May 19, 2013

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Reporter: Mikel Lauber Email

NEW INFO: 11-Year-Old Girl Died of Untreated Diabetic Condition

Photo courtesy: Wausau Daily Herald

The Marathon County Medical Examiner says untreated diabetes is the cause of the death of 11-year-old Madeline Neumann of Weston.

He says Madeline Neumann had diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a condition caused by a lack of insulin, for approximately 30 days.

Click here to learn more about diabetic ketoacidosis.

The Everest Metro Police Department says Madeline's parents didn't call for medical help because they believed their faith and prayers could save her. "Our early investigation revealed she didn't receive any medical treatment”, said Everest Metro Police Chief Dan Vergin. “Her parents decided they would pray over her and that their faith would heal her."

"I don't know how long she had been bedridden but likely there would have been signs for six months”, said Everest Metro Police Chief Dan Vergin. “She would have been symptomatic for at least a month."

Police say they found out about Madeline’s critical condition from a relative in California, who the Neumann family had contacted for more prayers. Police say by the time they arrived at the home, Madeline had passed away. "My understanding is the mother still believed because of their faith, that she could be revived”, said Vergin. “That’s even after she passed away.”

The family does not attend an organized church or religion, according to Vergin, but is part of a Bible study group of a few people. He says Madeline had been a student in D.C. Everest School District, but was being home schooled this semester.

Vergin says they're still just beginning to determine if the course of action the parents took was reasonable, or if more could have been done to save their daughter. “Our job is to determine the facts and send them to the District Attorney”, said Vergin. “If there were criminal charges, it would likely be negligent homicide, but we're far from that point yet."

Vergin says the Neumann family has three other children, ages 14 through 17. He says Social Services is looking into whether those children are safe.


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