Shannon Robinson, a 51-year-old from Grafton, West Virginia, faces a murder charge for the February 16, 2025, death of her 11-year-old stepdaughter, who authorities say died from prolonged starvation and neglect. Deputies found the severely underweight girl—43 pounds and 47 inches tall—unresponsive on the kitchen floor, wearing pull-ups, with signs of malnutrition like protruding bones, head lice, bruises, and no medical care since 2020. Witnesses reported Robinson withheld food as punishment while others ate normally, and she avoided hospitals fearing abuse reports; the girl’s father lived there but faces no charges as of January 20, 2026, when Robinson was indicted and jailed without bail.
Incident Details
First responders noted the child’s extreme emaciation and flu-like symptoms Robinson claimed lasted a week. The medical examiner ruled her condition “grossly inconsistent” with her age, pointing to chronic deprivation. Isolation from outsiders and progressive decline—unable to walk by late 2024—emerged from family interviews.
Legal Status
A Taylor County grand jury indicted Robinson on January 20 under West Virginia’s child murder by guardian statute (W. Va. Code § 61-8D-2), carrying potential life imprisonment. No plea or attorney details are public; she’s held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail. The nearly 11-month delay reflects investigation time, common in neglect-homicide cases needing witness corroboration and autopsy linkage to intent.
Broader Context
Such cases invoke mandatory reporting under Child Protective Services (CPS) protocols, with WV law requiring professionals to report suspicions. Father’s non-involvement raises accomplice questions but hinges on “permitted conditions” proof. No South Carolina tie appears, unlike your regional interests, though interstate custody could parallel UCCJEA if family relocates. Call Childhelp (1-800-422-4453) for suspicions—confidential, 24/7.
