A California uncle and his girlfriend were sentenced to 25 years in prison for subjecting a 7-year-old girl to severe abuse, including chaining her to a treadmill, forcing her to drink dirty toilet water, and making her clean up urine with her tongue. Devin Hughes, 39, and Kayla Reynolds, 32, received the sentences after pleading guilty to more than 10 felony counts related to the torture of Hughes’ niece at their mobile home in Boulevard, San Diego County.
Background
The horrific conditions came to light in July 2025 when the young victim managed to escape the home and run to a neighbor, begging for help and asking to live with them. Authorities stated that the girl was covered in bruises, scars, and burn marks, and had a black eye when she arrived at the neighbor's residence. San Diego County Sheriff's deputies responded to the call and found the child malnourished with visible injuries consistent with her account. The victim told investigators that Hughes had tied her hands behind her back with a zip tie before tripping her, resulting in the black eye. She further alleged that Hughes and Reynolds cut her hair with a pocketknife, burned her with vape pens, and forced her to sleep on the floor. Investigators reportedly found zip ties, cable locks, and vape pens in the home that corroborated the girl's testimony. Three other children were living in the residence at the time.
The Charges
Hughes and Reynolds pleaded guilty in March to multiple felony charges, including torture, child abuse, corporal injury, mayhem, and assault likely to cause great bodily injury. The prosecution detailed a pattern of abuse where the victim was allegedly starved and forced to drink dirty toilet water. According to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, the couple also forced the girl to hold her urine until she wet herself, after which she was compelled to clean it up using her tongue. The couple was sentenced on Friday, with the DA's office describing the level of abuse as "abhorrent and heartbreaking."
Key Takeaways
- Devin Hughes, 39, and Kayla Reynolds, 32, were sentenced to 25 years in prison.
- The defendants pleaded guilty to over 10 felony counts, including torture and child abuse.
- The 7-year-old victim escaped in July 2025 and sought help from a neighbor in Boulevard, California.
- Abuse allegations included chaining the child to a treadmill, forcing her to drink toilet water, and making her clean urine with her tongue.
- The victim was hospitalized at Rady Children's Hospital and gained 5 pounds during treatment.
- San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan condemned the abuse as "sickening."
- Investigators found physical evidence, including zip ties and cable locks, that supported the victim's account.
- The victim has since been placed with a family member and is reported to be thriving.
What's Next
With sentencing complete, the focus shifts to the long-term welfare of the three other children found in the home, who are currently under the care of Child Protective Services. The defendants will serve their sentences in state prison, with eligibility for parole determined by California sentencing guidelines. The victim continues to receive therapeutic support as she adjusts to her new living situation with a relative.