An Oklahoma mother and her boyfriend face murder charges after reportedly gluing their 7-year-old daughter’s mouth shut.
In August, the tragic passing of 7-year-old Violet Mitchell, who weighed just 29 pounds, was reported. The mother of the girl, Lisa Mitchell, 31, along with her boyfriend Anthony Yonko, 37, are both facing charges of second-degree murder, according to court documents.
An arrest report acquired by KOCO reveals that the child suffered significant abuse throughout her brief life. Her obituary states that she passed away on August 2.
A report from the mother’s cousin revealed that the child faced severe abuse, being beaten “mostly with a broomstick” and having her legs tied with zip ties to the crib.
The cousin would occasionally free the little girl, removing the glue that had sealed her mouth shut, as she recounted.
In early August, Mitchell and Yonko brought Violet to SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital. Approximately one hour following her arrival, Violet was declared deceased. A physician informed law enforcement that the young girl exhibited bruising on her body, red fluid was present at her mouth, and her weight was a mere 25 pounds, according to KFOR.
The medical examiner’s office determined that the child’s cause of death was “failure to thrive,” following the discovery of a baby bottle top lodged in her small intestine, according to KOCO.
Her eyes appeared deeply set, and she was dressed in a diaper that seemed more appropriate for a toddler. The autopsy report described her condition as “essentially skin on bone.”
Records indicate that Tiffany Mitchell, who is Lisa’s sister, along with David Yonko, Anthony’s brother, are also charged with second-degree murder. Their involvement in the situation remains uncertain at this time.
According to court records, all four individuals have entered pleas of not guilty. They are currently in custody at the Oklahoma County Detention Center.