Morrisvale, West Virginia – A shocking and deeply unsettling child neglect case in Boone County has reached a major turning point after a 51-year-old mother pleaded guilty to causing the death of her 14-year-old daughter, who authorities found emaciated, skeletal, and believed to have been dead for several days before anyone called for help. The disturbing details have left the community stunned and raised urgent questions about long-term isolation, failed caregiving, and missed warning signs.
Incident Overview
According to officials, Julie Ann Miller, 51, admitted her role in the death of her daughter, Kyneddi Miller, during a hearing in Boone County Circuit Court. The teen’s body was discovered inside the family home on April 17, 2024, lying motionless on a foam pad in the bathroom. First responders described her condition as one of the most severe cases of child neglect they had witnessed.
A source report revealed that investigators described the child’s appearance as “shocking”, noting a “severe emaciated, skeletal state,” suggesting she had been deprived of essential care for an extended period.
The case drew further attention when it emerged that the child had allegedly left the house only twice in four years, raising questions about how such isolation went unnoticed.
Timeline of Events
Authorities were called to the home on Cameo Road in Morrisvale around April 17, 2024, after a report of a juvenile female in cardiac arrest. When deputies and medical responders arrived, they realized the teen had been deceased for four to five days.
Prosecuting Attorney Dan Holstein stated during an August 2024 hearing that the girl had remained in the same place for several days before being found.
Miller was initially arrested on April 18, 2024, on charges of murder by a parent for failure to provide necessities and child neglect resulting in death. She first pleaded not guilty, but later entered a plea agreement before her scheduled trial.
Details From Police and Officials
Investigators said that Kyneddi had not attended school for four to five years, with her mother claiming she had switched to homeschooling in February 2021 due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure for the elderly grandparents living in the home.
In interviews, grandmother Donna Stone reportedly told authorities she believed the child had left the house only twice in the past four years, highlighting extreme isolation.
She also allegedly said the teen had an eating disorder and had not been capable of functioning on her own for several days before her death. Additionally, investigators learned that the child had not seen a doctor in four to five years, despite her deteriorating condition.
Boone County Prosecutor Holstein later commented:
“Miller didn’t challenge the important facts of the case that she knew that her child needed that kind of care and that she deliberately didn’t get the care for her.”
Key Facts of the Case
- Victim: Kyneddi Miller, 14
- Mother/Defendant: Julie Ann Miller, 51
- Charges: Death of a child by parent, guardian, or custodian
- Condition Found: Emaciated, skeletal, deceased for 4–5 days
- Location: 400 block of Cameo Road, Morrisvale, West Virginia
- Medical Care: No doctor visits for 4–5 years
- Schooling: Isolated and not attending school for years
- Potential Sentence: 15 years to life in prison
Family Members Also Charged
Miller’s mother Donna Stone and stepfather Jerry Stone were arrested in May 2024, facing the same charges. However, in September 2024, a judge ruled that Jerry Stone was incompetent to stand trial following a mental health evaluation. Donna Stone’s trial is currently scheduled for February 24, 2026.
Long-Term Isolation and Child Welfare Concerns
The case highlights deeper issues surrounding at-home isolation, lack of medical oversight, and the challenges of monitoring homeschooling situations where children have limited outside contact.
Experts note that cases of severe malnutrition in minors are often linked to prolonged isolation, untreated medical conditions, or mental health issues within the household. The extended period during which the teen reportedly failed to receive medical attention raises concerns about systemic oversight.
Homeschooling, while legal and common across the U.S., often lacks mandatory wellness checks, making it difficult for authorities to identify neglect unless someone from outside the home raises concerns.
Upcoming Sentencing
Julie Ann Miller is scheduled for sentencing on February 25, 2026, where she faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison. She will also be added to the Child Abuse and Neglect Registry, a mandatory requirement upon conviction.
Conclusion
The tragic death of 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked isolation and neglect. As the case continues through the courts, community members and child advocates hope it sparks stronger safeguards for vulnerable children who remain unseen by schools, doctors, and social systems.
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