Man in USA held people captive for 10 years and spent their money

In the American city of Lancaster, a man named Donnie Ray Burchfield Jr. was detained, who had been holding people captive in his basement for ten years. This was reported by WKRC.

The investigation against Burchfield began on July 25, after concerned neighbors called the police. Responding law enforcement officers found the body of a woman in his house who had died the day before. The body of the deceased showed signs of abuse. She turned out to be one of four women whom the man had kept captive and tortured.

Burchfield's victims included an elderly married couple who were under his care, as well as two women with whom he was in romantic relationships. He had been holding one of them since 2015, and the other since September 2024. During this entire time, the man had been using their bank cards. For instance, in 2025 alone, he stole 11.8 thousand dollars from the couple.

He fed his captives poorly, beat them, and did not provide necessary medical care. They could only leave the basement and use the toilet with his permission. Additionally, Burchfield strictly controlled them to ensure that none of them could call for help.

On August 1, the perpetrator was detained. He has been charged with more than twelve offenses, including financial fraud, domestic violence, and unlawful imprisonment.