Girl Survived on Paint Chips: Stepmom Sentenced in 'Abominable' Child Abuse Case

A Minnesota stepmom pleaded guilty to torturing an elementary school-aged child in multiple incidents, many of which were caught on tape.

Vivian Rose Wahlstrom, 25, was sentenced to 57 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to torturing her stepdaughter. Her husband, Jaymeson Patrick Wahlstrom, 28, is also facing the same charge.

The charges stem from abuses that allegedly occurred before October 2024, when the Grand Rapids Police Department investigated the case. Officers interviewed the girl after she came to school with a large bruise on her arm, Law&Crime reported.

Police Investigate Signs of Physical Abuse

The girl told police that his father inflicted the bruise. Jaymeson later told investigators that the girl had 'significant needs' and needed therapy, pending the lengthy waiting lists.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the outlet, doctors found 'at least 20 bruises on her arms, mouth, ribs, back, thighs, shoulders, face and ears.' Police went to her house and found her room in a distressing state.

It had 'a bare, urine-stained mattress on the floor, one blanket, a pile of dirty dishes with mouldy food on them, and a TV,' per the affidavit. The house was also littered with urine, dog faeces, dirty clothes, and garbage.

Jaymeson Wahlstrom confirmed that the girl is his daughter from a previous relationship. His wife, Vivian, had been insisting on sending the girl away, threatening divorce. The couple have two biological children between them.

Per the affidavit, Jaymeson allegedly said he starved the girl as punishment, upon which she resorted to eating paint chips. She did not have toys, so she played with an empty McDonald's Happy Meal box.

Child Abuse Caught on Tape

Police obtained footage captured from the camera in the girl's room. Jaymeson allegedly told investigators they would be 'surprised when watching the video footage and things that they will find.'

The videos reportedly showed Jaymeson and Vivian punishing the girl, by taking her blanket or forcing her to lie in a certain position if she misbehaved. She was also confined to her room, except when she went to the separate bathroom.

Per the affidavit, the footage also showed the couple threatening their daughter in multiple incidents. 'Get in your room before I f***ing kill you,' Vivian told the child at one point. According to police, Jaymeson also hit his daughter 'close to 100 times' after she disrespected her mother.

'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. 'You better f***ing think of some meaningful words for your mom or she won't take care of you anymore.'

Victim Rescued, Parents Jailed

Prosecutors charged Jaymeson and Vivian with child torture on 19 December 2024. The girl, along with the couple's two biological children, is now with Child Protective Services.

Attorney Jake Fauchald said it's the first time Itasca County has dealt with such a heinous case. It ranks 'highly amongst some of the most abominable child abuse cases ever encountered in Minnesota,' he told KSTP, an ABC affiliate.

Jaymeson and Vivian Wahlstrom are currently detained at Itasca County Jail. Jaymeson is scheduled to appear in court on 23 March.