Texas torture house suspect was previously fixated on creating a ‘bed of nails,’ says grandmother

Austin Man Charged in Torture Case

Maynard Lefevers, one of the five individuals implicated in the torture of a half-naked woman at his home in Austin, Texas, previously had a peculiar fascination with creating a “bed of nails,” according to his grandmother. Frankie Lefevers mentioned to the Post that her 21-year-old grandson used to gather thumbtacks for this unusual project, which is commonly used in magic acts.

“The last time we spoke, he only asked me for thumbtacks for that bed of nails he was making. It struck me as strange,” said Frankie, who is 64 years old.

After being out of touch with her family, Frankie learned through the Post about the serious allegations against Maynard. “Oh my god!” she exclaimed on Saturday. “I never thought he would do something like that.”

She described Maynard as a good kid, though she critiqued his father, claiming he wasn’t a suitable role model. “Maynard was a genuinely good kid, but his father wasn’t the best. He left when Maynard was around 12,” said Frankie, who did not have a way to reach Frank Lefevers for his side.

The last time Frankie interacted with Maynard was two years ago during a chance meeting at a Lowe’s store on Christmas, where she gave him some money. “Just $20,” she recalled. “He wasn’t working and seemed to constantly argue with his mother. We’ve lost touch since then.”

“As rebellious as he was, I would never have imagined him being involved in something like this,” she added.

Reports indicate that Maynard, among four others, was arrested on October 30 outside a location where an unidentified injured woman was found allegedly handcuffed to a punching bag stand.

The victim, discovered without a shirt, claimed she was kept outside for weeks before being moved into the house where she remained trapped for months. She had previously been a regular visitor and friend of one of the accused, Michelle Garcia, 51. According to a police affidavit, the group had grown hostile towards her, leading to the torture.

The affidavit detailed that the mentally disabled woman was provided with just one meal a day and was shot at with BB guns when she sought food.

At this point, the exact duration of her captivity—specifically how long she spent outside—is still unclear.

The accused, including Michelle Garcia, 51, Juan Pablo Castro, 30, Crystal Garcia, 21, Mache Kearney, 32, and Maynard Lefevers, remain detained at the Travis County Jail.

Kearney and Michelle Garcia are scheduled for court appearances on November 18 and 21, while Crystal Garcia, Castro, and Lefevers are set to appear on December 15.