Girl, 7, Fed Chicken Nuggets by Neighbor Before Parents ‘Glue Her Mouth Shut’
Seven-year-old Violet Mitchell, described as “essentially skin and bones,” died on August 2 in Oklahoma after enduring extreme abuse and neglect from her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. The horrifying details emerged in an autopsy report and police investigation, revealing a life marked by starvation, injuries, and unimaginable cruelty.
According to News Nation, neighbor Tera Day tried to help the malnourished girl just days before her death. “I took her [in] because she was hungry,” Day said. “I fed her chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, and carrots.” Violet, who had sunken eyes and appeared extremely frail, reportedly said only that her parents “loved her” before breaking down in tears.
The autopsy revealed that Violet’s death was due to a “failure to thrive,” with a plastic baby bottle found blocking her small intestine. At the time of her death, she weighed just 29 pounds and was wearing a diaper meant for a three-year-old. Doctors also discovered a bacterial infection and injuries to her shoulder, leg, and cheek, as well as a pale green discoloration on her stomach.
Violet’s mother, Lisa Mitchell, and her boyfriend, Anthony Yonko, were arrested on charges of child neglect and aggravated abuse. Further investigation revealed harrowing accounts of abuse. Violet’s seven-year-old cousin told police that Violet was often tied up in a crib and fed only bread. She also alleged that Mitchell spilled hot soup on Violet’s face and arms, beat her with a broomstick, and even glued her mouth shut, as per documents obtained by KOCO.
The cousin recounted trying to help Violet escape, only for the parents to retrieve her and tie her up again. The affidavit revealed that Violet may have been left in her crib for up to a month. Family members reportedly called the police after overhearing conversations suggesting that Mitchell and Yonko were aware Violet had died before taking her to the hospital.
Mitchell’s sister Tiffany and Yonko’s brother David were also arrested for failing to report the abuse. The suspects are being held on high bonds: $5 million for Mitchell, Yonko, and Tiffany, and $1 million for David. Mitchell and Yonko have pleaded not guilty, claiming they believed Violet had the flu.
Violet’s surviving siblings have been placed in the care of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, and Mitchell is due in court on November 27. The case has left a community reeling, highlighting the tragic consequences of unchecked abuse.