Trial Begins for West Virginia Couple Accused of Child Abuse

The trial of Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Ray Lantz, accused of treating their adopted Black children as slaves, is underway in Kanawha County, West Virginia. The couple faces numerous charges including human trafficking, forced labor, and civil rights violations, stemming from the discovery of two teenagers locked in a shed without access to food, water, or means of escape. Testimonies revealed that neighbors had raised concerns about the couple's treatment of the children almost immediately after they moved to the area in 2023. Prosecutors allege the couple systematically abused and exploited their adopted children, while the defense claims the children were traumatized and had pre-existing mental health issues. Witnesses have described the children as being frequently seen working in the yard under strict supervision, while defense attorneys argue that the prosecution failed to consider the children's past experiences. The trial is expected to continue for two weeks, with further testimonies and evidence to be presented.