Oklahoma Mom Sentenced After 7-Year-Old Daughter Found Dead at 25 Pounds With Mouth ‘Glued Shut’
MIDWEST CITY, OKLAHOMA — A 32-year-old Oklahoma mother has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after her severely malnourished 7-year-old daughter, weighing only 25 pounds, was brought to the hospital already dead. Medical staff said the child showed signs of rigor mortis, extensive internal injuries, and had previously endured horrific abuse — including having her mouth “glued shut.”
Mother and Family Members Sentenced in Child’s Death
Judge Cindy H. Truong handed down the sentence to Lisa Mitchell, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Violet Mitchell. After completing her 24-year prison term, she will serve an additional six years of supervised release.
Violet’s father, Anthony Yonko, also pleaded guilty last month and received the same sentence. Other relatives — Violet’s uncle David Yonko and her aunt Tiffany Mitchell — were each sentenced to 20 years in prison for their roles in the abuse.
Authorities say Violet endured years of mistreatment, malnutrition, and neglect before her death.
Child Arrived at Hospital Already Dead and Showing Signs of Long-Term Abuse
On Aug. 2, 2024, the child was transported to Saint Anthony’s Midwest Hospital in a personal vehicle, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
Medical personnel were horrified by her condition.
“The child was extremely malnourished weighing only 25 pounds,”
the affidavit stated.
“Black and dark red secretions came from her mouth when pressure was applied to her stomach.”
Violet measured approximately 37 inches tall and weighed roughly half of what a healthy 7-year-old girl should.
Doctors found both internal and external injuries, and investigators later learned disturbing details of prior incidents where her mouth had been ‘glued shut’ by her caretakers.
Parents’ Stories Changed Multiple Times During Police Interviews
Police said the parents gave conflicting statements about Violet’s condition leading up to her death.
Anthony Yonko first claimed Violet had “flu-like symptoms” and was being fed crackers and soup. He said she was healthy just days earlier — a claim contradicted by her critically low weight.
He then changed his story, saying several other adults and children were present in the home. Later, he said only he, Violet, and Mitchell were there.
Investigators noted the home conditions and the child’s physical state made his explanations impossible.
“He had no explanation as to why she weighed only 25 pounds
and was very unhealthy,”
police wrote.
A relative later admitted to police that Violet routinely received harsh punishment and had suffered extreme neglect.
Autopsy Reveals Blocked Intestine and Extreme Malnutrition
The Oklahoma City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner performed the autopsy and found:
- Violet suffered from severe malnutrition
- She weighed 29 pounds at autopsy
- She was wearing a diaper sized for a 3-year-old
- She was “essentially skin on bone”
- She had “sunken eyes”
- Her small intestine was completely blocked by the rubber top of a baby bottle nipple
The medical examiner concluded the child died from “failure to thrive”, caused by starvation and possible obstruction.
It remains unclear whether the obstruction was accidental or inflicted.
Family Member Accuses Parents of Torture
During the investigation, a cousin told authorities that Violet had previously had her mouth glued shut — an extreme act that investigators say reflected an ongoing pattern of cruelty.
Authorities believe the child lived in an environment of neglect, food deprivation, and abuse.
Judge Sends Harsh Message as Case Concludes
With the sentencing of both parents and two additional family members, Oklahoma prosecutors say they hope Violet’s case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of long-term child abuse.
Officials said the sentences reflect the horrific suffering the child endured and the failures of every adult in her home.
As Oklahoma authorities close this deeply disturbing case, community members continue to mourn the life of a child who endured unimaginable suffering. For more local crime reports and community news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.