A Wisconsin court sentenced Kayla Stemler to eight years in prison for her role in the prolonged neglect and false imprisonment of a 14-year-old autistic girl. The judge described the case as “jaw-dropping”, “stunning” and “sickening”, saying Stemler had many opportunities to seek help during years of abuse. The case highlights the severe consequences of sustained child neglect by multiple adults in a household.

The girl was found in August 2025 weighing 35 pounds, with a body temperature of 88.3°F and signs of severe malnutrition. Doctors treated her for respiratory and cardiac problems, hepatitis, pancreatitis, hypothermia and hypoglycaemia, amid concerns about organ failure. Stemler pleaded no contest to three charges and will also face three years of extended supervision and two years of probation, with 287 days’ custody credit deducted from her sentence.