3 accused of torturing their 6 children in San Bernardino County

Family accused of torturing 6 children
A couple and their daughter are accused of abusing and starving six children in Victorville.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. - Multiple felony charges have been filed against three suspects accused of neglecting and abusing six children that were under their guardianship in Victorville, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
What we know:
On February 13, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department conducted an investigation into severe abuse and neglect of six children in Victorville, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
Investigators from the Crimes Against Children Detail and the Victorville Sheriff's Station identified Kenneth Key, 60; Tina Key, 60; and their daughter Kaitlynn Key, 23 as the suspects in the case of prolonged abuse and neglect involving six children aged five to 16.
An investigation revealed the three suspects subjected all three children to years of physical, emotional, and mental abuse that included daily beatings, strangulation to the point of unconsciousness, and punishments of withholding food and water from the children for days.
The suspects were arrested and each charged with six counts of torture for each victim 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.
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What we don't know:
The current conditions of the children are unknown.
What they're saying:
Jose Martinez is the Keys next door neighbor. He told FOX 11 he never had any suspicions that there was anything wrong going on in the home.
"[It's] just sad to hear what happened. Can't believe that happened right next to my house," he said. "[I've] never heard anything or seen anything. I spoke with [my] kids as well, they never told me anything that was going on."
What's next:
All three suspects will be arraigned on May 15 at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Courthouse.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking additional information from the public.
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The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Katie Merrill at (909) 890-4904. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or through the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
The Source: Information for this story is from a press release by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department published on May 13, 2025.