A couple has been apprehended and charged with mistreating and depriving the woman’s 14-year-old son, with the mother confessing to coercing him to consume approximately two gallons of water daily. Stephanie Linke, aged 36, and Michael Gruchacz, aged 35, are confronting accusations of two instances of severe child abuse dating back roughly four months. Their offenses were uncovered after they brought the teenager to the hospital, alleging that he had been depriving himself of both food and fluids. However, Linke later disclosed to medical staff that she had been compelling her son to drink 2 gallons, equivalent to around 7.5 liters, per day. At the time of his hospitalization, the boy, as reported by Cowboy State officials, measured 5 feet 4 inches in height and weighed about 92 pounds. Since his hospital stay, he has purportedly gained 11 pounds.
Linke purportedly attributed her son’s critically low weight to behavioral problems, claiming that he refused to eat due to restrictions on junk food and soda. Nevertheless, vigilant hospital personnel observed signs of alleged physical abuse, such as a longstanding 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 occurring when the body’s salt levels drop too low due to continuous flushing of electrolytes from excessive liquid intake. Medical professionals at the hospital stated that the child would likely have faced complete organ failure and death if he had not received timely care.
During interviews with investigators, the boy recounted instances where Linke shouted at him, struck him, and dragged him across the floor. Gruchacz was also accused of hitting him in the neck and shoulder with a “karate chop.” Allegedly, the couple subjected the boy to severe mental or emotional harm through torture or cruel confinement and inflicted serious bodily injuries, according to official reports.
Evidence included a home surveillance video showing Gruchacz pacing in front of the 14-year-old 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 – five days prior to the boy’s hospitalization – allegedly involved discussions about punching him in the throat.
In a separate law enforcement interview, the boy’s siblings claimed that their brother lived in the basement and was typically only permitted to eat leftovers, ramen, and peanut butter, unless he “earned” the privilege of dining 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.