A New Mexico judge has sentenced a couple who allegedly locked a 6-year-old girl inside an outdoor metal shed surrounded by barbed wire for more than 24 hours. Bruce Anglin received 7 1/2 years in a state correctional facility followed by 4 1/2 years of supervised probation, while his wife, Samantha Anglin, was handed a suspended three-year sentence and placed on supervised probation.
Background
The case originated on June 20, 2025, when Luna County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call regarding a child believed to be trapped in an outside metal shed on a rural property near Lewis Flats and Pojoaque Roads. Upon arrival, first responders found the property's entrance gate locked. After announcing his presence and activating emergency lights, a deputy gained access through a barbed-wire fence.
While walking around the property, the deputy heard a child's voice calling out from the shed. He located the 6-year-old girl locked inside, with no electricity or running water, though she had a water bottle. She communicated with the officer through a broken window, revealing she had been confined for over 24 hours while her parents and younger sister were in town. Prosecutors described the conditions inside as "deplorable" and "filthy," noting the victim had visible bruises, a swollen eye, and had eaten very little the previous day.
The Charges
Bruce Anglin pleaded guilty to six charges, including two counts of third-degree child abuse, conspiracy to commit child abuse, and false-imprisonment offenses. He admitted to detectives that he locked the girl in the shed as punishment. Samantha Anglin previously pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree child abuse. Sixth Judicial District Judge Jennifer DeLaney handed down the sentences after prosecutors sought the maximum 12-year prison term for Bruce Anglin, while his defense attorney requested a suspended sentence and credit for the 454 days he spent in presentence confinement.
Key Takeaways
- Bruce Anglin was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison and 4 1/2 years of probation.
- Samantha Anglin received a suspended three-year sentence and supervised probation.
- The victim was found in a metal shed with no electricity or running water, surrounded by barbed wire.
- Bruce Anglin pleaded guilty to charges including third-degree child abuse and false imprisonment.
- Samantha Anglin formally relinquished her parental rights to both of her children.
- Bruce Anglin is prohibited from having any contact with children as a condition of his probation.
What's Next
Bruce Anglin will serve his prison term at a state correctional facility, with credit given for the 454 days he spent in presentence confinement. Samantha Anglin also received credit for the same amount of time served. The couple's children are now in the custody of the state or other guardians following Samantha Anglin's relinquishment of parental rights.
During the sentencing hearing, Samantha Anglin addressed the court, detailing the years of abuse that she and her two children had suffered at her husband's hands, providing context for the legal outcomes.