A couple from Arcadia, California, gained notoriety after authorities uncovered a disturbing child abuse case involving their 21 children, who were primarily born via various surrogate mothers. The investigation revealed that the couple engaged in deceitful practices with the surrogates and subjected their offspring to severe and abusive treatment.
Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan were taken into custody following the execution of a search warrant at their residence on Tuesday, as part of a broader child abuse inquiry. The couple faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation.
In addition to the conspiracy charges, Xuan has been charged with one felony count of child abuse, one felony count of accessory after the fact, and five felony counts of attempting to dissuade a witness. Zhang is similarly charged, facing one count of accessory after the fact and four counts of dissuading a witness.
During a recent press conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman characterized the couple’s home as resembling a “house of horrors” for the children. The investigation commenced after a two-month-old infant was admitted to a hospital with head injuries. It was alleged that a nanny had struck the child, and Xuan and Zhang did not seek medical attention for several days.
Investigators identified the couple as operating a surrogacy business from their home, recruiting surrogates nationwide while often misleading them about their intentions and the number of children they already had. For instance, from the testimony of one surrogate, it was revealed that she was misinformed about Zhang being a single mother when she agreed to the surrogacy arrangement. The surrogates reportedly received payments ranging from $75,000 to $135,000.
The couple’s alleged abuses were monitored through 32 motion-activated cameras installed throughout the home. In specific rooms termed “learning rooms,” the children were often subjected to discipline methods overseen by various nannies. Hochman recounted instances of violence captured on video, including a nanny forcing a child to remain in a physically uncomfortable position while Xuan was seen laughing in the background.
Specific allegations included Xuan instructing a nanny to administer harsher discipline and personally beating a child. Hochman detailed incidents of physical abuse that included striking a child across the buttocks while lifting them by an arm. Such punishments were reportedly occurring daily.
The investigation also revealed that one of the home’s rooms lacked cameras, leading to concerns about the unknown abuse occurring out of sight. It is alleged that Xuan and Zhang encouraged the children to lie about the abuse, particularly following the hospitalization of the infant.
Sheriff Robert G. Luna described the situation as “horrific,” highlighting the severe maltreatment experienced by the children. Presently, 15 children have been removed from the home, while another six were found being cared for by family and friends. Xuan and Zhang are set to be arraigned, with prosecutors seeking bail set at $100 million.
Authorities are also pursuing an arrest warrant for a nanny involved in the shaking incident of the two-month-old, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
