Prosecutors have described the abuse suffered by a young girl at the hands of her parents as “one of the most abominable child abuse cases ever encountered in Minnesota,” drawing parallels to the infamous “house of horrors” in Georgia.
Jaymeson Wahlstrom, 27, and Vivian Wahlstrom, 24, are now in custody, facing charges of child torture after allegedly subjecting their elementary school-aged daughter to horrifying treatment... Continue reading here ▶
Reports claim they physically abused her, forced her to eat paint chips, denied her food, and left her to play with an empty McDonald’s box.
A Grim Discovery
The case came to light in October when the girl arrived at school with visible bruises on her arm. Concerned staff alerted the Grand Rapids Police Department. Upon investigation, doctors discovered over 20 bruises across her body, prompting a deeper probe into her living conditions.
What officers found in the child’s bedroom was heartbreaking: a urine-stained mattress on the floor, a single blanket, piles of dirty dishes with moldy food, and a TV. According to police, the room lacked any sign of comfort or care.
Disturbing Details Emerge
Jaymeson reportedly told authorities they would be “surprised” by the evidence captured on video inside the home. Footage revealed the girl was left alone in her room for long periods every day and was subjected to extreme physical abuse. In one instance, Jaymeson admitted to hitting her nearly 100 times in a single day.
The complaint stated that the girl was often told to “go to bed” at all hours and was only allowed out for bathroom breaks. Punishments included feeding her paint chips, depriving her of food, and forcing her to play with an empty McDonald’s box as a toy.
Cruelty Beyond Comprehension
Jaymeson claimed the girl was from a previous relationship, while he and Vivian shared two other children. Vivian reportedly made it clear she had no interest in caring for the child, encouraging her husband’s violent behavior.
“Until you have some words to say, you will not be going to school, you will not be getting food, you won’t be getting anything but your bed and the toilet,” Jaymeson allegedly screamed at the girl, according to court documents.
Child Services Intervenes
The couple’s three children, including the victim, have been placed in protective custody. Both Jaymeson and Vivian are being held without bond in the Itasca County Jail, and charges of child torture were officially filed on December 19.
Prosecutors Condemn ‘Barbaric’ Acts
Jake Fauchald, Itasca County Attorney, condemned the couple’s actions in a public statement:
“The evidence supporting these charges is primarily in the form of numerous videos taken from a camera within the Wahlstrom home that depict the Wahlstroms engaging in barbaric assaults against a child. These heinous crimes are without precedent in Itasca County and rank highly amongst some of the most abominable child abuse cases ever encountered in Minnesota.”
