinger, criminal complaints have been filed against Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and her husband, Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, both of Evans, West Virginia.
Erica Sayre faces six felony charges, including three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury.
Clifford Sayre also faces six felony charges, including three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury.
According to the sheriff’s department, investigators uncovered allegations of prolonged mistreatment involving the three children, including repeated physical assaults, strangulation, deprivation of food and water, and denial of bathroom privileges.
Investigators said the children were allegedly subjected to various forms of punishment, including being forced to run barefoot on a gravel driveway following conflicts with Erica Sayre.
The investigation also revealed allegations that soiled cat litter was dumped into the children’s beds and dog feces was placed on their personal belongings.
According to authorities, the children reported being struck with household objects, sometimes resulting in injuries that caused excessive bleeding. Other allegations included being forced to place a soiled sock in their mouths and having their hair forcibly cut.
One child told investigators she was struck in the head with an electronic device, causing a bleeding injury for which she was allegedly denied medical treatment.
Another child reported being threatened with death if she contacted Child Protective Services.
During interviews with investigators, one of the children became visibly emotional and stated, “I can’t go back to that home.”
Another child described years of alleged abuse and said she “just wants a normal life.”
The investigation also examined Clifford Sayre’s alleged involvement in the mistreatment.
According to the sheriff’s department, investigators determined that Clifford Sayre allegedly witnessed repeated instances of abuse but failed to intervene.
One child reported that he physically restrained her hands while Erica Sayre forcibly cut her hair with a razor blade, resulting in an injury.
During a forensic interview, the children described the situation by stating, “because mom hits us and Gale lets her.”
Investigators said the children also reported being repeatedly tormented and harassed about their deceased biological parents.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department conducted multiple interviews with the children in coordination with Child Protective Services and a Child Advocacy Center.
Authorities also collected photographic evidence, arranged medical examinations and documented physical injuries.
According to investigators, scars found on the children were consistent with portions of their accounts. The department said the children’s statements also corroborated one another and were supported by physical evidence gathered during the investigation.
The findings contributed to the decision to pursue felony charges against both adults.
Following the initial disclosure of the allegations, investigators contacted Child Protective Services, and all three children were removed from the residence.
Sheriff Mellinger described the conditions outlined in the investigation as deeply troubling, referring to the residence as a real-life “House of Horrors.”
The sheriff’s department emphasized the importance of reporting suspected child abuse and neglect, particularly when allegations involve children who depend on adults for their care and protection.
Authorities said the investigation involved extensive coordination, multiple interviews, photographic documentation and medical examinations.
Both Erica and Clifford Sayre are accused of felony offenses in connection with the alleged mistreatment. The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
