California Couple Arrested in the Alleged Kidnapping and Torture of Shackled Teen

Police arrested a California couple in the alleged abduction and torture of an emaciated teen who showed up at a gym with a chain locked to his ankle.

Kelly Layne Lau, 30, and Michael Schumacher, 34, were arrested late Monday after police questioned the couple, and a subsequent search of their nearby home found further evidence implicating them, Tracy police spokesman Matt Robinson said.

They were booked on charges of torture, kidnapping and child abuse, and were set to appear in court Thursday, according to online jail records. The couple were being held at San Joaquin County jail on bail of nearly $1.2 million each.

Police were also seeking the boy's aunt and had an outstanding felony warrant against her for an earlier alleged assault against the teen.

The bruised and terribly thin 17-year-old was taken to Sutter Tracy Community Hospital after he claimed he had just fled his captors.

Robinson said the boy was confused when first approached by detectives, unsure where he had come from and how long he was being held against his will.

"The wounds he had and his physical condition as well as having a chain around his leg corroborated his basic statement that he was being held against his will," Robinson said.

Chuck Ellis, a manager of the In-Shape Sports Club in Tracy, said the boy came into the fitness center Monday afternoon wearing only boxer briefs, covered with what appeared to be soot. Ellis said the teen was scared someone was going to come after him and asked to be hidden.

"He said, 'Don't let them get me, don't let them get me,"' Ellis said. "He was totally terrified."

Ellis said the teenager told him he was picked up after running away from the foster home to look for his family and held for almost a year.

Ellis said he looked like he was between 10 and 12 years old.

Robinson said the couple live close to the fitness center. He said police are still investigating how the boy may have ended up in the couple's custody.

Robinson said detectives plan to interview the boy more extensively Tuesday when he is a "little healthier."