Shannon Faith Robinson, a 51-year-old stepmother in Grafton, West Virginia, faces murder charges for the death of her 11-year-old stepdaughter on February 16, 2025. Authorities allege prolonged starvation, medical neglect, and isolation led to the child’s demise from bronchopneumonia compounded by failure to thrive.​
Incident Details
Taylor County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive girl at a Nector Street residence, finding her severely malnourished at 43 pounds, wearing pull-ups, with visible bones, bruises, lice, and jaundice. She was pronounced dead at Grafton City Hospital shortly after, having received no medical care despite flu-like symptoms and worsening condition since mid-2024. Robinson, the primary caregiver, admitted no doctor visits occurred, while household members noted extended diarrhea and illness.​
Investigation Findings
Witnesses reported the child was isolated, unable to walk, and punished with food deprivation—denied meals while others ate normally—if she resisted. No medical records existed since 2020, and the couple avoided care fearing abuse reports. The autopsy confirmed extreme underweight status below the fifth percentile. Robinson claimed the child had symptoms for a week but sought no help.​
Legal Status
Arrested January 14, 2026, after an 11-month probe, Robinson is held without bond at Tygart Valley Regional Jail, having pleaded not guilty. The victim’s father faces no charges despite permitting the conditions. Court appearance details remain pending.​
