Overview

• The mother, whose identity remains protected, was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison after keeping her daughter hidden in a drawer under her bed from birth until nearly age three.
• The child, born in March 2020 with a cleft palate, was severely malnourished, dehydrated, and developmentally delayed when discovered in February 2023.
• The mother reportedly fed the child milk-soaked cereal through a syringe and left her alone for hours, concealing her existence from family and friends.
• The toddler, who had no exposure to daylight or fresh air, was found unable to walk, talk, or respond to her name and exhibited self-soothing behaviors like rocking.
• Authorities said the child has undergone two surgeries for her cleft palate, is making progress in care, and will likely require further medical intervention.