ATHENS, Texas — The Henderson County Sheriff's Office has arrested six people in connection with a reported kidnapping in which the female victim was tortured.
“We received a call about a suspicious person, discovered this troubling case and quickly made arrests,” Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said.
According to Sheriff Hillhouse, the woman met the suspects online and moved in with them in Nov. 2021. Officials say when she wanted to leave, she was "severely tortured" and held against her will.
The following suspects were taken into custody and charged with aggravated kidnapping:
- Felicity Emanuelle Walker, 22;
- Summer Syler Lawrence, 45;
- Breonna Cheyenne Johnson, 22;
- Amanda Marie Andrews, 22;
- Shayne Joseph Anderson, 30;
- Charles K. Bryant, Jr., 21
According to the arrest affidavit, the victim was found at a home located in the 800 block of S. Park Cr. in Athens with severe bruising, burn marks and the word "rape" shaved into the back of her head. She was then taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Officials say the victim had been held at a residence in the 100 block of Waverly Way in Athens. She said she had been tortured during that time and had to call the suspects, "Master." The victim said the suspects beat her with a walking cane, their fists, award medals and other items. She said cigarettes were put out on her chest and her hand was burned with a wax sealer.
The affidavit states the victim's face was bruised, bloody and swollen, along with her arms, legs, back, chest and stomach. The victim also said she had been cut by a razor blade and her chest was used as an "ash tray." She said she was forced to eat cat feces and pieces of lettuce the suspects had spit on.
"Luckily, we got the phone call that we needed yesterday to get her some help," Sheriff Hillhouse said. "The Henderson County tactical team responded, got everybody out of the house, detained everybody, and then conducted a search and we were able to find evidence inside the house that cooperated with her story. To be honest with you, this is, you know, talking to the investigators that are working the case and the other agencies that responded along with us, it's not something that you see every day,"."
The woman was taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released.
Sheriff Hillhouse wants to emphasize how important it is to stay alert for suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
"A patrolman can be driving through your neighborhood and see something that doesn't look suspicious to them," Sheriff Hillhouse said. "But, you are from the neighborhood. You know what's suspicious. Don't ever hesitate to call us. I rather you call us and we come out there to investigate and there's really nothing to it."
The investigation is ongoing.