Three Charged With Child Neglect in Outagamie County After 14-Year-Old Found Weighing 35 Pounds and “Close to Death”
ONEIDA, WISCONSIN — Three adults have been charged with multiple counts of child neglect after authorities discovered a 14-year-old girl weighing just 35 pounds and described as being “close to death” inside a home in Outagamie County, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Those charged include Walter Goodman, the girl’s father, along with Savanna LeFever and Kayla Stemler, who were arrested Monday following a months-long investigation. Officials said the case is among the most severe examples of neglect seen in the county in decades.
Victim Found in Life-Threatening Condition
According to the criminal complaint, Goodman called 911 in August to report that his daughter, who he said is autistic, was “lethargic, moaning, and nearly unresponsive.”
When the first officer arrived at the Hattie Lane home, he reported that the 14-year-old looked “only six to eight years old.” Hospital staff later confirmed that the girl weighed less than 40 pounds, suffering from severe malnutrition and multi-organ failure.
“This is the most egregious case of child neglect I have ever seen in my nearly 25-year career,” said Assistant District Attorney Julie DuQuaine during Tuesday’s court hearing.
Doctors said the victim exhibited respiratory and cardiac dysfunction, acute hepatitis, and pancreatitis, conditions typically associated with extreme starvation.
Investigators Describe a ‘House of Horrors’
Court documents revealed that Walter Goodman lived in the home with his wife, Melissa, her adult stepsister, Savanna LeFever, and LeFever’s partner, Kayla Stemler. A 15-year-old boy, identified as Melissa Goodman’s son, was also living in the home, though Melissa Goodman has not been charged.
Goodman told investigators that his daughter “didn’t like to eat or sleep” and that she would often refuse meals. However, medical staff described her condition as the result of prolonged and severe neglect.
One nurse told investigators that when she explained to the girl she would receive three meals a day in the hospital, the child’s “eyes lit up,” and she began listing all the foods she could finally eat. The girl allegedly said, “My dad will be mad because he doesn’t like when I eat so much.”
“Quite frankly, these allegations before the court today are incredibly disturbing,” said Court Commissioner Brian Figy, calling the residence “a house of horrors.”
Bonds Set for Defendants
During Tuesday’s hearing, Figy set $150,000 cash bond for both Walter Goodman and Kayla Stemler, while Savanna LeFever’s bond was set at $100,000 cash. Court dates have not yet been scheduled.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
The case has stunned the Oneida community and renewed focus on child welfare oversight in Wisconsin. Officials said the victim continues to recover under medical supervision.
For ongoing updates on this developing case and statewide public safety news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.