WOMAN SENTENCED AFTER 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL WAS FOUND WEIGHING JUST 35 POUNDS

ONEIDA, Wis. — A Wisconsin woman has been sentenced to prison after authorities discovered a severely malnourished 14-year-old autistic girl who had allegedly been confined and neglected inside an Oneida home.

Kayla Stemler, 28, pleaded no contest to charges of chronic neglect causing bodily harm and emotional damage, as well as false imprisonment. She was sentenced to eight years in prison followed by three years of extended supervision, according to PEOPLE.

GIRL WAS FOUND IN CRITICAL CONDITION

The teenager was discovered in August 2025 in what authorities described as a life-threatening condition.

She weighed only 35 pounds and was suffering from severe malnutrition and multiple serious medical problems, including respiratory failure.

Investigators said she was so physically weakened that she lacked the strength to perform basic tasks, including turning on a faucet.

The girl later described years of severe neglect and isolation.

FOUR PEOPLE WERE CHARGED

Stemler was one of four adults charged in connection with the girl’s treatment.

The others included the girl’s father, Walter Goodman, her stepmother, Melissa Goodman, and Melissa’s daughter, Savanna LeFever, who was in a relationship with Stemler.

Melissa Goodman previously pleaded no contest to multiple charges, while Walter Goodman and LeFever have pleaded not guilty, according to court records and PEOPLE’s reporting.

Investigators also uncovered text messages that prosecutors said showed Melissa encouraging abusive treatment of the teenager.

A HOME THAT HID A DEEPLY DISTURBING SITUATION

The case came to light after authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s condition.

Evidence gathered during the investigation reportedly indicated that she had been isolated for years.

A previous PEOPLE report detailed evidence involving a lock on the girl’s bedroom door. Investigators discovered a bolt lock and found that its screw holes matched holes on the bedroom door.

The girl later told authorities that she believed it had been two to four years since she had last played outside.

HER RECOVERY HAS OFFERED A GLIMMER OF HOPE

Despite the severe physical and emotional trauma, the teenager has shown significant resilience during her recovery.

Her condition after being rescued drew widespread concern, but subsequent reports have highlighted her progress and the support she has received from family and the community.

Stemler’s sentencing now marks a significant development in a case that continues to involve multiple defendants.

THE CASE IS NOT OVER

Although Stemler has received her sentence, legal proceedings involving the other defendants remain ongoing.

For the teenage survivor, however, the focus is now on rebuilding her life after years of alleged isolation and neglect.

A 14-year-old girl was found weighing just 35 pounds and unable to perform basic tasks. One year later, one of the adults charged in connection with her alleged imprisonment has now been sentenced to eight years behind bars.