Following an emergency call, police officers found a 14-year-old girl in such a severely malnourished state that they initially believed she was between six to eight years old. The distressing details of her condition unfolded after her father, Walter Goodman, sought help on August 21, reporting that his daughter was vomiting, unconscious, and alarmingly underweight.
The unnamed teenager, residing in a trailer with her family, was discovered to be extremely malnourished. Medical professionals determined that she was hypothermic and suffering from acute hepatitis, pancreatitis, and multiple organ failures. Additionally, she exhibited bruises, pressure sores, and weighed only 38 pounds, significantly below the expected weight range for her age, which is 84 to 160 pounds according to Children’s Wisconsin guidelines.
Subsequently, Goodman, 47, his wife Melissa Goodman, 50, their daughter, Savanna LeFever, 29, and LeFever’s partner, Kayla Stemler, 27, were arrested on multiple felony charges related to chronic child neglect, following years of severe neglect as uncovered by investigators.
The tragic life of the emaciated teenager, described by a prosecutor as a “skeleton,” sheds light on the horrifying conditions the girl endured over a distressing five-year span in her Wisconsin home. Court documents revealed that the abuse began when she was just nine years old, depicting a harrowing environment where she was confined in a locked bedroom, deprived of proper care, food, and communication.
Goodman allegedly confessed to monitoring his daughter via a webcam in her room, claiming he kept her locked up with surveillance. Despite his assertions of feeding her multiple times daily due to her autism, hospital staff observed her excitement about food options during her hospitalization.
Further disturbing evidence included alarming texts from Goodman suggesting neglectful behavior towards his daughter, along with messages exchanged between Melissa Goodman, LeFever, and Stemler detailing physical abuse towards the victim.
The victim’s ordeal included being denied basic necessities, restricted communication, and facing threats of punishment for eating. Although initially in critical condition, she is now stable and recovering with family support. A GoFundMe page has been set up to aid her recovery, reporting significant progress in physical and emotional healing.
Legal proceedings are ongoing for the accused individuals, with Walter Goodman’s preliminary hearing rescheduled to January 5, 2026, while Stemler and other defendants are also facing court appearances for their alleged involvement in the case.