Mother Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Daughter's Starvation Death

Judge imposes maximum sentence in high-profile case that drew public outrage

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Boone County judge has sentenced Julie Miller to 15 years to life in prison for the starvation death of her 14-year-old daughter Kyneddi. The case has drawn intense scrutiny and public outrage, with the judge describing the neglect as "long-term" and "intentional." Miller's parents, Donna and Jerry Stone, were also arrested in connection with Kyneddi's death but their cases are still pending.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of child neglect and the challenges in prosecuting such cases, as the medical examiner was unable to determine if Kyneddi's death was intentional. It also raises questions about the role of family members and the state in protecting vulnerable children.

The details

Miller pleaded guilty to a felony charge of death of a child by a parent by child abuse, which carries a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Prosecutors said the plea deal met the interests of justice, as a murder conviction would have required proving Miller's specific intent to kill her daughter. Miller's attorney said she was remorseful, but Miller herself did not fully accept responsibility during her brief statement to the court. The judge described the neglect as "long-term" and "intentional," saying Kyneddi "literally starved to death" and deserved a mother who would have sought medical care for her.

  • Miller has been jailed since her arrest in April 2024.
  • Kyneddi Miller was found "emaciated to a skeletal state" in the bathroom of her grandparents' home in the Morrisvale area.
  • Miller and her parents were initially charged with child neglect causing death in 2024.
  • In September 2024, a grand jury indicted all three on more serious charges.
  • Miller reached a plea agreement in November 2025.

The players

Julie Miller

The 14-year-old daughter's mother, who pleaded guilty to a felony charge of death of a child by a parent by child abuse and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

Donna Stone

The grandmother of the 14-year-old victim, who was arrested about a month after her daughter's death and is scheduled for trial on March 17.

Jerry Stone

The grandfather of the 14-year-old victim, who was arrested about a month after his granddaughter's death but was found incompetent for trial and committed to a mental facility.

Kyneddi Miller

The 14-year-old victim who was found "emaciated to a skeletal state" in the bathroom of her grandparents' home.

Dan Holstein

The Boone County Prosecuting Attorney who said the plea deal met the interests of justice.

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What they’re saying

“If there's ever a case that deserved to get the maximum penalty, this is it.”

— Dan Holstein, Boone County Prosecuting Attorney (wchstv.com)

“This child literally starved to death. This child deserved a mother who provided at the bare minimum, enough food that her body didn't eat itself. This child deserved at a bare minimum a mother who, when the child was too weak to get up off the floor, sought medical care for her.”

— Stacy Nowicki-Eldridge, Judge (wchstv.com)

“A piece of sunlight was ripped out of the earth the day that she died.”

— Kyneddi's Older Sister (wchstv.com)

What’s next

Donna Stone, Kyneddi's grandmother, is scheduled for trial on March 17. Jerry Stone, Kyneddi's grandfather, was found incompetent for trial and committed to a mental facility.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the critical need for better protections and intervention for vulnerable children, as well as the challenges in prosecuting cases of child neglect when the specific intent to cause harm is difficult to prove. It underscores the importance of community vigilance and the responsibility of family members and authorities to ensure the wellbeing of all children.