A teenage girl, aged 14, was reportedly confined to her bedroom and deprived of food for a minimum of two years while her severely overweight family members monitored her via a webcam.
Upon discovery at her residence in Wisconsin, authorities initially mistook the emaciated girl for a child aged between six and eight, weighing only 2.5 stone. Allegedly, she had not stepped outside since she was ten or 12 years old, leading medical personnel to resort to a feeding tube to address her severe malnutrition.
Four individuals, including the girl’s father, Walter Goodman, 47, are facing multiple charges of ongoing child neglect. The suspects also include Melissa Goodman, 50, the girl’s stepmother, her stepsister Savanna LeFever, 29, and LeFever’s partner, Kayla Stemler, 27, who all resided with the victim.
According to official reports, the girl moved in with her father’s household in 2020 after her mother’s incarceration. Allegations suggest that she endured restricted access to necessities and was confined in a locked room with minimal interaction allowed.
Walter Goodman allegedly monitored his daughter with a webcam due to past self-harm concerns and enforced strict control over her food intake. Disturbing text messages from family members revealed derogatory remarks and abusive behavior towards the victim.
The victim, diagnosed with severe malnutrition and multiple organ dysfunctions, has since been stabilized and is recovering with other relatives. Reports indicate a positive improvement in her condition, with a GoFundMe page set up to aid her recovery showing significant progress in her physical and emotional well-being.
The accused individuals are scheduled to appear in court in the upcoming weeks as the investigation continues.