A Texas man, aged 38, has been found guilty of torturing children and has been sentenced to more than 10 life sentences for his heinous crimes. The man, identified as David Calhoun, subjected several children to torture reminiscent of the treatment endured by prisoners of war and political prisoners during the Korean and Vietnam wars, as per prosecutors.
The abuse took place in a fifth-wheel trailer near Gainesville, Texas, where Calhoun lived with his stepchildren and nephews. The Cooke County District Attorney’s Office reported that jurors swiftly convicted Calhoun on five counts of sexual assault of a child, seven counts of aggravated assault, and one count of assault strangulation after deliberating for less than an hour. The sentencing phase also concluded promptly, resulting in 10 life sentences, a 10-year sentence, and two 20-year sentences for Calhoun.
Eric Erlandson, a prosecutor from Cook County, expressed shock at the extent of the abuse, labeling it as the worst he had ever encountered. The children endured mental, psychological, and physical torture for nearly six years, showcasing remarkable resilience and courage throughout the ordeal.
The abuse commenced in 2017 when Calhoun began caring for his nephews, court documents revealed. The atrocities came to light in 2022 when Calhoun's 16-year-old nephew was discovered in a Nebraska hotel room, having fled to escape severe abuse. The teenager recounted horrifying experiences, including being tied up, set on fire, beaten, stabbed, and subjected to various forms of torture on a daily basis.
Further investigations unveiled that the abuse had occurred in multiple cities across East Texas, with several children and adults falling victim to Calhoun's cruelty. The District Attorney’s Office described the abuse as 'Intrafamilial Child Torture,' drawing parallels to the torture suffered by POWs and political prisoners during past wars.
Calhoun's wife, Ashley Calhoun, and another adult residing in the home were also implicated in connection to the case and are set to face trial in the upcoming month.
