CARSON CITY -- After dramatic statements from two children, their mother, stepfather and grandmother were sentenced to maximum prison terms Wednesday for locking them up and starving them for several years.

Carson City District Judge Bill Maddox imposed a 70-year sentence on Esther Rios, 56, a 55-year term on Reginia Rios, 33, and a 35-year sentence on Tomas Granados, 33.

All had pleaded guilty previously to multiple felony crimes that Maddox termed "grotesque."

"Why did you beat me up? Why did you lock me up?" Regina Rios' 12-year-old son said in court testimony prior to the sentencings. "I love you but I can't trust you anymore," the boy told his mother.

When found by officers in January, he weighed 31 pounds and was 31/2 feet tall. He's now just over four feet tall and weighs 55 pounds.

Esther Rios, who pleaded guilty to two child abuse-neglect counts and two false imprisonment charges, must serve at least 28 years before she can be considered for parole.

Reginia Rios, who pleaded guilty to two abuse-neglect counts and one false imprisonment charge, must serve 22 years before parole eligibility.

Granados, who pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and to child abuse, neglect or endangerment with substantial bodily harm, must serve 14 years before he's parole-eligible.

All three apologized.

Reginia Rios added she's still questioning why she was unable to defy her mother, who was described by prosecutors as the person most responsible for the abuse.

The children said they were locked in an apartment bathroom and starved over much of the past five years. Deputies were led to the home after someone reported seeing the girl pushing a shopping cart full of food near the sheriff's office. The emaciated girl told deputies she was running away from home.