An 11-year-old girl was tragically discovered starved to death, weighing only 20kg, at her residence, as reported by the police.
Shannon Robinson, 51, was taken into custody after authorities found her stepdaughter, severely underweight, unresponsive on the kitchen floor on February 16. According to court documents, the girl was found in disposable pull-ups while under Robinson’s care. Robinson claimed the child had been ill with “flu-like symptoms” for about a week before the distressing revelation. A medical examination revealed that the girl weighed a mere 19.5kg (43 pounds) and stood at 3 feet, 11 inches, significantly below the expected measurements for her age.
The medical examiner observed that the girl had visible bones, head lice, along with numerous bruises and wounds on her body. Robinson, residing in West Virginia, had been living with the young girl since 2020. She was apprehended and charged with the murder of a child by a parent, guardian, or custodian.
Authorities alleged that Robinson withheld food from the child as a form of punishment, while others in the household consumed full meals in front of her, ultimately leading to her starvation. It was later revealed that Robinson intentionally denied the child medical attention since 2020.
Investigations disclosed that a witness stated the girl had been unwell since 2024 and eventually lost the ability to walk unaided. Robinson reportedly refrained from seeking medical help for the girl out of fear of facing charges of child neglect or abuse.
While the girl’s father also resided in the home, it remains undisclosed whether he will face charges in connection with this tragic incident.
This heart-wrenching incident follows another case where a girl was found deceased, allegedly starved to death with only a single blueberry in her stomach at the time of death, according to an autopsy.
Jacqueline Torres-Garcia, known as Mimi, was discovered lifeless on October 8 in the basement of an abandoned residence in New Britain, Connecticut. Her mother, Karla Garcia, 29, was charged with murder and various related offenses.
A medical examiner confirmed that the girl suffered from severe malnutrition and muscle atrophy before her passing. Weighing merely 12kg, the 11-year-old’s body was found in an advanced state of decomposition.
Garcia has pleaded not guilty and is currently held on a $5 million bond. Her court appearance is scheduled for January 30.
