A woman named Stephanie Linke, 36, and her partner Michael Gruchacz, 35, have been arrested for allegedly mistreating and depriving her 14-year-old son. The mother confessed to authorities that she had been compelling her son to consume about two gallons of water daily. The couple is facing two charges of aggravated child abuse dating back four months.
The teenager was taken to the hospital by Linke and Gruchacz, claiming he had been refraining from eating and drinking. However, Linke later disclosed to medical staff that she had been forcing her son to drink an excessive amount of water. When admitted to the hospital, the boy was 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 92 pounds. After receiving treatment, he reportedly gained 11 pounds.
Linke attributed her son’s low weight to behavioral issues, alleging that he refused to eat because he was not allowed to consume junk food or soda. Medical professionals at the hospital identified signs of physical abuse, including untreated wounds and bruises on the boy’s body.
The excessive water consumption led to a condition called hyponatremia, which results from low salt levels in the body due to electrolyte imbalance. Doctors mentioned that the child could have faced organ failure and death without prompt medical intervention.
During the investigation, the boy detailed instances of verbal and physical abuse by Linke and Gruchacz. The couple allegedly subjected him to mental and emotional distress, as well as physical harm, based on official records.
Footage from a home surveillance video depicted Gruchacz behaving aggressively towards the teenager before taking him to the hospital. The couple was also caught discussing violent actions towards the boy in recorded conversations.
According to the boy’s siblings, he was confined to the basement and only given limited food options unless he earned the privilege of eating with the family. While Gruchacz has been released on bail, Linke remains in custody on a $50,000 bond.