The Brief Three children have been removed from a West Virginia home after authorities say they endured years of physical and emotional abuse and neglect. Investigators say the children described a pattern of abuse that included being hit, choked, starved, denied bathroom access and tortured as punishment. Deputies say one child told investigators,  I can't go back to that home. 



Three children have been removed from a West Virginia home after authorities say they endured years of physical and emotional abuse and neglect at the hands of the couple who lived there, according to the local sheriff's office.

What we know:

Sheriff Ross Melinger said criminal complaints were filed against Erica Sayre, 45, and her husband Clifford Sayre, 46, who are facing multiple felony counts of child abuse and child neglect.

Dig deeper:

Investigators say the children described a pattern of abuse that included being hit, choked, starved, denied bathroom access and forced to run barefoot on a gravel driveway as punishment. One child told deputies she was struck with an electronic device, causing bleeding, and was denied medical care. Melinger said the children also reported being hit with household items, resulting in  excessive bleeding. 

In another incident, a child said she was threatened with death if she contacted Child Protective Services. The children told investigators that Clifford often watched the abuse without intervening, and at times held a child's hands while Erica cut the child's hair with a razor, injuring her. They recounted the abuse to deputies, saying,  Mom hits us and Gale lets her. 

Melinger said the children were also taunted about their deceased biological parents, adding to the emotional torment. Other reported acts included the couple dumping soiled cat litter in the children's beds, smearing dog feces on their belongings, and forcing them to place a soiled sock in their mouths.

What's next:

Erica Sayre is facing three felony counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three felony counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. Clifford Sayre faces thre
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