A Boone County judge has sentenced Julie Miller to 15 years to life in prison for the starvation death of her 14-year-old daughter, Kyneddi Miller, concluding a closely watched case that drew widespread public outrage.
Miller has been incarcerated since April 2024, when Kyneddi was found dead on a bathroom floor at her grandparents’ home in the Morrisvale area. Investigators described the teen as “emaciated to a skeletal state.” Miller later reached a plea agreement in November 2025, pleading guilty to death of a child by a parent by child abuse — a charge carrying a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Originally, Miller and her parents, Donna Stone and Jerry Stone, were charged with child neglect causing death. A grand jury later indicted all three on more serious charges, including murder by a parent, guardian or custodian by refusal or failure to provide necessities and child neglect resulting in death. Prosecutors alleged the trio failed to provide necessary food and medical care in the months leading up to Kyneddi’s death.
Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Holstein said the plea agreement served the interest of justice, noting that the potential sentence matched what Miller could have faced if convicted of murder at trial. He also said a jury might have convicted her of a lesser charge or acquitted her entirely.
Circuit Judge Stacy Nowicki-Eldridge, who presided over the case, imposed the maximum penalty allowed under the plea agreement. The sentence includes the possibility of parole after 15 years and 50 years of supervised release if parole is granted.
During the hearing, Miller spoke briefly, telling the court she loved and missed her daughter. She did not directly accept responsibility for Kyneddi’s death. Her attorney said she was remorseful and had repeatedly reflected on the actions and inactions that led to the tragedy.
The judge described the neglect as long-term and intentional, stating that at some point “inaction becomes intentional non-action.” She said the child deserved, at minimum, adequate food and medical care. Prosecutors said Kyneddi suffered from an undiagnosed eating disorder and that no treatment was sought. She had been withdrawn from public school in 2021 and homeschooled.
In an emotional victim impact statement, Kyneddi’s older sister addressed the court, describing her close bond with her sibling and the profound loss her death caused. Prosecutors noted the sister had previously tried to protect Kyneddi from instability in the home. The court ordered that the sister’s identity and image not be broadcast.
The case is ongoing for other family members. Donna Stone is scheduled for trial March 17 and remains free on bond. In August 2025, Jerry Stone was found incompetent to stand trial and committed to a mental health facility after his attorneys cited significant mental decline.