Horrific Child Abuse: 8 Children Found Living in Mud Caves in New Mexico

New Mexico Child Abuse Case: Eight Children Found Living in Mud Caves A shocking case of child abuse has unfolded in Deming, New Mexico, where eight children were discovered living in appalling conditions. Melvin and Valerie Cordell, the parents, have been arrested on multiple charges after their 16-year-old daughter reported the abuse to authorities. The children, ranging in age from six months to sixteen years, were forced to live in self-dug mud caves on the family's 35-acre property. The caves were described by officers as "made of mud with connected tunnels, filled with trash and buckets of feces." The 16-year-old, who is now in protective custody, stated, "They starved us as punishment." She also revealed she was forced to have two abortions while living in the caves, once at age 13 and again at 16. The abuse came to light when the eldest daughter, while attending the New Mexico National Guard Youth Challenge Academy, reported the situation to authorities. This led to a police raid on the property and the subsequent arrest of the Cordell parents. The children are now in the care of the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. This case highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and reporting of child abuse.