What kind of abuse did the Missouri teens allegedly suffer?

The teens were allegedly locked in a chicken pen, forced to fight each other, threatened with real guns, and denied food and housing.

How did the mother reportedly exchange custody of her children?

The mother allegedly traded custody of the malnourished teens for a cell phone and phone plan.

What was the condition of the teenage victims?

The teenage victims were severely underweight, could not read or write, and had not been enrolled in school.

Home / Crime and Justice / Couple Held Teens in Chicken Pen, Fought Them

Couple Held Teens in Chicken Pen, Fought Them

29 Jan

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Summary

Teens allegedly locked in chicken pen and forced to fight.
Mother traded custody for a cell phone.
Victims were malnourished and could not read or write.

Couple Held Teens in Chicken Pen, Fought Them

In Potosi, Missouri, Chantel Hayford and Jerry Menees face severe child abuse and neglect charges following a disturbing two-year ordeal involving two teenagers. Authorities were alerted in December to alleged horrors, including forced 'fight nights' where the children harmed each other. Evidence indicated a consistent pattern of ongoing abuse.

Authorities stated the couple allegedly withheld food and housing, and gave the children drugs and alcohol. The teenagers, aged 13 and 14, were found severely underweight and medically determined to be illiterate, having not attended school. Their mother, Hayford, is also accused of inappropriate sexual contact.

Making matters more shocking, the teens' mother allegedly exchanged custody of her children for a cell phone and plan. This arrangement was documented via a power of attorney. The couple was arrested on January 13 after a search warrant was executed at their home where the abuse allegedly occurred.