Wyoming Mother and Boyfriend Accused of Torturing 14-Year-Old Boy by Forcing Gallons of Water and Withholding Food, Police Say

CHEYENNE, WYOMING — A Wyoming mother and her boyfriend are facing multiple aggravated child abuse charges after police say they tortured a 14-year-old boy by forcing him to drink excessive amounts of water each day while denying him food, leaving him dangerously malnourished and close to organ failure.

36-year-old Stephanie Linke and 35-year-old Michael Gruchacz were arrested after bringing the child to a Cheyenne hospital on Oct. 16. According to the Cheyenne Police Department, the teen had been subjected to months of abuse that resulted in severe medical complications.

Doctors Say Teen Was Near Organ Failure After Consuming Two Gallons of Water Daily

According to the probable cause affidavit, Linke told hospital staff the boy was “starving himself.” She admitted she made him consume nearly two gallons of water every day, claiming it was necessary because he refused to eat.

Medical staff determined the teen was 5-foot-4 and only 92 pounds, describing him as moderately malnourished and vitamin-deficient.

Doctors said the forced water intake had caused hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition from dangerously low sodium levels. At the time of hospitalization, the teen’s oxygen saturation was only 82%, far below normal levels.

Authorities say the boy likely would have died without immediate medical care.

Untreated Wounds, Bruises, and Prior Attacks Reported

Hospital staff observed an untreated wound behind the teen’s ear and multiple bruises and scrapes. After his discharge, the boy told investigators that Linke frequently yelled at him, hit him, and dragged him across the carpet.

He also reported that Gruchacz once struck him with a “karate chop” to the neck and shoulder.

The affidavit alleges the couple caused “substantial mental or emotional injury” through torture, cruel confinement, and physical harm.

Vomiting, Collapse, and Desperate Attempt to Revive Him

The abuse escalated when the teen became unresponsive after vomiting and “continuously urinating,” according to investigators. Gruchacz said the pair attempted to revive him in the bathtub before calling 911.

When paramedics arrived, the boy was combative due to his medical condition and was rushed to the hospital. He was later flown to Children’s Hospital in Denver, where he regained consciousness and quickly gained 11 pounds during recovery.

Disturbing Conversations Captured on Home Surveillance Footage

The affidavit references chilling home camera footage showing Gruchacz pacing before telling the child:
“We will report everything you have done since that is the only way we can protect your mom.”

In another disturbing recorded conversation, days before the hospitalization, Linke commented:

“He is eating now.”

Gruchacz replied:
“Punch him in the throat.”

The footage also shows Gruchacz telling Linke, within earshot of the boy:
“If you suspend him by his feet and make a small slit, all the blood in his body will drain out.”

Siblings Tell Investigators About Basement Confinement

During interviews, the teen’s siblings told police he was forced to live in the basement and was typically only allowed to eat leftovers, ramen, or peanut butter, unless he “earned” permission to eat with the family.

Doctors said his weight gain in the hospital confirmed the boy was not refusing food, as the defendants claimed.

Mother and Boyfriend Face Serious Charges

Gruchacz has since bonded out of Laramie County Jail.
Linke remains detained on $50,000 bond as the investigation continues.

Authorities have not released additional details about long-term placement for the child, who is still recovering from the effects of sustained abuse.

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