Mother and grandparents charged with murder in West Virginia girl’s death

In April 2023, the body of 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller was discovered in her home in Morrisvale, West Virginia, prompting a grand jury to indict her mother and two grandparents on murder charges. The girl was found in a severely emaciated state, with reports indicating she had an eating disorder and had not received medical care for at least four years. At the time of her death, she was being homeschooled, raising questions about the oversight of child protective services and law enforcement. The investigation revealed that state police had previously visited the home in March 2023 but found no signs of abuse. A trooper suggested that Miller might need mental health resources, but no further action was taken. This lack of follow-up has led to criticism of the child protective services system, which is described as overworked and underfunded. In response to the tragedy, state officials have acknowledged the need for better documentation and referral processes for potential abuse cases. The Department of Human Services has implemented new requirements for reporting suspected abuse and neglect, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case has sparked a debate about homeschooling laws and their implications for child welfare. Some lawmakers argue that blaming these laws is misguided, while others advocate for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of homeschooled children. The tragic circumstances surrounding Miller's death have highlighted significant gaps in the child protection system and the need for reform.