Wisconsin mother sentenced to six years for child neglect

Dashja Turner, a Racine, Wisconsin mother of five, was sentenced to six years in prison and nine years of probation after pleading guilty to child neglect causing great bodily harm. Authorities discovered her children, ages 14 months to 14 years, living in an unfinished basement without food or a bathroom, and all were severely malnourished, with some weighing less than 55 pounds and the youngest only 10 pounds. The children were described as frail, lethargic, and unkempt, and some exhibited signs of physical abuse. The living conditions included a single twin mattress for four children, limited light, and a painted-over window, with Turner and another adult also present in the basement. Officials noted the children had not received any formal education for years, with Turner claiming they were homeschooled. Prosecutors and police described the situation as one of complete neglect and abuse, leading to the removal and medical treatment of the children.