West Virginia Mother Convicted After 14-Year-Old Daughter Found Dead in ‘Skeletal’ Condition Inside Family Home
MORRISVALE, WV — A West Virginia mother may spend the rest of her life in prison after pleading guilty to causing the death of her 14-year-old daughter, who authorities discovered in an “emaciated” and “skeletal state” inside the family’s home last year. Investigators say the teen had not left the house more than twice in four years.
Grim Discovery Inside Bathroom After 911 Call
Julie Ann Miller, 51, appeared in Boone County Circuit Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to death of a child by a parent, guardian, or custodian. Her daughter, Kyneddi Miller, was found dead on April 17, 2024, after deputies responded to a cardiac arrest call at the family’s home on Cameo Road in Morrisvale.
First responders said the teen was discovered lying motionless on a foam pad on the bathroom floor, appearing severely starved and neglected. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
During court testimony earlier this year, prosecutors revealed the girl had likely been lying in the same spot for four to five days before authorities arrived.
Family Members Also Charged as Investigation Uncovered Years of Neglect
Miller was originally charged with murder and child neglect resulting in death. Her mother, Donna Stone, and stepfather, Jerry Stone, were later arrested and charged with the same crimes.
Court records show:
- Jerry Stone was found incompetent to stand trial and will not face proceedings at this time.
- Donna Stone is scheduled to be tried on Feb. 24, 2026.
Investigators said the teen had not attended school in four to five years, and the family claimed she was being homeschooled for “medical reasons” and to protect her grandparents from COVID-19.
Donna Stone told police the teen had only left the house about two times in four years and had not seen a doctor in several years. Authorities said the family provided no medical records showing treatment for any illness.
Teen Was Reported to Have Been Unable to Function Before Death
According to investigators, the teen had become unable to function without assistance in the days before she died. Statements from her grandmother described a significant decline in her condition, yet no one sought medical help.
Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Holstein described the teen’s condition as “shocking,” noting her weight and appearance reflected severe, long-term malnourishment and isolation.
Mother Accepts Plea Agreement and Awaits Sentencing
After initially pleading not guilty, Julie Miller accepted a plea deal shortly before her trial was set to begin in early December 2025. Prosecutors said they were satisfied to see Miller finally acknowledge responsibility.
“She knew her child needed care and deliberately chose not to get it,” Holstein said.
Miller will return to court for sentencing on Feb. 25, 2026. She faces 15 years to life in prison and will be required to register on the Child Abuse and Neglect Registry.
A Community Left Searching for Answers
The case has sparked widespread outrage in West Virginia, raising questions about missed warning signs, long-term homeschooling oversight, and the lack of required medical care for the teen. Neighbors and extended family members expressed shock at the level of isolation Kyneddi reportedly endured.
Authorities continue to review the actions of all adults involved as they prepare for upcoming trials.
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