Boulevard, CA — A 7-year-old girl escaped a mobile home where prosecutors say she endured severe abuse, running to a neighbor in July 2025 covered in bruises, scars, burn marks and a black eye.
The child reportedly approached the neighbor and asked if she could live with him because she was being beaten and abused. The neighbor immediately contacted authorities, setting off an investigation into the conditions the girl had allegedly been living in with her biological uncle, Devin Hughes, 39, and his girlfriend, Kayla Reynolds, 32.
The couple lived in the rural San Diego County community with three other children, according to prosecutors.
When sheriff’s deputies encountered the girl, they noted that she appeared severely malnourished and had visible injuries. She later described the abuse she said she had suffered inside the home.
Girl Describes Starvation, Burns and Forced Drug Use
According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the girl told deputies that Hughes and Reynolds subjected her to repeated and extreme forms of abuse.
She said the couple would cut her hair with a pocketknife, burn her with vape pens, starve her and force her to drink dirty toilet water.
The girl also described being forced to hold her urine until she wet herself and then being made to clean it up using her tongue. She said she spent much of her time inside the mobile home chained to a treadmill and was forced to sleep on the floor.
The child also told investigators how she suffered the black eye. According to prosecutors, she said her uncle tied her hands behind her back with a zip tie and then tripped her.
Her account painted a picture of prolonged abuse inside the home, with prosecutors later citing evidence discovered during a search of the property.
Deputies Find Evidence Inside Mobile Home
When deputies searched the residence, they reported finding what authorities described as “horrendous living conditions.”
Investigators also discovered vapes, zip ties and cable locks, items prosecutors said supported portions of the girl’s account.
The cable locks were particularly significant because the girl had described being restrained to a treadmill. Authorities also noted her physical condition, including signs of malnutrition.
After she was removed from the home, the child received medical treatment and began recovering. Prosecutors later said she had gained five pounds during her treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Uncle and Girlfriend Sentenced to 25 Years
Hughes and Reynolds were arrested and faced numerous felony charges, including torture, child abuse, corporal injury, mayhem and assault likely to cause great bodily injury.
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In March 2026, the pair pleaded guilty to 15 felony counts connected to the abuse, according to prosecutors. The charges included conduct involving starvation, burnings and forced drug use.
On September 11, 2026, both Hughes and Reynolds were sentenced to 25 years in prison.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan called the abuse inflicted on the child “abhorrent and heartbreaking.” She also credited prosecutors, sheriff’s deputies, detectives and medical personnel with helping restore the girl’s health and safety.
Girl Now Living With Another Family Member
The child’s escape from the Boulevard mobile home ultimately brought an end to the environment prosecutors say had subjected her to months of horrific treatment.
After receiving medical care, she was placed with another family member, where authorities said her condition has improved.
Prosecutors said the girl is now thriving in her new environment, giving her an opportunity to recover away from the people accused of abusing her.
The case also highlights how the girl’s decision to run to a neighbor became the turning point. Her injuries and account prompted authorities to investigate the home, collect evidence and eventually prosecute the two adults responsible for her care.
For the 7-year-old, what began as a desperate escape ultimately led to her removal from the abusive environment and the imprisonment of the two adults convicted in the case.
What do you think about the courage this young girl showed in escaping and asking a neighbor for help? Share your thoughts in the comments.