A 52-year-old stepmother in Wisconsin, Melissa Goodman, has been convicted of severely abusing her 14-year-old stepdaughter, who was found weighing just 35 pounds and in a near-death state last year. Goodman pleaded no contest to several charges, including chronic neglect of a child resulting in great bodily harm, emotional damage, and false imprisonment.
The Case of Horrific Abuse
The abuse was discovered on August 21, 2025, when Walter S. Goodman, the victim’s father, called 911 to report that his daughter, who he said was autistic, had not eaten in several days and was “comatose.” First responders found the victim severely malnourished, with her bones and ribs visibly protruding.
She was airlifted to a specialized hospital in Milwaukee, where doctors diagnosed her with severe malnourishment, bedsores, and a dangerously low glucose level.
Medical personnel expressed grave concern for her survival, with one doctor noting the risk of catastrophic organ failure within 72 hours. The victim had no medical records from the past five years, a period that coincided with her living with her father, stepmother, and stepsister after her biological mother went to jail.
Allegations Against the Family
Walter Goodman initially claimed his daughter’s condition was “normal kid stuff” and attributed her health issues to her lack of sleep. However, further investigation uncovered disturbing details. Walter Goodman was overheard telling a friend that he kept his daughter locked in her room, using a camera to monitor her, and withholding food as punishment.
The friend also recalled Walter Goodman making chilling comments about wanting to leave his daughter “somewhere in the woods” and wishing she were dead.
The investigation revealed that while Walter and Melissa Goodman were out of town for cancer treatment for another child, the victim was left under the care of her adult stepsister, Savanna LeFever, and her partner, Kayla Stemler. During this time, the victim continued to suffer abuse and neglect, with LeFever and Stemler allegedly complicit in the mistreatment.
Prosecutor’s Response
The case has been described as one of the most egregious examples of child neglect seen by Outagamie County Assistant District Attorney Julie DuQuaine in her nearly 25-year career. Prosecutors highlighted the severity of the abuse, with the victim, at just 14 years old, weighing only 35 pounds when she was found. The victim was described as “very, very close to death.”
Court Commissioner Brian Figy, who presided over the case, called the allegations “incredibly disturbing” and referred to the victim’s living conditions as a “house of horrors.”
Sentencing and Future Proceedings
Melissa Goodman is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on July 1, 2026, and is facing a maximum sentence of 46 years in prison. The investigation continues, with other individuals, including Walter Goodman, LeFever, and Stemler, facing similar charges of chronic neglect and involvement in the abuse.
This case has shed light on the extreme and tragic abuse that took place over several years, and the justice system will determine the full extent of accountability for those involved in this horrific situation.
