Bruce and Samantha Anglin sentenced for abuse of their daughter
26 september 2026 в 04:02
In New Mexico, a couple has been sentenced to prison for locking their 6-year-old daughter in a metal shed outside for more than 24 hours without access to water and electricity. Judge Jennifer Dilaney handed down the sentence to Bruce Anglin on September 21, imposing a 7.5-year term in a state correctional facility, after which he will be on probation for 4.5 years. His wife, Samantha Anglin, received a three-year suspended sentence and was also placed on probation.
The sentence was issued after Bruce pleaded guilty to six charges, including two counts of third-degree child abuse, conspiracy to commit child abuse, and unlawful imprisonment. Samantha had previously pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree child abuse.
The case began on June 20, 2025, when the Luna County sheriff received a report that a child was locked in a «metal shed outside» in a rural area. When rescuers arrived, they found that the entrance gates to the property were locked. One law enforcement officer was able to access the shed through barbed wire and heard the child’s voice calling for help.
According to the prosecution, the girl was found in «horrific, filthy conditions» with visible bruises and a swollen eye. She told medical personnel that she had barely eaten the day before. The girl was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, but her current condition has not been disclosed.
Bruce admitted to locking the girl in the shed as punishment. The couple was arrested and held in custody until trial. During Bruce’s hearing, Samantha stated that she and her two children had suffered from his abuse for many years. Prosecutors insisted on the maximum sentence of 12 years, while the defense attorney requested a suspended sentence, considering the 454 days Bruce had already spent in custody. As part of his probation, he will be prohibited from contacting children. Samantha also received credit for the 454 days she had already served and was required to formally relinquish her parental rights to both of her children.
The sentence was issued after Bruce pleaded guilty to six charges, including two counts of third-degree child abuse, conspiracy to commit child abuse, and unlawful imprisonment. Samantha had previously pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree child abuse.
The case began on June 20, 2025, when the Luna County sheriff received a report that a child was locked in a «metal shed outside» in a rural area. When rescuers arrived, they found that the entrance gates to the property were locked. One law enforcement officer was able to access the shed through barbed wire and heard the child’s voice calling for help.
According to the prosecution, the girl was found in «horrific, filthy conditions» with visible bruises and a swollen eye. She told medical personnel that she had barely eaten the day before. The girl was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, but her current condition has not been disclosed.
Bruce admitted to locking the girl in the shed as punishment. The couple was arrested and held in custody until trial. During Bruce’s hearing, Samantha stated that she and her two children had suffered from his abuse for many years. Prosecutors insisted on the maximum sentence of 12 years, while the defense attorney requested a suspended sentence, considering the 454 days Bruce had already spent in custody. As part of his probation, he will be prohibited from contacting children. Samantha also received credit for the 454 days she had already served and was required to formally relinquish her parental rights to both of her children.
© Smirnova Olga
