Severely Malnourished Teen Found Imprisoned by Family: A Shocking Child Neglect Case in Wisconsin

Four adults from an Oneida, Wisconsin family have been arrested and charged with chronic child neglect after discovering a severely malnourished 14-year-old girl weighing only 35 pounds. The teenager was found in August 2025 in a comatose state when her father called emergency services. Medical professionals documented multiple organ failures, including acute hepatitis and pancreatitis, describing her condition as skeletal. The situation was so critical that medical staff initially doubted her survival.

Court documents indicate the abuse likely began in 2020, as reported by Metro. The girl was reportedly confined to a locked room without a mattress, forcing her to sleep on the bare floor. She was denied regular access to food, water, and bathroom facilities. While the rest of the household members were described as "grossly obese," the teenager was subjected to systematic starvation. Reports indicate a surveillance camera monitored her room continuously. Family members exchanged demeaning text messages about her, using insulting terms like "dummy" and "stupid." For years, she was prohibited from outdoor play and free communication.

Text messages between the suspects revealed instructions to "only give her water at specific times" and mandates that "she is not to be out of her room at all," according to the complaint.

When discovered, the teenager had pressure sores, a large forehead bruise, severe malnutrition, and hypothermia. Medical evaluation revealed multiorgan dysfunction, including respiratory failure, cardiac complications, hepatitis, pancreatitis, and additional health issues. She required feeding tubes until she could consume food independently, as FOX 11 reported.

Walter Goodman III, the girl's father, claimed she had autism and an eating disorder causing her to refuse food. However, hospital staff observed she ate eagerly once admitted to their care. The teenager later told staff her father would become angry if she consumed too much food.

The teen informed an occupational therapist that she was permitted to bathe "whenever they would let me," occurring perhaps weekly or monthly. She lacked fundamental skills, needing assistance with basic sink operation and unfamiliar with common hygiene products like deodorant. According to the therapist, she had lost her ability to walk or use the bathroom independently, requiring furniture support for movement and assistance to maintain a standing position.

The four individuals charged with chronic child neglect causing bodily harm and emotional damage are Walter Goodman III (father), Melissa Goodman (stepmother), Savanna LeFever (stepmother's daughter), and Kayla Stemler (LeFever's partner). All remain in custody on cash bail, with court proceedings scheduled for late November.

The girl has since been released from medical care and is recovering with other family members. According to a GoFundMe update and prosecutor statements, she has gained weight, grown taller, and is making significant progress in both her physical and emotional recovery.