Three arrested for alleged torture and abuse of six Victorville children

Three adults were arrested after a months-long investigation revealed the alleged torture and abuse of six children in San Bernardino County, deputies said. 

In and investigation that began in February, detectives with the Crimes Against Children Detail found that the children, between the ages of 5 and 16, were subjected to "severe and prolonged abuse and neglect to six children" in the 13000 block of Helena Drive in Victorville, according to a release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. 

They arrested Kenneth Key and Tina Marie Sheffield Key, both 60, and their daughter Katlynn Key, 23, and booked each for torture. They remain behind bars in lieu of $1 million, deputies said. 

"The abuse included daily beatings, strangulation to the point of unconsciousness, and punishments of withholding food and water from the children for a period of days," said a release from the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.

They have each been charged with six counts of torture and one count of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death. Additionally, prosecutors are alleging a special allegation of personal infliction of great bodily injury, the DA's release said. 

Prosecutors said that despite initially reporting the allegations took place under a foster care relationship, the children were in guardianship care of the suspects. 

All three co-defendants are due in court on Thursday, May 15, via video call. 

Anyone who knows more is asked to contact detectives at (909) 890-4904.