US EditionMissouri couple accused of locking teens in chicken pen, shooting them with BB guns in abuse case
The couple faces 12 felony charges after a multi-year abuse investigation revealed forced fights, drug use, and confinement in a locked chicken pen, authorities said.
- On Jan. 13 Potosi residents Chantel Spring Hayford, 38, and Jerry Allen Menees were arrested after a search; prosecutors say they confined two teenage boys, ages 13 and 14, and shot BB air rifles at them.
- Division of Family Services alerted deputies after an adult guardian reported the teens came seeking food, with alleged abuse occurring between Jan. 1, 2023 and Dec. 8, 2025.
- Investigators say court documents detail forced 'fight nights' and repeated beatings, threats with a pistol, alleged sexual contact by Hayford, and victims found severely underweight and not enrolled in school.
- Both defendants face 12 felony counts each as prosecutors pursue multiple charges; they are held without bond at Washington County Jail with a court hearing set for Jan. 20.
- Where they live is very rural, and officials said no neighbors or schools reported concerns; Washington County Sheriff Scott Reed credited the Child Advocacy Center and Washington County Division of Family Services and urged adults to call 911 if a child is in danger.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Chicken Pen Teen Abuse Case Rocks Rural Missouri
Chicken pen abuse allegations have stunned Missouri after investigators accused a rural couple of subjecting two teenagers to extreme confinement and violence. Authorities say the case involved locking the children inside a chicken pen and shooting at them with BB guns as part of a broader pattern of abuse. Both suspects are now jailed without bond as the investigation continues. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced the Jan. 13 arres…
Missouri couple ‘locked sons in chicken pen, shot them’ in shocking abuse case
A Missouri woman and her boyfriend have been accused of subjecting her children to years of shocking abuse, including allegedly locking two teenage boys inside a chicken pen and shooting at them...
Duo accused of holding children ‘fight nights’ and locking teens in chicken pens
A Missouri couple are facing 12 felony charges each after police said they allegedly abused and neglected the woman’s two teenagers, as well as locking them in a chicken pen and forcing them to fight each other.
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