This week, Wisconsin police arrested four people who allegedly severely neglected one of the suspects’ teen daughters.
In August, Walter Goodman, 47, called 911 about his autistic 14-year-old daughter, claiming she appeared lethargic, nearly comatose. The first responding officer believed the girl was between six and eight years old — presumably because she weighed 35 pounds, according to WLUK.
Goodman reportedly lived in the home with his wife, Melissa Goodman, her adult daughter, Savanna LeFever, 29, and LeFever’s partner, Kayla Stemler, 27. Melissa Goodman is not the victim’s biological mother, though her 15-year-old son also lives at the residence.
According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Goodman claimed his daughter has been sick for four to five days and would refuse food when offered. Goodman allegedly stated that his daughter last went to the doctor in a year and a half earlier, but a nurse said the girl had no medical records dating back the past five years.
A nurse who treated Goodman’s daughter reported a large bruise on her forehead. The nurse also said the girl had pressure sores, her blood sugar level was 24, and she was hypothermic.
According to Green Bay Press Gazette, Goodman allegedly told a CPS worker that his daughter ate three meals a day, but she either threw them up or she did not sleep and “burned up all her energy.” Doctors also determined that the girl suffered severe and extended malnutrition.
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.
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[Feature Photo: Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office]
