Trial To Begin For Couple Charged With Child Abuse

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The trial for a couple charged with abusing three children two years ago was set to begin in Spartanburg County on Monday.

Dennis and Molly McCurry had custody of three boys in 2006 when they were arrested and charged with child abuse after deputies said they received tips about the abuse.

Prosecutors have said that the three boys, ages 5, 7 and 8, were starved and extremely weak. They said the 5-year-old weighed 20 pounds, the 7-year-old weighed 32 pounds and the 8-year-old weighed 39 pounds.

Investigators said the McCurry’s would punish the boys by tying them to their beds to keep them away from food. They said that when the children were found all three of them had lice and bruises on their heads, legs and backs.

“I just hope and pray the judge and jury give them exactly what they deserve,” Debra Justice, the boys’ aunt.If convicted, the McCurry’s could face up to 60 years in prison.