A 14-year-old girl, weighing only 2.5 stone, was rescued from a suspected abusive environment where her overweight family members allegedly confined her and withheld food as punishment. Authorities discovered the severely malnourished girl with visible bones protruding, resembling that of a much younger child.
The girl’s biological father, Walter Goodman, 47, claimed that she refused to eat and had not been taken to doctors due to his distrust of one physician. Goodman asserted that the teen, who he stated was autistic, had been under his sole care since May 2020.
Concerns were raised in Wisconsin on August 21 when Goodman sought help for his daughter, who had fallen ill and become “comatose” after days without food. Medical professionals diagnosed her with hepatitis, multiple organ dysfunction, and extreme malnutrition upon her hospitalization.
Describing the girl’s condition, Outagamie County assistant district attorney Julie DuQuaine stated she appeared skeletal, weighing only 35lbs (2.5st), far below the average weight for a 14-year-old in the United States.
Alleged text messages between Walter Goodman, his wife Melissa Goodman, their daughter, her girlfriend, and another individual suggested additional instances of abuse, including withholding food and using physical discipline.
The girl has been relocated and is showing signs of improvement under the care of a new family. Healthcare providers noted that she had no aversion to food but had been restricted by Goodman from consuming adequate amounts.
Charged with chronic child neglect, all four adults are currently in custody on a $100,000 (£76,627) cash bail.
