DEFIANCE, Mo. — The torture and assault of a 20-year-old man inside a home in Defiance has stunned people who live and work in the tiny St. Charles County community.
"It always seemed like the house was abandoned. You know, like it's never anybody there, you can tell," said neighbor Quentin Preis.
The house on Highway D is right next door to a daycare center and down the street from the Double-D Market and Gas Station.
"Yeah I think it's crazy. I've lived here for 30 years and I would have never thought anything like that would happen out here," said Chris Duell.
Duell is a clerk at the gas station.
He said in the past week the victim came to their business a couple of times.
"He was skinny. To me, it looked like he hadn't been fed in over a year almost," Duell said.
Duell says he and his co-workers gave the man free food.
A few days later, he returned.
"He looked calm, but a little scared. He had a bloodshot in one of his eyes. I think he drove up here," Duell said.
Duell told 5 On Your Side's Robert Townsend that Saturday night was the last time the victim came inside their store.
He said the man walked in, bought some sandwiches and then left.
"I think he was by himself. The only thing he said was if I would help him with some food," Duell said.
Now, Chris cannot forget the chilling chat the man, who police found on Wednesday, had with his co-worker.
"He told my co-worker that he was being beaten and no one was allowed to say anything; otherwise, they would kill his parents in India. My co-worker really didn't think he was serious. He thought it was a prank," Duell said.
"I'm really so surprised to hear that. It's kind of just unbelievable," said neighbor Quentin Preis.