Additional Coverage:
- House of horrors family faces long sentences after skeletal 14-year-old weighing 35 pounds found (themirror.com)
A 28-year-old woman has been sentenced to prison after a 14-year-old girl was discovered living in severe neglect, weighing only 35 pounds. Kayla Stemler was found guilty on charges including chronic child neglect causing significant physical and mental harm, as well as wrongful imprisonment. In addition to her prison term, Stemler will serve three years of extended supervision followed by two years of probation.
The case involves multiple adults facing charges. The victim’s father, Walter Goodman, is currently contesting a report on his fitness to stand trial, with his next hearing scheduled for October 30.
Walter’s wife, Melissa Goodman, who is not the girl’s biological mother, has already been sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Another family member, Melissa’s daughter Savanna LeFever, is expected to enter a plea this Friday.
According to court documents, Walter Goodman called 911 in August 2025 after finding his daughter nearly unconscious and lethargic at their home on Hattie Lane. The responding officer noted the girl appeared much younger than her age, estimating her to be about six or eight years old. Hospital staff confirmed her extreme malnourishment, with her weight under 40 pounds.
Assistant District Attorney Julie DuQuaine revealed that the girl had not seen a medical professional in approximately five years. “She was very, very close to death – 35 pounds at 14 years old,” DuQuaine stated during a previous court session.
Walter Goodman told authorities that his daughter resisted sleeping and eating, refusing meals offered to her. Medical examinations uncovered severe malnutrition and serious health issues including pancreatitis, acute hepatitis, heart complications, and respiratory failure, pointing to multiorgan failure.
During her hospital stay, the girl was told by a nurse that she would receive three meals daily. The nurse observed her eyes brighten as she excitedly listed food options, later confessing fear that her father would be angry because he disapproved of her eating so much.
Before sentencing, Stemler spoke about her reflections on the case and her hopes for reintegration into society. “I just hope you give me a chance to be a part of society again, sooner rather than later,” she said.
“I hope and pray for all the healing and recovery for M.J.G. And I hope she gets the help she needs to live a long, happy and healthy life.
I’m incredibly sorry for all of the harm and suffering I caused.”
In a powerful victim impact statement, the girl described years of neglect, abuse, and isolation. “During that time, Kayla was an adult, she saw what was happening to me, she witnessed the condition I was in, the way I was treated, the suffering I endured. Despite having the opportunities to help me, protect me, and tell someone what was happening, she chose not to,” the victim said.
The case continues as other defendants prepare for upcoming court proceedings. Authorities emphasize the importance of ensuring justice and support for the survivor’s long road to recovery.