OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. — A Wisconsin woman will spend years behind bars after authorities uncovered a horrifying case involving a 14-year-old girl who was found weighing just 35 pounds and allegedly living in conditions that left her dangerously close to death.
Outagamie County Circuit Judge Vince Biskupic sentenced 28-year-old Kayla Stemler to eight years in a state correctional facility on Monday.
Stemler had pleaded no contest to one count each of chronic neglect causing great bodily harm, chronic neglect causing emotional damage and false imprisonment, all as a party to a crime.
In addition to her prison sentence, Stemler was ordered to serve three years of extended supervision and two years of probation.
During the sentencing hearing, Biskupic described the circumstances surrounding the case as “jaw-dropping,” “stunning” and “sickening.” according to the Post-Crescent.
Girl Found Near Death Inside Wisconsin Home
The girl was discovered in August 2025 after her father, Walter S. Goodman, called 911 on Aug. 21.
According to the reported 911 call, Goodman told dispatchers that his daughter was autistic, had not eaten for “the last four [or] five days” and appeared to be “comatose.”
When emergency responders arrived, they found a severely malnourished teenager whose collarbone, ribs, hips and cheekbones were prominently visible.
Authorities said she appeared to be closer in size to a 6- to 8-year-old child. She was first taken to a hospital in Green Bay before being airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee.
Doctors diagnosed her with severe malnourishment, while also finding that her blood glucose level was just 24. She was hypothermic and had multiple bedsores.
Medical personnel reportedly feared she could suffer catastrophic organ failure within 72 hours.
Teen Allegedly Confined to Bedroom for Years
Investigators later determined that the girl’s condition had developed over a period of years.
After Walter Goodman gained custody of her in 2020, authorities said she stopped attending school and was allegedly kept inside her bedroom.
The room was reportedly equipped with a camera and an alarm on the door, allowing adults in the home to monitor her movements. Prosecutors also described additional restrictions during Monday’s sentencing hearing.
The girl allegedly was not allowed to leave her bedroom without supervision, while a blanket had been nailed over her window.
She was also allegedly denied food and water while adults monitored her through the bedroom camera.
A friend of Walter Goodman previously told police that he once heard him threaten to withhold food from the girl if she misbehaved.
Stemler Told She Had ‘Thousands of Opportunities’ to Help
Stemler lived in the home alongside her partner, Savanna LeFever, LeFever’s mother, Melissa Goodman, and Walter Goodman.
Authorities alleged that Stemler and LeFever were responsible for caring for the girl when Walter and Melissa Goodman were away from the home so another child could receive cancer treatment.
During sentencing, Biskupic told Stemler that she had “thousands of opportunities” to seek help for the teenager. Stemler acknowledged that there were periods when she left the home and stayed with family.
The judge said she nevertheless chose to continue the circumstances surrounding the child.
“You chose, whether for selfish reasons or acting in a blind fashion, to continue the status quo for this child,” Biskupic said.
Biskupic also addressed the girl’s physical appearance when rescuers found her.
“Using the phrase ‘skin and bones’ is almost too generic,” the judge said. “It’s the look of anguish on that child’s face.”
Victim Tells Court She Deserved to Be Loved
The teenager was also heard during the sentencing hearing through a recorded audio statement. Her words focused on the lasting emotional impact of the years she spent in the home.
“Today I want the court to know this: I was never worthless; I was never a burden,” she said. “I was a child who deserved to be loved.”
Stemler received credit for 287 days already spent in custody.
The judge also ordered her to have no contact with the victim, the girl’s family or her co-defendants. She must undergo a mental health assessment, comply with treatment and medication requirements and cannot work in a caregiving capacity.
Other Adults Still Face Court Proceedings
Stemler is the second adult to be sentenced in connection with the abuse case.
Melissa Goodman was sentenced July 1 to 15 years in prison followed by 10 years of extended supervision after pleading no contest to the same three offenses.
Meanwhile, LeFever is scheduled for a plea hearing on Aug. 28, while Walter Goodman is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 30.
The girl’s rescue brought an end to years of alleged neglect and confinement, but the legal proceedings involving the other adults connected to the case are still unfolding.
For the teenager, her statement to the court offered a powerful reminder of what she says was taken from her: the basic childhood right to feel safe, cared for and loved.
What do you think about the sentence handed down in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments.