A woman and a man have been arrested on charges of mistreating and starving her 14-year-old son, with the mother confessing to making him drink approximately two gallons of water daily. Stephanie Linke, aged 36, and Michael Gruchacz, aged 35, are facing accusations of two counts of severe child abuse dating back roughly four months. The abuse was uncovered when they brought the teenager to the hospital, alleging he had been depriving himself of food and fluids. However, Linke later disclosed to hospital staff that she had been compelling her son to consume 2 gallons, equivalent to around 7.5 liters, per day. At the time of his hospital admission, the boy, as stated by Cowboy State authorities, measured 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighed about 92 pounds. Following his hospitalization, he reportedly gained 11 pounds.
Linke purportedly attributed her son’s dangerously low weight to behavioral problems, claiming he refused to eat because he was not allowed to consume junk food or soda. However, observant hospital staff noticed indications of additional alleged physical abuse, including a long-standing untreated wound behind one of his ears, as well as bruises and scrapes on other parts of his body.
Moreover, the excessive water intake by the boy led to hyponatremia, a condition arising from low salt levels in the body due to continuous flushing of electrolytes from excessive liquid consumption. Medical specialists at the hospital noted that the child would likely have faced complete organ failure and potential death if he had not received prompt medical attention.
During interviews with investigators, the boy recounted instances of Linke yelling at him, hitting him, and dragging him along the floor. Gruchacz was also accused of striking him in the neck and shoulder with a “karate chop” on one occasion. Official records suggest that the couple subjected the boy to significant mental and emotional harm through cruel confinement and inflicted serious bodily injuries.
Evidence included a surveillance video from their home showing Gruchacz pacing in front of the teenager before taking him to the hospital and warning him, “We will report everything you have done since that is the only way we can protect your mom.” Additionally, a disturbing conversation between the couple on October 13, just five days before the boy’s hospitalization, reportedly involved discussions about hitting him in the throat.
In a chilling exchange, Linke remarked, “He is eating now,” to which Gruchacz responded, “Punch him in the throat.” The conversation continued with Linke mentioning the boy walking upstairs without being called, prompting Gruchacz to ask, “Was he looking for open kitchen hours?” Furthermore, an affidavit cited additional footage from the home surveillance camera where Gruchacz allegedly made a gruesome comment in front of the boy’s mother, suggesting a violent act.
According to the affidavit, interviews with the boy’s siblings revealed that he lived in the basement and was typically only permitted to eat leftovers, ramen, and peanut butter unless he “earned” the privilege of sharing a meal with the rest of the family. While Gruchacz has been released on bond from the Laramie County Jail, Linke remains in custody on a $50,000 bond.