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Abuse included daily beatings, strangulation to point of unconsciousness, punishments of withholding food, water for days: DA

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VICTORVILLE, Calif. -- Three Victorville, California family members have been charged with torture in connection with the alleged abuse of six children who were in their care, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Kenneth Michael Key, 60, Tina Marie Sheffield Key, 60, and their daughter Kaitlynn Marresa Key, 23, were arrested Monday and later charged with six felony counts of torture and one count of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death, according to the San Bernardino County district attorney's office. Prosecutors also filed a special allegation of personal infliction of great bodily injury in the case.

"After an extensive investigation conducted by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Crimes Against Children Unit, and Loma Linda University Medical Center Children's Assessment Center, it is alleged that Kenneth and Tina Key, and their adult daughter subjected all six children (aged four - sixteen), to years of physical, emotional, and mental abuse," the D.A.'s office said in a statement.

The investigation that led to the arrests was launched after authorities received a tip from a caller to a child abuse hotline.

"The abuse included daily beatings, strangulation to the point of unconsciousness, and punishments of withholding food and water from the children for a period of days," the news release said.

The sheriff's department had previously said the youngest victim was 5 years old.

SEE ALSO: Teen escapes after allegedly being held captive for years and sexually abused in NJ home

Jose Martinez, a neighbor who lives next to the defendants, told ABC Los Angeles affiliate KABC that he was was in stunned disbelief when he learned of the allegations and arrests.

"I never heard any bad noises," Martinez said. "I would take out their trash, and see the cans were full of snacks. So, I can't believe they didn't have any food or being denied clothing or stuff like that because they were pretty normal.

"Nothing was suspicious at all," he said. "The kids would come out. I would give them popsicles, and they would never mention anything to me."

According to Martinez, after authorities removed the children from the home in early February, Tina Key told him that she and the other two members of her family were being investigated for alleged child abuse.

"Tina was very in shock; she was emotional that they took the kids away," he said. "They denied everything. I mean, I never seen any problems. I've always seen the kids out here playing. It's a lonely neighborhood; so they kept to themselves, to be honest."

Asked about the children's appearance, Martinez said they looked "normal."

The defendants were each being held on $1,000,000 bail, authorities said. Their arraignment date is scheduled for Thursday via video.

Laborers at Keurig Dr. Pepper in Victorville say they were forced to strike over unfair labor practices earlier this month. Now, the workers are extending the strike indefinitely until terms are met.

Workers will also be walking off the job and ceasing deliveries at the company's facilities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Fernando and Ventura, potentially impacting shelves across the region.

Union members were left with "no choice" but to strike after Keurig Dr. Pepper's "inadequate" negotiations, according to Christian Castro, public relations for the union chapter Teamsters 896. The company has yet to reach out, he said, but the organized strikers are ready to get back to the table when they are ready to make a deal that "values their workers."

Keurig Dr. Pepper officials told the Daily Press that the company has always followed the law and any statements to the contrary are "false." Company officials say they have negotiated "in good faith" throughout the process and presented an offer that, to Keurig Dr. Pepper, had "meaningful wage increases and benefit enhancements."

"It is disappointing the union has decided to strike instead of continuing those conversations," company representatives said. "We value our team members and their contributions and remain optimistic we can reach an agreement."

Teamsters union: Victorville Local 896

The strike was organized through the Teamsters union, "America's largest union" since 1903.

Keurig Dr. Pepper, whose brands include 7Up, A&W Root Beer, Hawaiian Punch, and K-cup pods McCafe, Swiss Miss, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and over 125 more beverages, was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2024 after unlawfully attempting to end its sick time policy.

However, laborers still haven’t seen a dime, Phil Cooper, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 896 said.

"That is a blatant violation of federal law, and we will be out here every day, 24 hours a day, until Dr. Pepper pays its workers what they are legally owed,” he demanded.

Over 150 workers from the Victorville plant are fighting for better wages, a stronger pension, and to recoup an unpaid arbitration award, Teamsters said.

According to a Teamsters press release, Keurig Dr. Pepper's "unlawful behavior" is happening during negotiations with Local 896 for a new contract. The company’s first and second offers were rejected in early May after it offered "negligible" increases in pay and pension benefits.

"We have given everything to this company — our time, our health, our labor,” said Adan Soto, a forklift operator lead at Keurig Dr. Pepper and member of Local 896. "Instead of respect, the company stole our sick time and we’re still fighting for the wages we deserve. A good contract would mean stability for my family and dignity for all of us who keep this place running. That’s why we’re on strike.”

The strike in Victorville comes on the heels of a successful strike at Keurig Dr. Pepper in Ottumwa, Iowa, where Teamsters secured a substantial pay boost and more affordable health care coverage.

Teamsters Local 896 has been fighting for working-class families in Southern California for more than 75 years. To learn more, visit teamsterslocal896.org.

McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com.

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Authorities are investigating after a deceased male was found early Monday morning in a field along Amargosa Road in Victorville.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, dispatch received a call at approximately 6:52 a.m. on June 2, 2025, reporting a deceased male lying in the field. Deputies responded to the scene and confirmed the death.

The field is located along the east side of Amargosa Road, between Roy Rogers Drive and Seneca Road, directly across from the entrance to the Gold West Mobile Home Park.

The area surrounding the discovery was cordoned off with sheriff’s tape, and a portion of the open desert terrain remained closed to the public as detectives processed the scene.

“Detectives with our Specialized Investigations Division will be responding to investigate. Nothing further is available yet, as the investigation is ongoing,” stated Public Information Officer Mara Rodriguez.

The cause of death and the identity of the male have not been released. No additional details have been made public at this time.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

HESPERIA, Calif. — The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is proud to announce an open house celebration for the newly established Fire Station 306, located in South Hesperia near the growing Silverwood community development.

The event is open to the public; County Fire requests attendees bring a non-perishable item or cash donation (suggested: $5) to support High Desert Second Chance Food Bank of Hesperia.

Station 306 is the first fire station based in this part of Hesperia, reflecting a unique partnership between County Fire, the City of Hesperia, and Silverwood, a major residential and commercial development underway in the area. Fire crews have been in service at the location since late 2024, providing enhanced coverage and faster response times for nearby neighborhoods.

The firehouse is currently staffed by a paramedic engine company and ambulance crew, ensuring that residents in the area have access to advanced life-saving emergency medical services.

While this facility serves as a temporary home, plans are in place for the construction of a permanent station in a future phase of the Silverwood development. This investment represents the County’s commitment to public safety as the region continues to grow.

Open House Details

Community members are invited to join County Fire for a pancake breakfast and a traditional “push-in” ceremony, where the station’s fire engine and ambulance will be ceremonially rolled into the bay — a longstanding fire service tradition marking their official placement into service.

Local elected officials, fire department personnel, and representatives from Silverwood will be on hand to welcome residents, share information, and celebrate this milestone in public safety for South Hesperia.

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (KABC) -- A couple and their adult daughter accused of abusing and starving six children in Victorville appeared in court Thursday.

Kenneth Michael Key, 60, Tina Marie Sheffield Key, 60, and their daughter Kaitlynn Marresa Key, 23, were arrested Monday and later charged with six felony counts of torture and one count of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors also filed a special allegation of personal infliction of great bodily injury in the case.

"The abuse included daily beatings, strangulation to the point of unconsciousness, and punishments of withholding food and water from the children for a period of days," the DA's office said in a statement.

The judge ordered no bail for the three suspects, meaning they will all remain behind bars for now.

The crimes allegedly occurred over a period of 10 years inside a Victorville home. The children are currently between 6 and 16 years old.

Law enforcement was notified of the alleged abuse when the 16-year-old managed to get out of the house and talked to people at a local store, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said.

"The older children documented the years of abuse through written documentation and also through photographs that were captured on iPads," Anderson said.

The DA's office initially described the children as being under foster care but later clarified the suspects were the children's legal guardians.

"I think a lot of people when they hear stories like this and cases like this, they're thinking of the Turpin case in Riverside, which was a horror story," Anderson said. "This one is also, but I don't want to get into specific facts in terms of the abuse, but when you're dealing with the repetitive nature of it, the age of these kids, again, the most I'll say is it clearly is physical, emotional and nutritional abuse."

Victorville, CA (May 15, 2025) – A pedestrian suffered injuries following an early morning hit-and-run crash that occurred Wednesday on SR-18 in the Victorville area.

Authorities say the victim was struck by a vehicle near 5808 SR18 around 6:40 a.m., though the report to emergency services came shortly after 9:00 a.m. Witnesses at the scene indicated the driver involved did not remain and fled before law enforcement arrived.

Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. The injured pedestrian was evaluated at the scene and transported to a local hospital for treatment. No further information about the individual’s condition or identity has been made public.

Law enforcement from the California Highway Patrol Victorville Division is currently leading the investigation. Officers are seeking any information from the public that may help identify the suspect driver or the vehicle involved in this felony hit-and-run offense.

As the investigation continues, officials urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant video footage to come forward. Surveillance from nearby businesses or dash cams may be especially helpful in tracing the events leading up to the collision.

Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.

Addressing the Consequences of Hit-and-Run Incidents in California

Hit-and-run collisions remain a growing concern in California, particularly those involving pedestrians. In a recent report from the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian fatalities rose over 10% between 2020 and 2023, with a significant portion of cases involving drivers who left the scene.

Victorville, a city bisected by high-speed routes like SR-18, sees a mixture of pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout the day, particularly during early commute hours. This accident highlights the ongoing risks faced by pedestrians and underscores the need for improved infrastructure and driver accountability.

From a legal perspective, victims of hit-and-run crashes often face complex challenges. When the at-fault driver is unidentified, claims may need to be pursued through the injured party’s uninsured motorist coverage. Moreover, without a responsible party to be held accountable, victims may delay receiving adequate compensation for medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.

If you are ever involved in or witness a crash, especially one involving a pedestrian, reporting it immediately and staying at the scene is not only a moral obligation—it’s the law. Leaving the site of an accident where someone is hurt can result in felony charges, jail time, and severe penalties.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.

Note: These posts are created solely for the use of Local Accident Reports. We have not verified the information in these posts as the information is gathered from secondary sources. If you have personal knowledge that the information contained in these posts is inaccurate, please contact Local Accident Reports immediately so we can make the necessary corrections or remove the story.

Disclaimer: We are providing this information to the general public as a resource to use in the event you or a family member are injured in a similar incident. Every effort is put forth to honor the victims of accidents, and hope the information presented helps others avoid the same type of accidents in the future. The photos depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene. Please contact Local Accident Reports at (888) 657-1460 to be connected with an attorney in your area who will answer any legal questions you may have.