Man accused of shackling, torturing wife for 10 years
QMI Agency -- Source
A West Virginia man is accused of enslaving and torturing his wife for a decade while he kept her in chains, even through pregnancies and two childbirths.
Peter Lizon, 37, is charged with malicious wounding, after Stephanie Lizon told a woman at a shelter that she'd been brutally beaten by her husband, reports WSAZ News.
The woman reported the conversation to authorities and described Stephanie as "gaunt and filthy."
Police told the news channel the case was far worse than any domestic violence case they've dealt with before.
"It comes down to what appears to be slavery and torture, it seems to be the aspects of this case," Chief Deputy Tony Boggs, of the Jackson County Sheriff's office, said.
According to police, Stephanie Lizon had scars on her wrists and ankles from being shackled, mutilated feet and serious burns on her breasts and back caused by an iron and a frying pan.
She had reportedly had a miscarriage after her husband kicked her in the stomach, and has a one-year-old child her husband delivered while she was bound in chains.
Lizon was able to escape on July 2, when her husband took her and their child to a store. She walked away from the truck and hid until he left, then found a ride to the women's shelter, the report said.
Police obtained a search warrant for the couple's home, and also obtained 45 photos believed to be of Lizon's injuries.
Peter Lizon remains in jail, awaiting a hearing Friday.