15.02.2026 08:00
Susan Rae Helton, who adopted two children in the U.S. and kept them in cages for years, starving and abusing them, was sentenced to 80 years in prison for systematic torture.
53-year-old Susan Rae Helton, who lives in the state of Texas, USA, was sentenced to 80 years in prison for systematically torturing and severely neglecting two of her eight adopted children for years. The court ruled that Helton must serve a total of 80 years in prison, with 20 years for each count, and she will need to stay in prison for at least 40 years before she can apply for parole.
IT WAS DETERMINED THAT TWO SIBLINGS WERE KEPT IN CAGES
According to a report by The Sun, the incident came to light in 2018 through a joint operation conducted by Child Protective Services (CPS) and the police. During the raid, it was discovered that two siblings, aged 13 and 14, were kept in cages made from baby safety gates. Authorities determined that the children were forced to live "like animals."
PUNISHED FOR LOOKING FOR CANDY!
In her statement to the police, Helton said she punished the children for "looking for candy and stealing food." She admitted to keeping the children in cages for weeks, starving them, and beating them with a belt, confessing that she did all this to "ensure her own comfort." This statement revealed that the abuse was carried out consciously and systematically.
THEY COULD ONLY GAIN 6 KILOS
As the investigation progressed, the extent of the neglect the children suffered became clearer. Authorities determined that the two siblings who stayed with Helton for five years could only gain 6 kilos due to severe malnutrition and that their height had hardly increased at all. The victimized girl recounted that she was forced to stand in the cage all day, study, and sleep there, and even today she dreams of being chased by Helton.
80 YEARS IN PRISON WAS IMPOSED
Now young adults, the two siblings played a decisive role in the case by detailing their experiences in court. The judge, finding the defendant guilty of systematic abuse and severe neglect, imposed a total sentence of 80 years in prison.