NJ Girl Held In 'Torture Chamber' After Christmas

Four people have been charged with keeping a 16-year-old girl from New Jersey in a basement that was described as a “torture chamber” after Christmas, authorities said.

The four Massachusetts suspects were identified as Christopher and Krystal Lugo, Yariel Torres-Abee and Yuleny Ortiz, according to News12 and The Associated Press. Both appeared in court on Wednesday.

The teen, whose hometown and name were not identified, was taped to a chair, sexually assaulted, had her hair shaved off and was burned with a cigarette. A machete was held at the her neck at the direction of Krystal Lugo, according to News 12.

Authorities believe all this was done in retaliation for a home invasion the suspects believed that the teen help set up, according to the reports. The home invasion allegedly occurred on Dec. 27.

When officers arrived at the home, they found the teen sitting on the edge of a mattress crying, according to the reports. She told the officers that eight people were involved in the torture, according to authorities.

We'll have more information as it comes in.

Patch photo