West Virginia Teen Found Dead at Home, Mother Charged with Child Neglect

True Crime Today | A True Crime Podcast

In a heartbreaking incident in Morrisvale, West Virginia, a 14-year-old girl named Kyneddi Miller was found deceased and in a severely emaciated state on her bathroom floor, leading to her mother’s arrest on charges of felony child neglect resulting in death. The Boone County Sheriff's Office responded to a distress call at the family home on Wednesday morning, April 17, where they discovered the tragic scene.
Kyneddi, identified only by her initials "K.M." in official documents, had been largely isolated from the outside world, having stepped outside her home only a couple of times in the past four years and not attended school since early 2020. Sheriff Chad Barker told PEOPLE that the details of the case were "very disturbing and hard to fathom," indicating an ongoing and active investigation.
The complaint against Julie Anne Stone Miller, 49, Kyneddi's mother, alleges severe neglect over several years, directly contributing to the teenager's death. "It’s believed this neglect caused the death of KM," the sheriff’s office stated, noting her "overwhelming visible condition" and untreated physical problems.
At a press conference, Sheriff Barker highlighted the complexity of the case, mentioning that Kyneddi had suffered from an eating disorder for years, which had not been diagnosed or treated medically. The teen reportedly had not been eating for months, leading to her death. The medical examiner’s report is still pending, which will provide more insights into the exact cause of death.
No plea has been entered by Miller yet, who was arraigned on Thursday, April 18. She faces a sentence of three to fifteen years if convicted, alongside a potential fine. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 29, where more details are expected to emerge.
The investigation also involves checking for any prior Child Protective Services records and examining state laws related to truancy and homeschooling, as Kyneddi was reportedly being homeschooled. This aspect of the case underscores the challenges in monitoring the wellbeing of children who are not in the public school system.
Sheriff Barker, visibly moved by the circumstances, remarked on the emotional toll on the first responders, calling the teenager's case "pretty rough." The community and the sheriff's office are now grappling with the implications of this case, as they await further developments and the official indictment of Julie Anne Stone Miller.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and underscores the importance of community awareness and intervention in protecting at-risk youth.
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