A harrowing case of alleged child neglect has emerged from Wisconsin, where police discovered a 14-year-old girl weighing just 35 pounds, prompting authorities to label the home where she lived as a “house of horrors.” The girl, identified only as MJG to protect her identity, was reportedly confined and starved for years, leading to severe malnutrition and multiple organ failures.
The case centers around the girl’s father, Walter Goodman, and two adults, Savannah Lever and Kayla Steinmeyer, who are facing felony neglect charges. A possible fourth suspect, Melissa Goodman, Walter’s wife, could soon join them in facing legal repercussions. The disturbing allegations were revealed in a criminal complaint that describes systemic abuse and neglect inflicted upon MJG since she moved in with her father in 2020.
According to investigators, MJG was confined to her bedroom, monitored by a camera and locked from the outside. Reports indicate that she was allowed out only a few times a day, primarily for bathroom breaks, and was under constant surveillance. Her condition deteriorated significantly over the years, with authorities noting that she appeared to be as young as six to eight years old, despite being a teenager. This drastic decline culminated in an emergency call made by her father on August 21, 2023, when he described her as lethargic and unresponsive. First responders found her emaciated, with bones protruding through her skin and a dangerously low blood sugar level.
Upon being hospitalized, MJG was diagnosed with severe malnutrition, leading to multiple organ failures. Prosecutors have stated that their investigation has uncovered one of the most egregious cases of child neglect in their experience, highlighting the alarming conditions under which MJG lived.
In court, the gravity of the situation was underscored by a prosecutor who described the living environment as terrifying. The complaint notes that the last time MJG saw a medical professional was approximately five years before she was found. The three adults charged are facing multiple felony counts of chronic neglect of a child, with the possibility of further charges against Melissa Goodman.
Text messages exchanged between the defendants revealed a chilling disregard for MJG’s welfare. One message discussed locking her door, while others referred to her treatment as a form of punishment. These communications are expected to play a crucial role in the prosecution’s case, providing insight into the adults’ awareness of their actions and the resulting harm to MJG.
As the case unfolds, experts anticipate that the prosecution will not require MJG to testify, given the trauma she has already endured. Instead, they will likely rely on medical evidence, witness testimonies from first responders, and the incriminating text messages to build their case against the defendants.
The ongoing investigation aims to ensure that all individuals involved in MJG’s care and neglect are held accountable. Prosecutors are determined to pursue justice for the young girl, whose years of suffering have shocked the community and highlighted the critical need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.
