Three sisters aged 12, 13 and 17, have been rescued by Tucson police after being held captive for two years by their mother and step father. Fernando Richter, 34, is being held in a Pima county jail on charges of kidnapping, sexual abuse of a minor, as well as physical and emotional abuse of a minor. The girls' mother, Sophia Richter, 32, is also being held on charges of kidnapping and abuse of a minor. The girls reportedly lived in 'filthy' conditions for two years.
The kidnapping was brought to the attention of authorities after two girls escaped to a neighboring house: the girls claimed that their stepfather had attacked them with knife. Police arrived at the house and found the 17-year-old locked in her room inside. Reports suggest the three girls were malnourished and hadn't been allowed to bathe in months. The girls were also under constant video surveillance and were only fed once a day. They were also kept seperated from each other.
Police Captain Michael Gillooly stated that "I can assure you we're doing everything we can to make sure these kids are kept safe." Neighbors reported they had no idea there were even children living in the hosue. The girls are being ketp in protective custody.
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