Story perspectives

Couple Charged with Kidnapping, Abuse of Teen Children

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Washington County couple Chantel Spring Hayford and Jerry Allen Menees face charges, including kidnapping and child abuse.
Investigators with the Washington County Sheriff's Office began the investigation after reports from the Division of Family Services, and the inquiry remains ongoing.
They allegedly locked their two teenage children in a chicken pen and shot at them with BB guns.
The children were found underweight and not enrolled in school.

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Story summary

The Washington County couple Chantel Spring Hayford and Jerry Allen Menees face charges, including kidnapping and child abuse.
Investigators with the Washington County Sheriff's Office began the investigation after reports from the Division of Family Services, and the inquiry remains ongoing.
They allegedly locked their two teenage children in a chicken pen and shot at them with BB guns.
The children were found underweight and not enrolled in school.