A stepmother from West Virginia has been charged with murder following the death of her 11-year-old stepdaughter, who authorities say was starved and denied medical attention for years.
Girl Found Unresponsive and Malnourished
Police and first responders were called to a home in Grafton on 16 February 2025, where they discovered the young girl unresponsive on the kitchen floor. Deputies reported the child was wearing disposable nappies and "appeared extremely small for her age, severely underweight and malnourished."
The stepmother, 51-year-old Shannon Robinson, initially told investigators the girl had suffered flu-like symptoms for a week and needed nappies due to diarrhoea. The child was pronounced dead after being transported to hospital.
A Pattern of Punishment and Deprivation
An investigation by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office uncovered a harrowing pattern of abuse. According to a police affidavit, food deprivation was used as a method of punishment. Witnesses stated the girl would be denied food or given minimal nourishment for extended periods if she resisted Robinson, while other family members ate full meals in front of her.
The inquiry also revealed the victim had received no medical care since 2020, after she began living with Robinson. Witnesses indicated Robinson avoided taking the girl to a doctor for fear of being reported for abuse or neglect.
Medical Examiner's Disturbing Findings
The medical examiner's report painted a grim picture of the child's final condition. At the time of her death, she weighed approximately 43 pounds (19.5 kg), with measurements described as "grossly inconsistent with her age."
Her body showed signs of prolonged suffering:
- A yellowish tint to her skin.
- Visible bones protruding.
- Multiple bruises and lacerations on her torso and limbs.
- An infestation of head lice.
Court documents state the girl had been ill since the summer of 2024, her health deteriorating until she was unable to walk. While Robinson was the primary caregiver, the girl's biological father was present in the home and "permitted these conditions to exist." He has not been charged as of Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Shannon Robinson was charged with murder of a child by a parent or guardian. She is being held without bail at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
