![Sheriff's deputies investigating reports of screaming found the man's sister locked in a shed in the backyard of this house in the 45000 block of East Second Street on Sept. 22. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]](https://www.theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Lancaster-elder-abuse-torture-9.28.15-3.jpg.gif)
Elias Abdurahman, 61, and Sara Kebede Tadesse, 50, were charged last month with one felony count each of false imprisonment by violence, torture, assault with a deadly weapon and dependent adult abuse, along with an allegation that they personally inflicted great bodily injury.
Sheriff’s deputies investigating reports of screaming found the man’s sister locked in a shed in the backyard of a house in the 45000 block of East Second Street on Sept. 22.
Prosecutors said the woman was frail, malnourished and had both fresh and older wounds. The criminal complaint alleges that the couple assaulted her with a cane.
The two — who have remain jailed since they were arrested Sept. 22 — face up to life in prison if convicted as charged.
They are due back in court Nov. 19 for a preliminary hearing to determine if there’s enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Each remains jailed on more than $1.1 million bail.
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Torture, false imprisonment charges filed after woman found locked in Lancaster shed