A married couple and their adult daughter have been charged with multiple felonies, including torture and child abuse, following the discovery of severe and prolonged mistreatment of six children under their care.
Tina Marie Sheffield Key, 60, Kenneth Michael Key, 60, and their 23-year-old daughter Kaitylnn Marresa Key were taken into custody after an extensive investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit. Charges were formally filed on May 14.
The victims, aged between four and sixteen, were all under guardianship care in the family’s Victorville residence. According to law enforcement, the children endured daily physical abuse, including beatings, strangulation to the point of unconsciousness, and intentional starvation used as punishment.
Each of the three suspects now faces six counts of torture — one for each child — and an additional charge of child abuse likely to cause great bodily injury.
The elder Keys are scheduled to appear for arraignment via video conference on May 15 at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Courthouse. Details regarding custody status and the well-being of the rescued children have not been publicly released.
The investigation remains active, and authorities say additional charges may be considered as more evidence is evaluated.
