A Waianae-area couple has pleaded not guilty to torturing a boy over several years, a disturbing case that ended only when the child ran for help.

• A mother and her partner were arrested and charged with torture and kidnapping of a 13-year-old boy.
• The boy escaped the home, ran to a neighbor, and told police he had been abused for years.
• He described being starved, beaten, neglected, and locked up; police found injuries and scarring that backed his account.
• The boy and his two younger siblings are now in protective custody with Child Welfare Services.
• Bail was set at $400,000 for the mother and $200,000 for her partner.

Outlook: Both face trial on the felony charges while investigators keep building the case.