Phoenix aunt allegedly abused kids, put bags over their heads, and zip-tied them

PHOENIX (TCN) -- A 33-year-old woman is facing multiple charges of child abuse after three juveniles escaped from her apartment and alleged she had been mistreating them.

According to KSAZ-TV, on June 17, three minors ran to a neighbor's home on Indian School Road and said their aunt, Sarah Canez, abused and threatened to kill them. One of the victims, a 16-year-old girl, was reportedly screaming and saying she needed help. The neighbor called Phoenix Police, and officers arrived at the scene.

Police obtained a warrant to search Canez's residence and reportedly located a firearm, zip ties, plastic bags, a knife, and other objects.

The other two children are 10 and 7 years old.

The Arizona Republic reports some of the victims had zip ties on their hands and visible injuries. They reportedly told police that Canez put plastic bags over their heads and said she would "kill them."

The neighbor who called police told KSAZ one of the victims had bruises all over his face and body. The neighbor added, "And then he had zip ties on his hands. He could barely even walk. He was really pale. He said that he didn't eat for days."

The victims' mother died, and they were in Canez's care when the abuse allegedly occurred.

Maricopa County court records show Canez is being charged with several counts of abuse, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and sexual conduct with a minor.

According to KSAZ, the neighbor said the 16-year-old girl who ran for help "dreamed of her mom telling her to save her brothers and to run here and that we were going to help her."