At a Glance
- A Taylor County grand jury indicted Shannon Robinson, 51, for allegedly starving her 11-year-old stepdaughter to death.
- The child weighed only 43 pounds and measured 47 inches-measurements the medical examiner called “grossly inconsistent with her age.”
- Investigators say Robinson withheld food as punishment and avoided medical care since 2020.
- Why it matters: The case highlights extreme child neglect and raises questions about guardians’ legal duty to seek medical help.
Shannon Robinson of Grafton, West Virginia, now faces one count of murder of a child by a parent, guardian or custodian after a jury returned the indictment on January 20, 2026. Court documents obtained by local outlets WV Metro News, WDTV 5, and WBOY 12 News outline a pattern of alleged starvation that ended with the girl’s death in February 2025.
Discovery of the Child
On February 16, 2025, deputies responded to Robinson’s home and found the 11-year-old unresponsive on the kitchen floor. According to the incident report, the child wore disposable pull-ups and appeared severely underweight. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Autopsy Findings
The state medical examiner’s office recorded these findings:
| Measurement | Result |
|---|---|
| Weight | 43 pounds |
| Height | 47 inches |
| Body condition | Head lice, visible bones, multiple bruises and wounds |
The report concluded the numbers were “grossly inconsistent with her age,” reinforcing suspicion of prolonged malnutrition.
Alleged Withholding of Food
Witnesses told investigators Robinson used food as a disciplinary tool. The documents allege:
- Meals were routinely denied for behavioral issues.
- The girl’s physical decline left her unable to walk in her final weeks.
- Robinson feared a hospital visit would trigger a child-abuse investigation, so no medical appointment was scheduled after 2020.
Interview and Custody Status
During on-scene questioning, Robinson reportedly said the child had exhibited “flu-like symptoms” for roughly seven days. She made no mention of the prior food restrictions, authorities noted. Robinson was arrested and booked into Tygart Valley Regional Jail where she remains without bail. No plea has been entered publicly, and it is unclear whether she has retained counsel.
Potential Charges for Others
The girl’s biological father also lived in the residence, but court filings do not specify his knowledge of the alleged abuse. Officials have not announced whether additional arrests are forthcoming.
Legal Context
West Virginia law defines murder of a child by a parent, guardian or custodian as a separate felony carrying a potential life sentence. Prosecutors must prove the defendant’s actions or omissions caused the death and showed a reckless disregard for human life. The indictment moves the case toward a trial date that has yet to be scheduled.
Support Resources
Childhelp operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) for anyone suspecting abuse. Calls are confidential and available in more than 170 languages. Additional information can be found at www.childhelp.org.
Key Takeaways
- Shannon Robinson, 51, was indicted after her stepdaughter died at 43 pounds.
- Investigators say food was withheld and no medical care was provided after 2020.
- The father’s potential liability remains under review.
- The case underscores legal obligations guardians have to secure medical treatment.
