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14-Year-Old Rescued at 35 lbs. Is Gaining Weight and Strength, Family Says

The 14-year-old found in Oneida in August weighed just 35 pounds and was hospitalized with respiratory failure, cardiac dysfunction, acute hepatitis and pancreatitis. Family members say she has doubled her weight and grown about three inches while relearning basic self-care. Her father, his wife, the wife's daughter and the daughter's partner were arrested and face multiple felony counts of chronic neglect. Prosecutors allege she had not seen a doctor since September 2020 and had been kept out of school since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

02:24 AM, 11/22/2025Society
14-Year-Old Rescued at 35 lbs. Is Gaining Weight and Strength, Family Says

Oneida, Wis. — Loved ones say a 14-year-old girl who was found critically malnourished in her Oneida family home this August is making steady progress after hospitalization and ongoing care.

Authorities reported the teenager weighed just 35 pounds when first discovered and was admitted with severe medical problems, including respiratory failure, cardiac dysfunction, acute hepatitis and pancreatitis. A first responder told investigators the girl's size initially suggested she was much younger.

Family members who set up an online fundraiser say the girl has since doubled her body weight and grown about three inches. "In just a few months, she has grown 3 inches and doubled her body weight," the fundraiser states, adding that she has begun to regain muscle mass and strength. Loved ones also report she is relearning basic self-care skills — bathing, brushing her teeth and caring for her hair — and becoming more independent each day.

Investigation and criminal charges

As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities arrested the girl's father, 47-year-old Walter Goodman; his wife, Melissa Goodman; Melissa's daughter, 29-year-old Savanna LeFever; and LeFever's partner, 27-year-old Kayla Stemler. Charging documents indicate each defendant faces multiple felony counts of chronic neglect of a child, including counts alleging great bodily harm and emotional damage.

Prosecutors allege the girl "was neglected for a number of years," noting she had not seen a doctor since September 2020 and had not attended school since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. A witness told investigators that the girl was kept locked in a bedroom with a camera installed.

Investigators also cite messages they say show other adults in the home were aware of the situation; one message allegedly reads, "It's hard tbh and some days I don't want to anymore and wish she'd just go away." It remains unclear whether the defendants have entered pleas or retained attorneys. If convicted, they face many years in prison under the current charges.

Support and resources

The family fundraiser and caregivers are providing the girl with medical treatment, nutrition support and therapy as she recovers physically and relearns everyday skills. Anyone who suspects child abuse is urged to contact local law enforcement or call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD). All calls are confidential and available 24/7 in multiple languages.

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