BREAKING: A 14-year-old girl, weighing just 2.5 stone (35 lbs), has been rescued from a horrific situation in Wisconsin where she was allegedly imprisoned and starved by her family. Authorities were alerted on August 21, 2023, when her father, Walter Goodman, sought medical help after the girl fell ill, reportedly having gone without food for several days.
Upon arrival, emergency responders found the severely malnourished girl, whose collar bone, rib cage, and cheek bones were visibly prominent. According to police documents obtained by The Mirror, her condition resembled that of a child aged 6 to 8 years. The girl has since been placed in the care of another family and is on the path to recovery.
The shocking details emerged as Goodman, 47, claimed that his daughter “doesn’t like to eat” and had been under his sole custody since May 2020. He reportedly ended her medical care due to concerns over a doctor’s behavior. In a grim twist, Goodman allegedly stated, “If she misbehaves, I’m not going to feed her,” revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse.
Documents indicate that the girl was confined to her bedroom without a mattress, deprived of food and water as punishment. She was allegedly monitored with a camera. Melissa Goodman, 51, her daughter, and two other adults, including Savanna Lefever, 29, and Layla Stemler, 28, face charges of chronic child neglect. They remain in custody with a cash bail set at $100,000.
Assistant District Attorney Julie DuQuaine described the girl’s condition as alarming, stating, “She looked like a skeleton. She was literally just skin and bones.” Medical professionals diagnosed her with hepatitis, multiple organ dysfunction, and severe malnutrition.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the average weight for a 14-year-old girl is approximately 9 stone, highlighting the severity of this case. Messages exchanged between family members revealed further alleged mistreatment, with one adult reportedly saying she used a belt on the girl during confrontations over eating.
This tragic case underscores urgent issues surrounding child welfare and the responsibilities of caregivers. The family’s actions have drawn widespread outrage, and the girl’s recovery is now a priority.
Authorities continue to investigate the situation, and the community is rallying for justice. As this story develops, the focus remains on the well-being of the young girl as she begins to heal from her traumatic experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.
