Rochelle Clayton: ‘Pure Evil’ Caregiver Tortured Girl With Special Needs

In a case that authorities referred to as “pure evil” and doctors called “torture,” Rochelle Clayton and husband Maurice have been arrested for abusing a 9-year-old girl with special needs.

The police department in Shelbyville, Tennessee, where Rochelle and Maurice Clayton live, were initially informed of the abuse by an anonymous person who claimed to have witnessed the abuse in the home.

When police went to the home, the abuse of the disabled little girl was apparent, WSMV News reported.

“When police arrived at the home on Friday, they said the malnourished girl had substantial bruising, a broken bone, swollen hands, burns on her hand and backside, and ligature marks from being tied down in the living room and closet.”

Reports claim that Rochelle Clayton had struck the child in the face. Clayton would also tie the child’s hands behind her back, using zip ties, and force the little girl to kneel in the corner. At times, Clayton would bind the child’s ankles, as well.

The little girl had “multiple injuries to her head and face, and marks on her legs and ankles where she had been bound,” according to Detective Sergeant Charles Merlo, of the Shelbyville Police Department. As Merlo pointed out, there is only one explanation for the evidence of abuse found in the Clayton’s home.

“There can’t be an explanation for that other than pure evilness.”

Residents who live nearby the couple in Shelbyville said they had no idea what was happening inside the home. Neighbor Suzy Carlton expressed shock over the news of the child abuse.

“It’s hard to believe that somebody’s right next door to you and you don’t even realize what’s going on,” said Carlton.

In addition to removing the little girl from the abusive home, police also removed the couple’s biological children, ages 18 and 14. In addition to the couple’s teenagers, the police removed the victim’s younger sister, who also has special needs. The relationship that the Claytons have to the two little girls is reportedly “unclear,” but the two seem to have been living in the home. The couple were also babysitting an 8-month-old baby, as well.

“I feel bad for those kids because they are good kids,” neighbor Carlton said. “I hope nobody makes the mistake of thinking that because the parents have done something they shouldn’t have done, that that makes the kids in the wrong.”

Rochelle Clayton, 38, is charged with aggravated child abuse. She was held on a $30,000 bond. Her husband, Maurice Clayton, is charged with failure to report child abuse. According to police, he did not actually strike the child. He was held on a $16,000 bond. Both Claytons are also charged with filing a false report after refusing to tell police where the child was located. The couple have already posted their bonds and were been released.

As for the child, she is recovering at the Children’s Hospital. Her recovery, Merlo says, “will be tough, but according to doctors, her spirits are real high and she is really progressing nicely.”

Police thanked the anonymous person who reported the abuse after visiting the Clayton’s home. Merlo said that person helped save the young girl’s life.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month. For more on how you can help detect potential abuse, and what you can do to help prevent it, click here.

[Photo via Bedford County Jail]