Couple sentenced for horrific abuse of their 3 children — over fear of COVID

A German couple has been sentenced on charges related to the horrific abuse of their three children out of fear of the coronavirus pandemic.

Police said they rescued the three children in April 2025 from their home in Oviedo, Spain. They arrested the two parents after discovering the disturbing living conditions in the home.

When they were allowed outside, the kids touched the grass.

The children hadn't been seen outside for years, and police reported that when they were allowed outside, the kids touched the grass and began breathing "as if they had never done so before in their lives."

They also saw a snail and "were completely fascinated."

Police reportedly found bags and bags of garbage inside of the home, and the children had no devices, no television, and didn't even have shoes in their sizes. The children were reportedly kept in diapers and sleeping in cribs.

The children, who were between the ages of 8 and 10 at the time, were reportedly hunched over and bow-legged when rescued. The Sun published some of the shocking photos of the conditions inside the home.

Christian Steffen, 54, and Melissa Ann Steffen, 49, were arrested and charged with child abuse, domestic violence with habitual psychological abuse, and illegal detention.

Prosecutors sought 25 years in prison for the parents, but the Provincial Court of Asturias sentenced them on Monday to only two years and 10 months in prison each.

Police believe the children were locked up from 2021 until their rescue in 2025. They were tipped off by a neighbor who had catalogued the suspicious activity at the home in a notebook.

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The couple also had their parental rights stripped for three years and four months, and they were forbidden from communicating with the children. In addition, they have been ordered to pay the children the equivalent of $35,000 each.

The children are receiving psychological treatment and are in the care of child protective services.

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