Suspect pleads not guilty in Oneida child neglect case

Walter Goodman enters not guilty plea for all five felony charges of chronic neglect of a child

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Walter Goodman, one of four people facing felony counts of chronic neglect of a child in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, pleaded not guilty to all charges on Wednesday. Goodman's charges stem from a case where a severely malnourished 14-year-old girl was hospitalized last August, weighing just 35 pounds and suffering from organ failure. Investigators say the girl was locked in a room in Oneida and denied care for years before she was found.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention in the local community due to the severe neglect and abuse alleged against the victim, a minor child. It raises concerns about the welfare system's ability to identify and intervene in cases of prolonged child abuse and neglect, especially in isolated situations.

The details

Goodman was scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Wednesday morning, where he entered not guilty pleas for all five felony charges of chronic neglect of a child with the consequence being great bodily harm. A pre-trial conference was set for March 19. 50-year-old Melissa Goodman, 29-year-old Savanna LeFever and 27-year-old Kayla Stemler are also facing felony charges in this case.

  • On Wednesday, Walter Goodman pleaded not guilty to all charges.
  • A pre-trial conference was set for March 19.

The players

Walter Goodman

One of four people facing felony counts of chronic neglect of a child in Outagamie County, Wisconsin.

Melissa Goodman

50-year-old also facing felony charges in this case.

Savanna LeFever

29-year-old also facing felony charges in this case.

Kayla Stemler

27-year-old also facing felony charges in this case.

14-year-old girl

Severely malnourished victim who was hospitalized last August, weighing just 35 pounds and suffering from organ failure.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on March 19 whether to allow the case to proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the need for stronger safeguards and more effective intervention to protect vulnerable children from prolonged abuse and neglect, even in isolated situations.