A woman and a man have been arrested for allegedly abusing and neglecting the woman’s 14-year-old son, with the woman confessing to making him drink approximately two gallons of water daily. Stephanie Linke, 36, and Michael Gruchacz, 35, are charged with two counts of severe child abuse that occurred over the past four months. The situation came to light when the teen was brought to the hospital, where it was revealed that he had been deprived of food and water. Linke then admitted to hospital staff that she had been forcing him to consume the excessive amount of water. At the time of admission, the boy was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed approximately 92 pounds, according to authorities. Since being hospitalized, he has reportedly gained 11 pounds.
Linke attributed her son’s low weight to behavioral issues, claiming he refused to eat because he was not allowed to consume junk food or soda. However, medical staff discovered signs of physical abuse, including an untreated wound behind his ear and bruises on various parts of his body.
The boy’s excessive water intake led to hyponatremia, a condition caused by low salt levels due to electrolyte loss from excessive liquid consumption. Medical experts indicated that the child could have faced organ failure and death if he had not received prompt medical attention.
During interviews with investigators, the boy revealed that Linke verbally abused him, physically assaulted him, and dragged him across the floor. Gruchacz was also accused of physically harming the boy. The couple allegedly inflicted severe emotional and physical injuries on the child, as per official reports.
Footage from a home surveillance camera showed Gruchacz pacing in front of the boy before taking him to the hospital, where he allegedly threatened to disclose everything the boy had done as a means to protect Linke. In a disturbing conversation between the couple days before the boy’s hospitalization, they reportedly discussed physically harming him.
Reports suggest that the boy’s siblings mentioned that he was confined to the basement and had limited food options, typically eating leftovers, ramen, and peanut butter unless he “earned” a meal with the family. While Gruchacz has been released on bond, Linke remains in custody on a $50,000 bond.