articleA Missouri couple is accused of locking two teenage children in a chicken pen and shooting at them with BB guns as part of what investigators say was a prolonged pattern of severe abuse. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Potosi, Missouri, residents Chantel Spring Hayford, 38, and Jerry Allen Menees, whose age was redacted in court records, were arrested Jan. 13. Hayford faces two counts of first-degree kidnapping, one count of first-degree sexual abuse, three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, four counts of abuse or neglect of a child and two counts of first-degree domestic assault. Court records further allege the children were threatened with real guns, including a handgun , and warned they would be shot if they spoke about the abuse. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing and credited the Child Advocacy Center and the Washington County Division of Family Services for assisting in the case.

Source: Fox News January 21, 2026 16:14 UTC