According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, six children were allegedly beaten and strangled to the point where they were allegedly beaten and strangled to death, including other forms of torture by their guardians and another adult in the Victorville home, some of which had been ill-treated for at least a decade.

Authorities arrested Kenneth and Tina Key, 60, on Monday, as well as daughter Katlynn Key, 23, allegedly related to the alleged abuse. Department officials said in a press release that children at home ranged from 5 to 16 years old. Initially, authorities identified the children as care for foster parents, but on Wednesday, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office clarified that they were legal guardians.

The children suffered physical and mental abuse, according to the county attorney. Adults stop giving children food and water for several days as punishment. According to the charging documents, the case may also involve situations where adults force some children to commit or assist in the crime.

Alleged abuse began on February 13, 2015 and ended on February 13, 2025, and each was charged with six counts of torture and one count of ill-treatment under the charges against the designated defendants in the event of possible serious personal injury or death.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Department launched a February 13 investigation into reports of serious and prolonged abuse in a Victorville home. Sheriff's spokesman Gloria Orejel said the children were taken out of the house shortly after the investigation began.

San Bernardino County District. Atti. Jason Anderson told San Bernardino Sun that some of the children documented the abuse in diaries with photos. Anderson said a 16-year-old went to a grocery store and contacted police, which prompted the children to be moved out of their homes.

According to prosecutors, children are abused every day, including assault and blackmail until they pass out.

All three suspects will replace $1 million in bail. They were scheduled to appear in court Thursday and were charged by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

Orejel said there were no reports of abuse before the investigation began.

Anyone with information about this case can contact DET. Katie Merrill of Professional Investigation Department, (909) 890-4904. Anonymous tips can be made using (800)78 Crime (27463) or the We-Tip hotline at www.wetip.com.