‘House of Horrors’: New Jersey Couple Accused of Keeping Teen Daughter Captive for Six Years

A New Jersey family abuse case shocked the public after prosecutors accused a mother and stepfather of subjecting a teenage girl to years of confinement and abuse inside their own home.

Brenda Spencer, 38, and Branndon Mosley, 41, were arrested in May 2025 after the girl, then 18, reportedly escaped with help from a neighbor and contacted authorities. Prosecutors allege that the abuse began in 2018, when Spencer withdrew her daughter from school.

According to investigators, the girl was allegedly forced to live inside a dog crate for about a year before being confined in a locked bathroom. Authorities said she reported being chained up and released only when visitors came to the house. She was also allegedly made to use a bucket instead of a regular toilet.

The allegations went beyond confinement. Investigators said the girl reported physical abuse and sexual abuse by her stepfather. Prosecutors also raised concerns about another 13-year-old girl who had been withdrawn from school and was living in the home.

When authorities investigated the property, they reportedly found numerous animals and living conditions that raised serious concerns. The case prompted questions about how the alleged abuse could have continued for years without being discovered.

A grand jury indicted the couple on multiple charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child. According to reports published in September 2025, attorneys entered not-guilty pleas on their behalf.

If convicted, Mosley could face life in prison, while Spencer could face up to 30 years, according to prosecutors. The allegations have not been proven in court.

The young woman’s reported escape marked a turning point in the case. Her decision to seek help brought the allegations to the attention of authorities and led to a criminal investigation.

Source: PEOPLE — ‘House of Horrors’ Parents Accused of Holding Girl Captive for 6 Years

Additional reporting: NJ.com