New shocking details have emerged about a Chinese-American couple accused of operating a disturbing surrogacy scheme involving 21 children at their mansion in Southern California. Guojun Xuan, 66, and Silvia Zhang, 39, are facing serious allegations centered on child abuse within what prosecutors describe as a “house of horrors” located in Arcadia, valued at $4 million.
During a bail hearing, Deputy District Attorney MacKenzie Teymouri stated that the nearly two dozen children were kept hidden from society, never allowed to see sunlight. She indicated that the children lacked experiences typical for their age—like attending school, playing at playgrounds, or dining out. Instead, they remained confined at home, exposed to violence throughout the property.
Teymouri revealed that authorities uncovered the cremated remains of a surrogate child that had been sent to the couple’s home after passing away in Florida. Disturbingly, they never opened the box containing the remains, appearing indifferent to the fate of their children.
The children were reportedly confined to makeshift classrooms from morning until night, learning subjects such as math, Mandarin, and English. Allegations suggest they faced strict discipline, including being ordered to sit up straight and listen intently—failure to comply often led to physical punishments.
When taken into custody by the Department of Children and Family Services, many children were reportedly fearful of parks, having never been outside before. Prosecutors also shared that they had video evidence showing Xuan using a flashlight to check on sleeping children, and he would only beat those who were awake. Teymouri noted the disturbing audio background of children’s screams due to ongoing beatings captured in the footage.
Xuan faces charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, child abuse, and five counts of dissuading a witness. Zhang is charged with similar offenses, including conspiracy and accessory after the fact, alongside four counts of dissuading a witness.
In court, Xuan’s attorney claimed the couple are victims of anti-Chinese sentiment in the U.S. He argued against the high bail amount, citing Xuan’s serious health issues from leukemia that have led to him being wheelchair-bound.
Zhang’s attorney contended that the bail was excessive, highlighting the apparent lack of physical abuse marks on the children and suggesting that they received nutritious food and education daily.
A judge has set bail for the couple at $20 million, agreeing with prosecutors that they pose a flight risk. Notably, reports surfaced that their nanny had fled to China, having been charged previously with child abuse for severely injuring a child.
