Girl's Brave Escape Uncovers Horrific Abuse

A 7-year-old girl made a courageous escape from a mobile home where she was subjected to severe abuse by her uncle, Devin Hughes, 39, and his girlfriend, Kayla Reynolds, 32. Upon reaching a neighbor's home, the child's body was covered in bruises, scars, burn marks, and she had a black eye. She pleaded to live with the neighbor, citing the ongoing beatings and abuse.

Deputies discovered horrendous living conditions and evidence corroborating the girl's harrowing account. She reported being starved, burned with vape pens, and forced to drink toilet water. Her captors allegedly cut her hair with a pocketknife and chained her to a treadmill, forcing her to sleep on the floor. To inflict black eyes, her uncle reportedly tied her hands and tripped her.

In March, Hughes and Reynolds pleaded guilty to 15 felony counts, including torture and child abuse, stemming from the prolonged abuse. On September 11, they were sentenced to 25 years in prison. District Attorney Summer Stephan condemned the abuse as abhorrent and heartbreaking. The young victim is now with another family member, offered a chance to recover from her ordeal.