A mother and her partner have been arrested and charged with the aggravated abuse and torture of her 14-year-old son, with the case taking a disturbing turn after she admitted to forcing the teenager to drink around 7.5 litres (two gallons) of water per day.
Hospital Admission Reveals Shocking Abuse
Stephanie Linke, 36, and Michael Gruchacz, 35, are facing two counts of aggravated child abuse for alleged crimes spanning approximately four months. The situation came to light in October when the couple brought the emaciated boy to a hospital in Laramie County, Wyoming, claiming he was refusing to eat or drink.
However, Linke later confessed to medical staff that she had been compelling her son to consume the excessive volume of water daily. Upon admission, the boy, who stands 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed a mere 92 pounds (approximately 41.7 kg). Medical professionals noted he has since gained 11 pounds during his hospital care.
Signs of Physical Torture and Neglect
Linke allegedly attempted to blame her son's dangerously low weight on behavioural problems, suggesting he refused food because he was denied junk food and soda. Alert hospital staff, however, discovered evidence pointing to severe physical mistreatment.
The boy was found to have a long-term untreated wound behind one ear, alongside various bruises and scrapes on his body. Critically, the forced overconsumption of water had induced hyponatremia, a life-threatening condition where the body's sodium levels become dangerously diluted.
Medical experts stated the child would likely have suffered total organ failure and died without the timely intervention he received.
Allegations of Violence and Psychological Cruelty
In interviews with investigators, the 14-year-old victim stated that Linke would yell at him, hit him, and drag him across the carpet. Gruchacz is accused of striking the boy in the neck and shoulder with a "karate chop." Official documents allege the couple subjected the child to "substantial mental or emotional injury by the torture or cruel confinement of the child."
Evidence included home surveillance footage described in an affidavit. In one clip, Gruchacz is said to pace before the teen before their hospital trip, telling him, "We will report everything you have done since that is the only way we can protect your mom."
In a separate alleged exchange from October 13—five days before hospitalisation—the couple discussed violence. When Linke said, "He is eating now," Gruchacz reportedly replied, "Punch him in the throat." The affidavit also references footage where Gruchacz allegedly told Linke in front of her son: "Ya know, if you suspend him by his feet and make a small slit, all the blood in his body will drain out."
Siblings Describe Life in the Basement
The boy's siblings provided further distressing details in separate interviews. They alleged their brother was made to live in the basement and was typically only permitted to eat leftovers, ramen, and peanut butter. He could only join the family for a proper meal if he had "earned" the privilege.
As of now, Michael Gruchacz has bonded out of the Laramie County Jail, while Stephanie Linke remains detained on a $50,000 bond. The case continues to develop as authorities pursue the serious charges against them.
