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Four Individuals Face Felony Neglect Charges After Severely Malnourished Teen Discovered
Appleton, WI – Four individuals are facing multiple felony charges of chronic child neglect following the discovery of a 14-year-old girl suffering from extreme malnourishment, prompting emergency services to initially estimate her age between six and eight years old. Authorities believe the severe neglect spanned several years.
The alarming situation came to light on August 21 when Walter Goodman, 47, contacted emergency services, reporting his daughter was unconscious, dangerously underweight, and experiencing vomiting. Responding officers were confronted with the grim reality of the teen’s condition.
Medical professionals at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay determined the girl was hypothermic and suffering from acute hepatitis, pancreatitis, and multiple organ failure.
She also presented with extensive bruising and pressure sores. Her weight was recorded at a mere 38 pounds, significantly below the typical range of 84 to 160 pounds for girls her age, according to Children’s Wisconsin.
A prosecutor later described her appearance as resembling a “skeleton.”
The criminal complaint details the allegations of horrific abuse and neglect endured by the girl, which reportedly began when she was nine years old. She was allegedly confined to a locked bedroom, forced to sleep on a bare floor, and had her speech restricted. Prosecutors claim she had limited access to food, water, and bathroom facilities.
Walter Goodman reportedly admitted to monitoring his daughter via a webcam in her room, with a witness recalling him stating, “Well, I keep her locked up in her bedroom with a camera on her, and that’s where she stays.” Goodman cited autism as an excuse for her not eating or sleeping, claiming he fed her multiple times daily. However, nurses observed the girl’s enthusiastic reaction to being offered various food options, noting her “eyes lit up.”
Digital evidence revealed disturbing text messages allegedly sent by Walter Goodman, including threats such as, “If she misbehaves, I’m not going to feed her today,” “If I could leave her somewhere in the woods, I’d leave her,” and “I wish I could kill you [the victim].”
Additionally, Walter Goodman’s wife, Melissa Goodman, 50, her daughter, Savanna LeFever, 29, and LeFever’s partner, Kayla Stemler, 27, are also implicated. Prosecutors allege they discussed the physical abuse of the child over several months.
One message purportedly from Stemler to Melissa Goodman stated, “Just so you know [the victim] was taking more than one bite at a time, and when Savanna confronted her, she continued to argue with her, so I used the belt.” Melissa Goodman allegedly texted about her stepdaughter, stating, “It’s hard tbh and some days I don’t want to anymore and wish she’d just go away.”
The victim reportedly informed medical staff that her father “doesn’t like when I eat that much” when offered three meals a day at the hospital, expressing fear of his anger. It was also noted that she had not attended school since the pandemic began and had not played outdoors in years.
Road to Recovery and Legal Proceedings
Officials have confirmed the victim is now in stable condition and recovering with other family members. Outagamie County Assistant District Attorney Julie DuQuaine stated that the girl has been released from the hospital, is gaining weight, and is doing better.
A fundraising campaign established to support her recovery reports significant progress, with the girl having “grown three inches and doubled her body weight” in just a few months. The campaign highlights her “resilience and strength,” noting her “natural positivity and optimism” despite the trauma. She is also reportedly working on basic self-care tasks, such as bathing and brushing her teeth, which were denied to her for an extended period.
Walter Goodman appeared in court for his preliminary hearing on Wednesday, November 19. His state-appointed attorney requested a delay, which was granted, rescheduling the hearing for January 5, 2026. Stemler also had a preliminary hearing scheduled, while LeFever and Melissa Goodman were expected in court the following day, November 20.