November 13, 2025 – 6:31 p.m.
(WFRV) – Three of the adults in Outagamie County charged with child neglect after an investigation found a 14-year-old on the brink of death have preliminary hearings set for next week.
The following adults were in court for an initial hearing on November 11, 2025, with cash bonds listed:
- Walter Goodman – $150,000 cash bond
- Savanna Lefever – $100,000 cash bond
- Kayla Stemler – $150,000 cash bond
Goodman and Stemler are set for preliminary hearings on November 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively. Lefever is set for a preliminary hearing on November 20 at 9:30 a.m.
Three adults in Outagamie County charged with child neglect, 14-year-old only weighed 35 pounds
November 12, 2025 – 4:45 p.m.
(WFRV) – Three people in Outagamie County were charged with child neglect after an investigation found a 14-year-old on the brink of death.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by Local 5 and the Oneida Police Department’s press release, four people were arrested and three were charged in a child neglect investigation.
On August 21, authorities learned that a 14-year-old was gravely ill and only weighed 35 pounds. The child lived with Walter Goodman as well as Savanna Lefever and Kayla Stemler.
Walter called 9-1-1 on August 21 after saying the child was throwing up and not doing well. He told authorities that the child was sick the last few days and that she lost weight like crazy, according to the complaint.
The child was sent to a hospital where she weighed 35 pounds.
The complaint says Walter told authorities that the child barely slept, but would get meals every day. There was also a camera in the victim’s room.
Authorities ended up speaking with Kayla, Walter, Savanna and others at their residence. It was mentioned again that the child is offered food and water.
An interview was conducted with someone who has known Walter for a long time. They claimed that Walter would say he would not feed the child at times. Walter was also accused of yelling at the child.
Kayla was interviewed on August 29, who said they would deny the child food at times because she gets enough food. She reportedly said the child was always fed what she needed.
Authorities reviewed text messages and the child was at times referred to as ‘dummy’ or ‘stupid’. There were multiple messages that indicated threats of abuse, according to the complaint.
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There was one message thread where Savanna allegedly said she was going to beat the child because she screamed from her room, asking to go to the bathroom.
There were also images reviewed on the phones that showed the child laying on the bare floor as well as wearing diapers.
While the child was at the hospital she reportedly ate well and expressed enjoyment of food, per the complaint. At one point hospital staff asked if she would like deodorant, to which she said she did not know what that was.
The child ended up gaining nearly 20 pounds while at the hospital.
Below is a breakdown of the charges:
- Walter Goodman
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is great bodily harm (three counts)
- Felony
- Up to 25 years in prison
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is emotional damage (two counts)
- Felony
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is great bodily harm (three counts)
- Savanna Lefever
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is great bodily harm (three counts)
- Felony
- Up to 25 years in prison
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is emotional damage (two counts)
- Felony
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is great bodily harm (three counts)
- Kayla Stemler
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is great bodily harm (three counts)
- Felony
- Up to 25 years in prison
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is emotional damage (two counts)
- Felony
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Chronic neglect of a child – consequence is great bodily harm (three counts)
Court records show all three were scheduled to be in court on November 11 for their initial appearance.
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No additional information was provided.
