In a shocking case of alleged child neglect in Wisconsin, police have taken into custody four individuals accused of failing to care for a teenage girl, leaving her in a dire state of health. The teenage victim, who is autistic, is reportedly the daughter of one of the suspects.
The distressing situation came to light in August when Walter Goodman, 47, placed a 911 call regarding his 14-year-old daughter. He reported that she was in a state of lethargy and appeared nearly comatose. Upon arrival, the responding officer was taken aback by her condition, mistaking her for a child between six and eight years old due to her frail weight of just 35 pounds, as detailed by WLUK.
Residing in the same household was Goodman’s wife, Melissa Goodman, her adult daughter Savanna LeFever, 29, and LeFever’s partner, Kayla Stemler, 27. Notably, Melissa Goodman is not the biological mother of the victim, although her own 15-year-old son lives in the home as well.
Goodman reportedly informed authorities that his daughter had been unwell for several days and had been refusing food. He also claimed that it had been about a year and a half since her last medical visit, though a nurse would later reveal the absence of any medical records for the girl over the past five years, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette.
Medical personnel who assessed the girl noted a significant bruise on her forehead, pressure sores, hypothermia, and a dangerously low blood sugar level of 24. These findings pointed to a severe neglect of her physical health.
Goodman allegedly told a Child Protective Services worker that his daughter consumed three meals a day but often vomited them or burned off the energy due to lack of sleep. However, medical evaluations concluded that the girl was suffering from severe and prolonged malnutrition, contradicting Goodman’s statements as reported by the Green Bay Press Gazette.
Once at the hospital, the girl allegedly stated, “My dad will be so mad” about eating pudding.
A man who grew up with Goodman reportedly told authorities that he heard Goodman say, “If she misbehaves, I’m not going to feed her today” and “I keep her locked up in her bedroom with a camera on her, and that’s where she stays.”
Goodman, Stemler and Lefever are facing various charges, including chronic neglect of a child, consequence is great bodily harm, and emotional damage.
Oneida Police Chief Eric Boulanger confirmed to WLUK that charges will be filed against Melissa Goodman. Reports indicated that she has been arrested but not formally charged.
[Feature Photo: Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office]
