Grandmother of a 9-year-old girl, who died weighing 45 pounds as the woman deprived her of food and prevented her access to the fridge, won’t spend additional time behind bars

Hawaii – In a decision in Hawaii court that has stirred profound disappointment and frustration, a 67-year-old grandmother, identified as H. Stone, received a sentence of 10 years of probation for the 2016 starvation death of her 9-year-old granddaughter, S. Lehano. Despite the grave nature of the incident, Judge H. Nakamoto opted against imprisonment, much to the dismay of the Hawaii Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

Lehano, who was under her grandmother’s legal guardianship, weighed a mere 45 pounds at the time of her death—a stark indicator of the severe neglect she suffered. The decision to forego a harsher sentence has been met with significant outcry, particularly from Prosecuting Attorney K. Waltjen, who expressed his discontent publicly. “Lehano and our community deserved much better. Her death was caused by the three people, who she should have been able to trust the most,” Waltjen stated, emphasizing the betrayal of a child by those closest to her.

The case unfolded when Lehano’s condition led to her untimely death in June 2016. First responders discovered the child in a dire state at Stone’s residence. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed to her condition a few hours later. The autopsy reports were shocking, listing malnutrition as the cause of death, alongside acute pneumonia and severe kidney infection as contributing factors. These findings underscored the extent of neglect Lehano suffered under the care of her grandmother and parents, prompting a broader discussion on child welfare and the responsibilities of guardians. At the time of her death, Lehano’s physical condition was comparable to what would be expected of a 4-year-old, highlighting the extent of her neglect.

Stone had withdrawn Lehano from elementary school to homeschool her, a decision that isolated the child and, according to authorities, may have exacerbated the conditions leading to her death. Investigations revealed a disturbing regime at their home. Lehano was deprived of food. Reports indicated that alarms had been installed on the refrigerator to prevent Lehano from accessing food, a grim detail that underscores the deliberate nature of the neglect.

The legal proceedings drew attention to the role of each family member involved. Both of Lehano’s parents, Kevin and Tiffany, had previously entered guilty pleas to manslaughter charges and received sentences identical to Stone’s—10 years of probation. This alignment in sentencing for all parties involved has sparked a broader debate about the adequacy of the justice system in addressing such severe cases of child abuse and neglect. During the sentencing, the prosecution vehemently argued for the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, citing the horrific nature of the crime and the need for a stringent response. However, the court’s decision to impose probation, including potential jail time of up to two years, was seen as a compromise that many, including Lehano’s educators and emergency medical personnel who testified, found insufficient.

The community’s reaction has been one of sorrow and indignation. Victim impact statements from Lehano’s teachers and the testimony of the first responders painted a picture of a life cut tragically short due to egregious parental failures. The prosecuting attorney’s office highlighted that these statements and the pre-sentence investigation report had advocated for a prison sentence, reflecting a collective call for justice that many feel was unmet.

The case of Lehano is a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and the dire consequences of familial neglect. As the community grapples with the outcome, there is a clear message from the prosecuting attorney’s office: the fight to protect children will continue, undeterred by setbacks in the courtroom. For many, this case will serve as a catalyst for advocating for more stringent laws on child protection and a reevaluation of how child abuse cases are handled legally. The hope is that Lehano’s tragic death will lead to systemic changes that prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.