Couple Charged with Torturing Daughters

0:00This is Cory with the story. Keeping Durham in the know, you're listening to Durham News today. A wake county couple faces serious child abuse charges after allegedly torturing their 11-year-old daughter and stepdaughter over the past couple of years. Christopher Ross and Tamara Ross appeared in court this week, where prosecutors detailed horrific acts like forcing the girl to put her feet in, boiling water, leaving her with blisters, and lifelong scars. During the video hearing, the judge outlined felony charges against Tamara Ross for intentionally causing serious injury, which could mean decades. Behind bars, the abuse reportedly happened in 2023 and 2024, and neither parent has custody of any kids now. The girl endured more than just the scalding prosecutors described near-drowning tactics with a wet cloth, forcing her to eat all her daily food in, one sitting with nothing on Saturdays, and direct threats to her life. Tamara Ross, an elementary school teacher at the time, never reported any of it.

1:01Investigators have seized two of Christopher Ross' cellphones, believing they hold videos of the abuse. The probe is still underway as authorities piece together the full timeline. The couple heads back to court on April 9th at 9am, with more detail sure to emerge as this heartbreaking case moves forward.